CULTURAL PROMOTION THROUGH TROPHY HUNTING

Abstract

The relationship of human being with wildlife is prolonged. Wild life rights has been an important topic of anthropological research. This thesis considers the case of illegal hunting in Hoper valley dist Nagar, Gilgit, and describe trophy hunting as alternate way to promote local culture. The aim of study was to investigate and document the process of hunting in the particular area, historically; whereas trophy hunting as alternative way of illegal hunting to save nature, to maintain nature and to promote culture. To explore and document various narratives found around hunting and wildlife in this area. Anthropological research methods of participant observation, interviewing and a thematic analysis of the ethnographic data were employed. The finding of the study rreveal that due to illegal hunting some endanger species, like blue sheep, fox and wolves became extinct, and other species like ibex and snowleopards are endanger. Govrnment and non government organizations are working here to save wildlife since 2012, but illegal hunters are still active to destroy these endanger species. Historically these people were hunters and ghatherers, their forefathers used to hunting of theses animals for their livelyhood; which culturally transmitted to the local people. In past these animals were densily populated, due to over hunting some became extinct and remaing are endanger to extict. Animal destruction is against of animal rights, but the possible way to save and maintain nature is trohphy hunting. Under this process one can hunt under rules and laws , illegal and over huting is prohibbited, due to which the poppulation of these animals can be increase. Through trophy hunting they can maintain their hunting culture, they can promote their whole culture by using incentive and funds given by organizations for preservation of wildlife. The amount of trophy is also smart enough to spend on education health and other sectors of society.