Issyk-Kul officials want to ban hunting tours

Karakol. April 17. Silkroadnews – Issyk-Kul officials intend to ban all hunting tours, as regional government spokesperson Emilbek Kaptagayev told journalists.
“Full ban on hunting will bring much more results than moratorium on animal shooting. WE need to ban all hunting tours and hunting”, Mister Kaptagayev said.
He says animal poaching is less common now, because people started feeling liable. For example, the fine for shooting a mountain sheep is 400 000 soms (USD 7 400). The fine for shooting a mountain goat is 40 000 soms (USD 740).
Issyk-Kul officials are also opposed to the idea of hunting tours for foreigners.
“One foreigner goes to a hunting tour, but he is escorted by 20 locals. They are all shouting under the premise of escorting the foreigner, but they are essentially poaching animals”, Mister Kaptagayev complained.