THE BROWNSVILLE OBSERVER : 𝗧𝗘𝗫𝗔𝗦 𝗛𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥/𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗢𝗥, 𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗜 𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔, 𝗞𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗬 𝗕𝗨𝗙𝗙𝗔𝗟𝗢

by Jim Barton

Asher Watkins

A Dallas multimillionaire realtor and big game hunter, 52 year old Asher Watkins, was killed August 3 by a buffalo while on safari in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

According to Coenraad Vermaak Safaris (CVS), which describes itself as South Africa’s longest-running hunting safari company, Watkins was tracking the animal alongside a professional hunter and a tracker when it suddenly attacked.

The animal, a Cape buffalo also known as the “Black Death,” can weigh over a ton and is considered one of the most dangerous to hunt in Africa.

Watkins, who ran the Watkins Ranch Group, grew up on a ranch, was an avid hunter, and maintained a large collection of rifles, often posting photos of his hunts on social media.

The fatal encounter happened on the second day of a luxury lodge-based hunting tour. The safari company said the attack was “sudden and unprovoked” and that they were supporting Watkins’ family during “this tragic loss.” The Custodians of Professional Hunting and Conservation, a South African hunting industry group, said the circumstances are under review.

Buffalo-related hunting deaths are not uncommon in the region. In 2018, another big-game hunter was killed by a buffalo in Limpopo.

The killing has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights groups. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called trophy hunting a “cruel pastime” and said the death “didn’t have to happen.” Another group, We Will Not Be Silenced about Hunters, said Watkins’ death was a consequence of seeking to kill South African wildlife.

Despite ongoing controversy and opposition from conservationists, safari hunting remains a common and lucrative industry in southern Africa, attracting clients from around the world.

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