Tragedy on Safari: American Hunter Killed by Charging Buffalo in Limpopo

A safari in Limpopo Province turned deadly last week when 59-year-old American big game hunter Asher Watkins was fatally gored by a Cape buffalo during a guided hunt. Watkins, a wealthy Texas ranch real estate entrepreneur, was accompanied by a professional hunter and tracker when the incident occurred.

According to reports, the group was tracking a large, uninjured buffalo through the bush when it suddenly charged Watkins, striking him with its horns. The professional hunter reacted quickly, fatally shooting the animal moments after the attack. Unfortunately, Watkins had sustained catastrophic injuries to his abdomen and ribs and was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

The incident sparked widespread online debate and sorrow, with many people expressing hope that the buffalo had survived the encounter. Others, however, shared harsh reactions, with anti-hunting critics filling Watkins’ social media pages with messages calling his death “karma.”

Watkins had traveled to South Africa with his mother, stepfather, and brother. The hunt, organized by Coenraad Vermaak Safaris (CVS), was reportedly legal and involved tracking a buffalo that had not been wounded or provoked. He was said to have spent tens of thousands of dollars on the trip, with trophy fees for a mature buffalo typically averaging around £7,500.

South African police confirmed the incident, noting that the buffalo had been shot once and was found near Watkins’ body. An inquest has been opened into the death.

The Cape buffalo, often referred to as the "Black Death," is considered one of Africa's most dangerous animals. Weighing up to 1.5 tons, these powerful creatures are known for their aggression and unpredictability. Each year, buffalo are responsible for hundreds of human deaths across the continent—more than any of the other members of the so-called “Big Five.”

This is not the first fatal encounter between hunters and buffalo in the region. In 2018, a professional hunter in Limpopo was killed when a second buffalo attacked him while he and his team were loading another onto a truck. And in 2022, another hunter lost his life after a wounded buffalo charged him in Steenbokpan, despite multiple gunshots being fired.

The broader conversation around trophy hunting has been reignited in the wake of this tragedy. It closely follows the recent controversy over the killing of "Blondie" the lion in Zimbabwe—another animal that had been tracked for scientific research. The lion was reportedly lured away from a protected reserve with bait, leading to criticism over the ethics of the hunt, although the organizers maintained that it was legal.

While the public remains divided over trophy hunting, it's important to recognize that responsible hunting plays a significant role in wildlife conservation. In both national parks and private reserves, sustainable hunting practices help manage animal populations, generate critical funding for conservation initiatives, and support surrounding communities. Controlled culling, when conducted under strict regulations, can protect habitats and prevent overpopulation of certain species.

Watkins, founder of the Watkins Branch Group, built his fortune by selling multimillion-dollar ranches across Texas and neighboring states. His passion for hunting took him around the globe, and his social media pages feature numerous photos of his past expeditions, including mountain lions, deer, and wild birds.

As his family prepares to return his body to the United States, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks involved in pursuing dangerous game—and the complex conversations that continue to surround conservation, ethics, and human-wildlife interaction in Africa.