I was at an SCI dinner last year and they auctioned off a SA lioness hunt. The hunt was valued at 12K as listed in the auction program (most likely padded a bit )and sold for less than half. It was through Steyn Safaris & purchased by a member of our chapter. The hunt itself took place at the Shingalana Lion & rhino reserve in Hartbeesfontein SA. and from the article the hunter wrote about his trip, sounded quite uneventful and lasted about 45 minutes.
Sporting or not, I think would have to be a personal decision. We shot Doe's & cows of every other species. As long as sound game management is at work I wouldn't have a problem with it.