Forums.NitroExpress.com

Texas big game hunter killed while stalking African Cape buffalo
August 9, 20255:01 PM ET
By

Alana Wise

In this photo taken Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015, a buffalo is seen in a pen at Melorani Safaris at Olifantsvallei, South Africa.
In this photo taken Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015, a buffalo is seen in a pen at Melorani Safaris at Olifantsvallei, South Africa.

Denis Farrell/AP
A Texas real estate magnate and trophy hunter was killed by a Cape buffalo during a hunting expedition in South Africa, according to a safari company, which described the incident as "sudden and unprovoked."

Asher Watkins had been tracking the bull for a kill when the large horned animal staged an attack first.

"Asher was fatally injured in a sudden and unprovoked attack by an unwounded buffalo he was tracking together with one of our professional hunters and one of our trackers," said Hans Vermaak, leader of the safari company Coenraad Vermaak Safaris (CVS), in a statement.

Death Of Beloved Lion Heats Up Criticism Of Big Game Hunting
Parallels
Death Of Beloved Lion Heats Up Criticism Of Big Game Hunting
"The family and our team members who were present at the time are understandably shaken. Out of respect for the family's privacy as well as our staff members involved, we will not be sharing further details," Vermaak also said.

He described Watkins and his family as "long-standing friends and part of the CVS family."

Cape buffalo are considered one of the "most 'wanted' dangerous game animal by trophy hunters across the globe," according to the safari company.

No other animal has "a more fearsome reputation than a cape buffalo!," the safari company said.

"Responsible for several deaths and many injuries to hunters each year, the buffalo is regarded as the most dangerous animal to pursue in Africa, let alone the world," CVS also said.

The nature of Watkins' death – being killed by the same animal he had sought to take down – sparked discussions online among animal rights groups and activists on the ethics of trophy hunting.

"Asher Watkins went on a luxury hunting trip in South Africa when he stalked a Cape buffalo," animal rights group PETA wrote on Instagram. "The terrified buffalo was cornered and retaliated. Animals aren't trophies or wall decorations. Trophy hunting must end!"

Gara, a Siberian tiger, cares for her newborn cubs at the Aalborg Zoo in Denmark in 2008.
Animals
A zoo in Denmark asked patrons to donate their pets. Not as attractions, but for food
A comment under the post that said "cheers to the buffalo" has racked up thousands of likes.

Watkins led the real estate brokerage firm Watkins Ranch Group, where he was responsible for multimillion-dollar properties across Texas, Colorado and Arkansas.

Watkins was a lifelong outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting, according to his company biography.

Watkins' mother Gwen, daughter Savannah, brother Amon and stepfather Tony are among his surviving relatives, the safari company said.

wildlife

https://www.npr.org/2025/08/09/g-s1-8190...#:~:text=Books-

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"