Buffalo kills hunter on South Africa safari

A high profile hunting trip in Limpopo ends in tragedy as a Cape buffalo attacks and kills American hunter Asher Watkins.

Buffalo Kills Hunter on South Africa Safari

American hunter Asher Watkins, 52, was killed on Sunday during a big-game safari in Limpopo Province, South Africa. He was on a CVS trip with a professional hunter and an animal tracker when a large Cape buffalo charged and fatally injured him. CVS said the death was sudden and unprovoked and that the company is supporting the family and others involved.

South Africa Police said the buffalo died almost immediately after colliding with Watkins, and a second hunter is reported to have killed the animal with a single bullet as it lay beside him. Watkins built wealth selling luxury Texan ranches and was on a hunting trip that the company describes as high risk, noting that buffalo have a fierce reputation and can charge without warning.

Incidents like this highlight the risk embedded in hunting tourism. Operators sell a controlled experience, but the wild makes the final call.

Public reaction to hunting remains divided. This case could affect the reputation of the operator and spark calls for tougher safety rules, clearer ethics, and more transparency about risk in marketing.

Highlights

The debate around hunting tourism continues to evolve.