Hunter from Texas fatally encountered by buffalo during pursuit in South Africa
In a tragic turn of events, American big game hunter Asher Watkins, aged 52, has lost his life in a Cape buffalo attack during a hunting safari in South Africa's Limpopo Province.
Asher Watkins, a managing partner at Watkins Ranch Group, was known for his passion for the outdoors and his dedication to his family. His company biography describes him as someone who "spent the better part of his life in the outdoors and on ranches" and as a "proud and devoted father."
The incident took place on August 3, when Watkins was on a guided hunting safari. The target of the safari was a 1.3-ton Cape buffalo, a species notorious for its size, strength, and aggressive behaviour, often referred to as the "Black Death."
The Cape buffalo turned on Watkins, ambushing and delivering a fatal blow. The death was a result of a sudden and unprovoked attack by the buffalo.
CV Safaris, the safari operator, issued a statement regarding the incident, expressing condolences to Watkins' family, including his mother Gwen, daughter Savannah, brother Amon, and stepfather Tony. The statement noted that Watkins and his family are long-standing friends of CV Safaris.
Hans Vermaak, associated with CV Safaris, described the incident as deeply traumatic. The CV Safari website also warns about the dangers of Cape buffalo, stating that they are responsible for several deaths and many injuries to hunters each year.
The risks of hunting Cape buffalo in South Africa are significant, with around 200 human hunter fatalities annually. Safety precautions for Cape buffalo hunting include hunting under licensed and regulated safari operations, maintaining strict vigilance, using appropriate firearms, never hunting alone, and following all conservation and safari operator protocols.
Despite these precautions, accidents can and do happen, as shown by recent fatal incidents. These incidents underscore the inherent dangers and the need for utmost caution and respect when hunting this "most dangerous game" species in Africa.
Efforts are being made to support Watkins' family during this tragic loss, but no further information about these efforts has been provided.
Asher Watkins had a Facebook page dedicated to his love of hunting and outdoor pursuits, where he often shared photos posing with game catches, including deer, waterfowl, and mountain lions.
[1] CV Safari's website [2] Limpopo Province news reports [3] Big Game Hunting Safety Guidelines [4] Cape Buffalo Danger Statistics
- The tragic news of Asher Watkins' death, a renowned big game hunter and managing partner at Watkins Ranch Group, has sparked general-news discussions about the dangers of hunting, specifically regarding incidents involving Cape buffalo, often referred to as the "Black Death" in sports circles.
- Despite the numerous safety precautions outlined in Big Game Hunting Safety Guidelines, it appears that accidents continue to occur within the sports community, as demonstrated by the recent fatality of Asher Watkins during a hunting safari in South Africa's Limpopo Province.
