US millionaire trophy hunter ambushed and gored to de@th by ‘Black Death’ buffalo he was trying to k!ll on $10k safari

An American big game hunter has died after being gored by a Cape buffalo during a safari in South Africas Limpopo Province. Asher Watkins, a 52-year-old millionaire ranch trader from Texas, was fatally injured on Sunday while on a hunting expedition organised by Coenraad Vermaak Safaris. Watkins was tracking a 3,000lb bull in thick bushland alongside a professional hunter and a tracker when the buffalo reportedly ambushed the group at high speed. The Cape buffalo, often referred to as the Black Death, is considered Africas most dangerous animal and is responsible for more hunter fatalities than lions, elephants, rhinos, or crocodiles. Known for their aggression and unpredictability, the buffalo can reach speeds of 35mph and weigh up to 1.5 tons. It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we confirm the tragic death of our client and friend Asher Watkins from the USA, said Hans Vermaak, speaking on behalf of CV Safaris. On Sunday, while on a hunting safari with us in South Africas Limpopo Province, Asher was fatally injured in a sudden and unprovoked attack by an unwounded buffalo. He was tracking it together with one of our professional hunters and one of our trackers. This is a devastating incident and our hearts go out to his loved ones. We are doing everything we can to support the family members who are here with us and those back in the United States as they navigate this tragic loss.  Watkins was reportedly raised on farms in Texas and learned to shoot from a young age. He was a seasoned hunter and conservationist who believed hunting played a role in wildlife preservation. His social media included images of past hunts, including mountain lions, deer, and wildfowl. In one post, he claimed to have killed thousands of doves over three days in Argentina. On the safaris first day, Watkins successfully shot a waterbuck. But on the second day, while tracking the buffalo, the animal reportedly became agitated and turned on the group. Watkins was caught off guard and gored in what has been described as a sudden and fatal charge. Watkins’ ex-wife Courtney, with whom he shared custody of their teenage daughter Savannah, was notified of his death. A close friend said, He spent every spare moment he could with Savannah and shared his life with her. Nobody could love a daughter more than he did. She will be broken to lose Asher, who was her best friend as well as her dad.  His mother Gwen, brother Amon, and stepfather Tony were staying at a nearby lodge when they received the news. Watkins operated the Watkins Ranch Group in Texas, selling luxury ranches priced between 1million and 30million. He was affiliated with Briggs Freeman Sothebys International Realty and was a member of the Dallas Safari Club. Friends said he also owned a world-class hunting rifle collection. Shannon Wherry, a close friend, wrote online, On an African safari with his beloved mother, brother and stepdad, Asher came face to face with one of Africas legendary buffalo. In a moment of fearlessness, as he lived his life, he met the challenge head-on, leaving this world a man of courage, faith, and adventure. He loved his precious daughter Savannah more than life itself and leaves her behind, and his ex-wife, who are now facing an unimaginable loss. Please continue to lift them in prayer for peace and strength in the days ahead.  The CV Safaris website warns of the risks involved in hunting Cape buffalo, stating, No species on the planet has a more fearsome reputation than a Cape Buffalo. Responsible for several deaths and many injuries to hunters each year. The buffalo is regarded as the most dangerous animal to pursue in Africa… Prepare for the worst. South African police are believed to have opened an inquest into Watkins death.The post US millionaire trophy hunter ambushed and gored to de@th by Black Death buffalo he was trying to k!ll on $10k safari appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.