Texas real estate developer and lifelong outdoorsman Asher Watkins died during a luxury hunting safari in South Africa, fatally gored by a Cape buffalo he was tracking. The 52-year-old millionaire, known for brokering multimillion-dollar ranches, had traveled to Limpopo Province for a guided big game hunt. His family was nearby at the safari lodge when the attack happened.

Watkins was moving through thick brush with a professional hunter and tracker when the buffalo charged unexpectedly from cover, reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. He was struck and killed almost instantly, before he could fire a shot. The Cape buffalo, often called “Black Death,” has a well-earned reputation for aggression and unpredictability.

The hunt was organized by Coenraad Vermaak Safaris, a well-established outfitter. In a statement, the company called the event “devastating” and emphasized that the buffalo had not been wounded and was unaware of the hunters until the moment it charged.

Watkins’s mother, stepfather, and brother were with him in South Africa and learned of his death at the lodge. His ex-wife later posted a message online, now deleted, asking for prayers as the family grieved.

A dangerous pursuit

Cape buffalo are among Africa’s most feared animals. Weighing over 2,000 pounds and armed with thick, fused horns, they are estimated to kill 200 people per year across the continent. Many of those deaths occur during hunts. Known to double back on their pursuers and charge without warning, they’re often described as the most dangerous of the Big Five.

Watkins was no novice. He had hunted extensively in the U.S. and abroad, and was a life member of the Dallas Safari Club. He also supported several conservation groups that promote regulated hunting as a means of preserving wildlife and habitat.

His career in oil, gas, and luxury ranch real estate included marketing properties tailored for high-end hunting. On social media, he regularly shared photos of his hunts and commentary on ethical land stewardship.

Ethics of trophy hunting

Watkins’s death has renewed debate about the risks and ethics of trophy hunting. Supporters argue that legal, regulated hunts generate millions in conservation funding and support rural economies. Opponents say killing wild animals for sport is unethical and outdated, especially when eco-tourism can provide non-lethal alternatives.

South Africa remains a top destination for hunting safaris thanks to its vast private reserves and relatively permissive export laws under CITES.

The incident also underscores the danger hunters face. In recent years, there have been multiple fatal encounters between hunters and Cape buffalo, elephants, and other big game. Despite experience and safety precautions, the risk remains high. As many guides will warn, it’s often the buffalo you don’t see that gets you.

Remembering Asher Watkins

Family and friends described Watkins as fearless, faith-driven, and deeply devoted to his teenage daughter, Savannah. While some online critics saw irony in the way he died, those closest to him remembered a man who respected the natural world and believed responsible hunting could coexist with conservation.

In their view, he died doing what he loved,but his story serves as a reminder of how quickly the balance of power can shift in the wild.