A Cape buffalo attacked and killed a Dallas businessman during a hunting expedition in South Africa’s northern wilderness. Asher Watkins, 52, a managing partner of Watkins Ranch Group who specialised in selling high-end recreational properties, died Sunday, August 3, while tracking the massive animal in Limpopo Province’s 50,000-acre Bambisana wilderness area. The fatal encounter occurred despite Watkins being accompanied by professional guides from Coenraad Vermaak Safaris.
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Hans Vermaak, whose family operates the safari company, described the incident as “a sudden and unprovoked attack by an unwounded buffalo” that Watkins had been tracking with a professional hunter and tracker. The company stated that authorities are investigating to ensure all proper procedures were followed during the expedition.
Cape buffalo, which can weigh nearly 2,000 pounds when fully mature, have earned the ominous nickname “black death” due to their aggressive temperament and tendency to charge hunters without warning. Safari operators consider them the most dangerous animal to pursue in Africa, responsible for multiple hunter deaths and injuries annually.
“No species on the planet has a more fearsome reputation,” according to the safari company’s website, which warns that the animals are “crafty and belligerent” and seek cover in thick vegetation when threatened or wounded.
Watkins, a Baylor University business graduate and Texas native, had built a successful career brokering ranch and recreational land deals, with some properties listed for more than $20 million. His LinkedIn profile and company social media accounts showcased his expertise in luxury property sales across Texas.
The real estate executive maintained an active presence in hunting circles, apparently associated with the Dallas Safari Club and frequently posting photos of his hunting expeditions on social media. His Facebook page, which has since been made private, featured images of various game animals he had killed, including Sonoran Desert mule deer and mountain lions.
Following news of his death, Watkins’ public social media accounts received criticism from users opposed to trophy hunting activities. In a 2018 Facebook post, he had defended his hobby with the phrase “Hunting Is Conservation.”
Coenraad Vermaak Safaris, which arranges expeditions across several African countries, including Botswana, Cameroon, Mozambique and Tanzania, marketed the Bambisana Limpopo area as a “hunter’s paradise” ideal for “pursuing your dream buffalo.” The company described Watkins’ family as long-time friends of their operation.
“This is a deeply traumatic incident for all involved. 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. We kindly ask for privacy and compassion during this time while all those affected come to terms with this tragedy,” they said in a statement on their website.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Asher’s family, especially his mother, Gwen, his daughter, Savannah, his brother, Amon, and stepfather, Tony, and to all his loved ones and friends. The family are long-standing friends and part of the CVS family. We hold them close in our thoughts and prayers.”
The divorced father leaves behind a daughter, brother, mother and stepfather. His death is a stark reminder of the inherent dangers in big-game hunting, particularly when pursuing animals known for their unpredictable and aggressive behaviour in their natural habitat.
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