Wealthy Texan Trophy Hunter Killed by Buffalo He Was Tracking—Report

[CV32]

Wealthy Texan Trophy Hunter Killed by Buffalo He Was Tracking—Report

Wealthy Texan Trophy Hunter Killed by Buffalo He Was Tracking—Report
Published Aug 07, 2025 at 9:41 AM EDT By Jordan King US News Reporter

Asher Watkins, a millionaire ranch broker and prominent Texas trophy hunter, has died after being gored by a buffalo he was tracking on a hunting trip in South Africa.

A 1.3-ton Cape buffalo, sometimes called "Black Death," killed the 52-year-old last Sunday, in a "sudden and unprovoked attack," according to Coenraad Vermaak Safaris (CVS), the company that organized the trip.

"This is a devastating incident, and our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," CVS hunter Hans Vermaak told Newsweek.

Watkins' death highlights both the inherent dangers of big-game hunting in Africa and the ongoing debate surrounding trophy hunting by wealthy international clients.
The Cape buffalo is notorious for being one of Africa's most dangerous game animals, killing around 200 people in southern Africa a year, according to wildlife tourism site Kenya Wild Parks.

On August 3, Watkins was on a guided safari organized by CVS in the 50,000-acre Bambisana concession of Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Watkins, his guide and a tracker were pursuing a prized Cape buffalo when the animal, said to be unwounded but increasingly agitated, charged at approximately 35 mph and gored Watkins, killing him almost instantly, according to Cape Town-based freelance journalist Jamie Pyatt.

His mother Gwen, brother Amon and stepfather Tony were waiting at the safari lodge when the incident occurred.

Watkins founded and managed the Watkins Ranch Group, a Dallas-based firm trading in luxury ranch properties across Texas and other states.

He was affiliated with real estate brands such as Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty and LIV Sotheby's International Realty, reported The Dallas Morning News.

An experienced hunter and supporter of wildlife conservation—arguing that ethical hunting sustained preservation—Watkins maintained an active membership in organizations like the Dallas Safari Club and Ducks Unlimited.

Watkins' sudden death left his ex-wife, Courtney and 16-year-old daughter, Savannah, in mourning.

CVS hunter Hans Vermaak said in a statement to Newsweek: "It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we confirm the tragic death of our client and friend Asher Watkins from the USA. On Sunday, while on a hunting safari with us in South Africa's 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."

Close friend Shannon Wherry said online: "On an African safari with his beloved mother, brother and stepdad, Asher came face-to-face with one of Africa's 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."

Tyler Thomas, a real estate colleague, told The Dallas Morning News: "Asher had a gregarious personality. He never met a stranger. He was not shy, and he wasn't afraid to speak his mind—which I respected. He was a loyal friend. That's Asher in a nutshell."

South African authorities have opened an inquest into Watkins' death. Coenraad Vermaak Safaris is supporting the Watkins family and cooperating with local officials as the investigation continues.

 

[Dreaded Platypus]

When the hunter becomes the hunted...

 

[Mike Webb]

Considered bad form amongst African professional hunters to get your client killed. Usually a backup gunner when chasing dangerous game. Wonder what transpired? They have killed hundreds of people many unprovoked attacks.

 

[Jon9021]

You pay your money and takes yer chances…

 

[Joel]

Trying to explain to those not in the know that this is not only expected but the very allure of hunting cape bo.

Course, many rejoice

 

[call2arms]

I don’t know if the buffalo would agree that it was an “unprovoked attack”

 

[track]

Condolences to family and friends. I bumped onto grizzlies 6 times, at very close range...................I'm blessed. I question, "why does the word wealthy come into play?"

 

[FLHTCUI]

Considered bad form amongst African professional hunters to get your client killed. Usually a backup gunner when chasing dangerous game. Wonder what transpired? They have killed hundreds of people many unprovoked attacks.

Tell that to the Buff...
That Buff will now be the most wanted Buffalo and now on Africa's Most Wanted List.
Sometimes it is the Quarry and sometimes it is the Hunter who became the Quarry .
Trust the wealthy guy from Texas had his insurance papers in order and others personal details in order as well.

 

[xPrairie]

I think the wife had a deal with this particular Cape Buffalo.

Livin' large and lookin' for love.

 

[struff55]

personally i readily don't have a lot of simpathy for the fellow we do what we do and sometimes it does not work out the way it should
there are risks with every move we make in our lives each day
condolences to the family they are the ones that will hurt
as for him he chose to do what he liked to do

 

[HuskyDude]

"sudden and unprovoked attack,"

 

[mmattockx]

Usually a backup gunner when chasing dangerous game. Wonder what transpired?

It does seem odd that they were close enough to be charged and didn't have at least one gun out and ready, but what do I know?

Trying to explain to those not in the know that this is not only unexpected but the very allure of hunting cape bo.

I think you mean it is not unexpected.

I question, "why does the word wealthy come into play?"

To make you dislike him and think he deserved what he got.


Mark

 

[Goo98]

they beeg

 

[Joel]

I think you mean it is not unexpected.



Mark

Thanks good catch

 

[Mr Bill]

…and cows kill an average of 22 farmers per year in the USA as reported by the CDC….tractors kill 241 per year. Farming is a more dangerous occupation than hunting Cape buffalo in Africa. Doesn’t matter where you are or what you do, sh:t happens, and wealthy doesn’t influence the grim reaper when he comes to visit you.

 

[inthehizzy]

I think the wife had a deal with this particular Cape Buffalo.

I think Hillary Clinton had a deal with that buffalo. Something to do with the Epstein list no doubt.
“Gored to death”…yet also had two GSWs to the back of the head.

 

[apexanimal]

…and cows kill an average of 22 farmers per year in the USA as reported by the CDC….tractors kill 241 per year. Farming is a more dangerous occupation than hunting Cape buffalo in Africa. Doesn’t matter where you are or what you do, sh:t happens, and wealthy doesn’t influence the grim reaper when he comes to visit you.

Do you actually not understand how that works or are you joking. There are millions of farmers in the US. Millions do not hunt cape buffalo.

 

[scruffee]

Sh&t happens when you party naked!

Hunt dangerous game? Dangerous things can happen.

 

[scotteboy]

I feel for for his family but all part of the sport unfortunately.
Sometimes the prey win.

 

[Northern Shooter]

RIP, he died doing what he loved.

It doesn't have to be dangerous game, many hunters die in the field each year. We lost a guy at our camp last year.