Keith Lusher   08.12.25

A prominent Texas ranch broker lost his life during what was supposed to be the hunting trip of a lifetime when a massive Cape buffalo fatally gored him in South Africa’s Limpopo Province this past Sunday.

Asher Watkins, 52, was tracking a 1.3-ton Cape buffalo alongside professional guides when the unwounded animal suddenly charged at approximately 35 mph, killing him instantly. The tragic incident occurred during an estimated $10,000 hunting safari organized by Coenraad and Vermaak Safaris in the country’s northernmost province.

Hunter Hans Vermaak, spokesman for the safari company, confirmed the devastating attack to multiple media outlets. “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the tragic death of our client and friend Asher Watkins from the USA,” the company stated. “This was a sudden and unprovoked attack by an unwounded buffalo while Asher was tracking it with one of our professional hunters and one of our trackers.”

The successful businessman owned Watkins Ranch Group, a luxury real estate brokerage specializing in high-end ranches, farms, and hunting properties across Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Properties in his portfolio typically sell for millions of dollars, catering to affluent landowners and hunting enthusiasts.

Watkins’ hunting passion began early, growing up on his family’s hunting and cattle ranch in Dallas. This background gave him intimate knowledge of ranch operations and land management, which he later parlayed into a successful career in commercial real estate. Before entering the property business, he worked in the oil and gas industry.

A Baylor University alumnus, Watkins was described as “a proud and devoted father who understands the value of introducing youth into the outdoors.” His company biography noted his love for hunting, fishing, and scouting new properties. His social media profiles featured numerous hunting photographs, showcasing successful hunts for desert mule deer and waterfowl.

The tragedy struck while Watkins’ family waited at their upmarket safari lodge. His mother Gwen, brother Amon, and stepfather Tony were all present when they received the heartbreaking news. The safari company also notified his ex-wife Courtney and their 16-year-old daughter Savannah, with whom he maintained a close relationship following their 2013 divorce.

Cape buffalo are among Africa’s most dangerous game animals, weighing between 660 to 1,840 pounds and standing up to 5 feet tall. Their distinctive horns are connected by a solid bone shield across the forehead, making them formidable opponents. Known for their unpredictable temperament and protective herd instincts, Cape buffalo are responsible for numerous hunting accidents annually.

Despite their fearsome reputation, Cape buffalo remain popular among trophy hunters seeking Africa’s “Big Five” game animals. Professional hunting operations emphasize safety protocols, but the inherent dangers of pursuing such powerful wildlife cannot be eliminated entirely.

Coenraad and Vermaak Safaris, which promotes “fair chase and ethical hunting combined with deep respect for wildlife,” expressed their commitment to supporting both the family members present in South Africa and those back in the United States during this difficult time.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in big game hunting, even when conducted with experienced professional guides and proper safety measures.

In July, the Town of Bonnyville released an advisory informing the public that it was made aware of concerns regarding Canada Geese found deceased and acting ill in the area of Jessie Lake.

Chris McGarry
about 9 hours ago

• https://www.lakelandtoday.ca/lac-la-biche-news/avian-flu-cause-of-death-for-deceased-birds-along-bonnyvilles-jessie-lake-11055478

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00:03:07

BONNYVILLE – Avian influenza has been confirmed to be the cause of death of several Canada Geese and other birds found along Jessie Lake in July.  

On July 23, The Town of Bonnyville released an advisory informing the public that it was made aware of concerns regarding Canada Geese found deceased and acting ill in the area of Jessie Lake.  
At the time, the cause was unknown. Provincial Fish and Wildlife authorities had been notified and were assisting municipal officials with the investigation.  

“Alberta Fish and Wildlife was contacted and confirmed Avian Influenza was the cause,” stated the Town of Bonnyville on Aug. 8. “Clean-up efforts by Public Works are still underway and are being addressed as time permits.” 

As explained in information released by the Town of Bonnyville, Avian Influenza, also known as avian flu, is a contagious viral disease that affects various domestic and wild bird species.  

The disease mostly impacts waterfowl such as ducks and geese, and can also spread to poultry animals, including turkeys, ducks, and chickens.   

“According to the Government of Alberta, the risk to the public from the current strains of avian flu is low,” said the Town of Bonnyville, adding that people who notice clusters or groups of dead waterfowl can report them toll-free at 310-0000.  

According to Town of Bonnyville CAO Quinton Wintfley, the municipality contacted Alberta Environment and Fish and Wildlife to report the issues observed at Jessie Lake.  

“The relevant authorities collected bird specimens for testing. During this period, the Town followed guidance provided by Alberta Fish and Wildlife in collecting deceased birds along the shoreline and supported the testing process by supplying specimens as requested,” Wintfley told Lakeland This Week. 

The Town was not leading the overall investigation and was providing support, primarily through cleanup efforts. 

The Town of Bonnyville remains committed to supporting its provincial partners in addressing this matter, and will continue to follow their guidance, as needed, said Wintfley. 

“We thank Alberta Environment, Alberta Health, and Alberta Fish and Wildlife for their leadership and expertise,” he said, explaining that residents with concerns are encouraged to contact the appropriate authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.  

“The health and safety of our community remains our top priority.” 

Members of the public are being advised not to handle live or dead wild birds.  

For those who must handle birds, it is recommended to wear disposable gloves or cover their hands with a plastic bag before touching any bird. People are also advised to use a stick or similar tool to move the bird into a bag to be placed into their garbage bin for disposal. 

“Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward,” recommends the Town of Bonnyville. “Disinfect any surfaces that may have come into contact with the bird using alcohol, diluted bleach, or a commercial disinfectant.”