There are very few countries in Africa where you can hunt Lion fair chase. The BBC report is centered around Tanzania, which has always been one the most expensive Africa countries to hunt in, even for plains game.
Lion hunting has always been at the top end of big game hunting and the demand has always been high, although other countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana also hold Lion populations. Lions need a huge area, and take about 6 to 7 years to mature and become what an outfitter would regard as a mature trophy Lion.
Some outfitters may have allowed young Lions to be taken, that are not mature, I am not accusing anyone here, but it does happen I am sure, especially if you have a client who is not that fit and just wants a Lion.
I have never taken a Lion, I have hunted Leopard twice, but never connected, which is not unusual with these cats. I have just returned from 2 weeks in South Africa and a visit to the Kruger Park. I was very fortunate to see two massive male Lion at night at a distance of about 8ft ftom the vehicle. It was a sereal moment and one could not help but feel so insignificant in the prescence of such majestic beasts.
ATB
Sikamalc