Brent Stirton's Image

An American trophy hunter takes aim with a bow at a canned lioness on this game farm while professional guides stand ready with guns in case things go wrong.

He is just one of 18,000 hunters who travel to Africa every year, paying on average $20,000 to $40,000 (although as much as $200,000 may be paid) to kill a lion. Trophy hunting is a major industry in Africa, with more land given over to hunting than to national parks. ‘We’re moving into a space where many people believe that an animal has to have economic value,’ says Brent, ‘and that means either ecotourism or hunting.’