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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.’
Behind the lens
Brent Stirton
South Africa
Brent is a Senior Correspondent for Getty Images. He does most of his work for National Geographic Magazine, focusing on the intersection of humans and the environment.
Image details
- Canon EOS-1D X
- 24–70mm f2.8 lens
- 1/250 sec at f16
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.
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