Let’s talk about Cecil, the African lion killed in July 2015 ago by an American hunter. That incident caused international uproar and was the source of all sorts of accusations, overreactions, ugly untruths and unwarranted restrictions, new regulations, charges and much, much more.
Mistake
When the dust settled, the hunter was found to be mistakenly accused and actually broke no laws.
Second thoughts
Nevertheless, countless hunters who would have travelled to Africa for safaris and other outdoor adventures thought twice then booked adventure in other directions.
Some of the offal continues to surface. The following is a short version of what happens when game management by hunting doesn’t happen as reported by the Outdoor Hub media news source.
Large lion reserve
One of Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserves, the Bubye Valley Conservancy, recently announced that it was considering culling up to 200 lions as the cats have become increasingly overpopulated.
The wildlife reserve said its current population of around 500 lions is unsustainable due to the dramatic decline in hunters, possibly caused by the controversy over Cecil, a lion killed near Hwange National Park last year.
Managing the lion population
Bubye officials say that without hunters to help manage the lion population, they are considering either hiring marksmen to shoot some of the animals, or capturing them and donating the cats to other reserves. Bubye has historically held one of the largest lion populations in Zimbabwe.
Threatening other species
Leathem explained that the lions are a big threat to the park’s other denizens, which included antelope, giraffes, leopards, and a number of other native species. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that the conservancy is trying to recover from one of the driest summers on record.
Hunters traditionally helped to keep lion numbers in check, as well as bringing a much needed financial boost to the park.
Cecil effect
However, officials are now blaming something they call the “Cecil effect” for the lack of hunters.
In 2015, the hunting of a black-maned lion named Cecil by an American dentist, Walter Palmer, drew international outrage after the Zimbabwe government accused Palmer of poaching.
The charges were later dropped, but activist groups continued to target big game hunters in Africa and urged many governments, including Zimbabwe, to close their borders to hunters.
This is despite the fact that many conservationists have long agreed that hunters are needed to not only manage wildlife populations, but also provide the funds to protect the same species they hunt.
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Boating and fishing seminars
Boaters and anglers are invited to attend one of more of several seminars offered at Ravenna Marine on March 4-5.
Seminars include topics on fishing as well as boat and trailer care. Speakers will cover battery basics, trailer tires, fishing methods, local lake fish management and more.
Seminars are non-stop both days and attendance is free, which includes a free perch lunch prepared by Lake Erie perch guide Bill Huber.
Call Ravenna Marine for more information, times and topics at 330-296-5590.
