During the last decade of the 19th century, more than 4,000 lions were killed in Kruger National Park, and its surrounding territories. Six realen were awarded to those who shot or captured lions. The first South African Legislation on the Killing of Predators was established in 1656. These type of lion hunts in Africa allow for close up direct confrontations with lions and can prove to be very exciting. The lion hunts are then conducted via tracking, many times in the Kalahari Desert.
High fence lion hunts involve releasing captive raised lions into a large enclosure and then allowing the lion time to adapt to its new habitat. Wild lion hunts start around $55,000 and run upwards of $100,000. Permits are very limited for wild lions and therefore are expensive. An effort is being made in many African countries to only take male lions that are 6 years of age and older and therefore have passed their breeding prime. Once a suitable lion is feeding on the bait, a blind is quickly prepared and the hunter lies in wait hoping to catch the lion feeding during daylight hours. Wild lions are typically hunted by hanging bait at multiple locations and then waiting for a mature male lion to hit the bait. Wild lions are under pressure from man’s expanding footprint on the African continent and from the resulting human / lion conflict that arises from this encroachment into the lion’s historical range. These lions are mostly located in what is known as stronghold areas. It is estimated that there are approximately 32,000 - 35,000 wild lions left roaming in wild Africa. Both lion hunts can offer the hunter a great challenge if done properly. Wild lion hunts and high-fence captive reared lion hunts. Lion hunting in Africa can be broken down into two major classifications. Along with the leopard, these two cats make up two of Africa’s big five dangerous game animals. The African male lion is the largest cat still being hunted on the planet. Lion hunts in Africa still offer the modern day hunter the challenge of facing off against this most fearsome of beasts. The taking of a male lion has been a challenge that man has pursued since the dawn of mankind, and even today, the taking of a majestic male African lion is a magical moment. Lions are truly kings of the jungle and are the beasts of legends. Lion hunts in Africa are at the top of every hunter’s wish list.