The Trophy Hunting Debate

Trophy hunters claim that trophy hunting aids in wildlife conservation efforts, contributes greatly to national economies, and helps support local communities. These claims are deeply controversial. In truth, trophy hunting does little to nothing in terms of wildlife conservation, contributing to national economies, or supporting local communities.

Trophy Hunting Timeline

In 2014, the Obama Administration banned the import of legally-hunted elephant remains from Zimbabwe and Zambia, noting the lack of information to support that trophy hunts help conserve species. Recently, however, the U.S. Government has taken concerning steps and made inconsistent statements to suggest that it may reverse these and other bans, and encourage international trophy hunts.

Report: Economics of Trophy Hunting in Africa Are Overrated and Overstated

This 2013 trophy hunting report details the true economics of trophy hunting in Africa and reveals that very little of the revenue generated by trophy hunting is invested in conservation efforts or back into local communities.

Paper: Effects of Trophy Hunting on Lion and Leopard Populations in Tanzania

House Natural Resources Committee Democrats' "Missing the Mark" Report on Trophy Hunting (2017)

World of Animals: "Trophy Hunting: The Bad, The Ugly... and the Good?"

Born Free Foundation: Learn More about Rhino Poaching

Born Free Foundation: Learn more about Bushmeat

Bloody Ivory