My only question if he was going to take the shot at night how was he going to determine whether it did or didn't have a collar?
Everything I've read implies he knew he shouldn't of shot a collared lion. So how was he going to determine that it was or wasn't then. Surely that's his responsibility, he knew it had been baited out, so guessing not identified.
Great question. It's my understanding that the guides were trying to hide the collar from him once they realized it was there.
I looked at dozen pictures of Cecil. I didn't see a collar on any of them. Well, why would I? It's underneath the lion's mane. When the lion was killed, the guide found the collar and then panicked. Not the right thing to do. But the point is, they apparently didn't realize it was a monitored and not a wild lion. People are so caught up in their anger, they can't see straight.
Second, baiting and luring is standard practice on hunts.
Third. Private guide companies are standard and they hunt in many African countries including Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, South Africa, and others beside Zimbabwe. I Googled a couple and they even explain how they do the luring which is standard practice. A hunter who hires what appears to be a legitimate guide would expect his guide and the company he represents to assure all the government fees are paid and that the whole hunt be done legally.
Trophy Hunting Safaris in Africa - African Trophy Hunting
Lion Hunting in Africa - Africa s best Lion Hunting Safaris
Here's one that also breaks out the costs. The only complaint I have is that now I know why dentist's fees are so high.
Tanzania African Lion Hunts Outfitters Guides Hunting African Lion in Tanzania
Prices & Packages
16 day LION safari on a 21 day license 1×1 basis
Daily Rate @ US$ 1,600 per day 25,600
Government Hunting License 1,250
Government Conservation Fee U$ 150/day x 21 3,150
Pack/Dip/Crate Fee 1,800
Government Trophy Export Tax 500
Gun Import incl Government. Tax per Gun 250
Concession Fee U$ 120/Day 1,920
Community development U$ 120/day 1,920
TOTAL 36,390
Additional Costs:
Estimated charter flight cost, round trip 3,450
1 x Lion, with the 20% community levy 7,800
1st Buffalo with the 20% community levy 2,280