This is an old post, but it fits what I am thinking about, so I will attempt to resuscitate it rather than repost. Firstly, i am no expert in animal population control, nor conservation, I just read stuff. And what I am gleaning more and more is that elephant populations must be controlled. It is simple - finite area, finite trees and food, but expanding population equals an equilibrium point in carrying capacity, no rocket science required there. Over-tip, inevitable disaster and it is happening in many parks right now.
Could sport hunting take enough animals to make a difference? Again, everything I read says no, and why is that? This thread began with the discussion upon safari operators voicing their concern about budget elephant hunts, and looking at some prices being currently offered, an elephant is not outrageously costly, and cow, or tuskless are downright cheap. So can it then be argued that price is that big an excluder? I think that is not the case.
Then there is legislative or control restriction, and that gets tied up in chewing gum until the pendulum swings so far to the side of habitat destruction that there just has to be action, as with Botswana lifting restrictions. But prices there are still very high for now.
Then the third category, and now I am going to get into trouble - hunter reluctance. I have to tell you I love elephants, never shot one, but seen and interacted with plenty. I can totally empathise with the folks who just don't want to kill these magnificent beasts, but even I am starting to think about an ele hunt. Consider the alternatives of a slow decline, starvation, lack of funding for supplemental or relocation efforts. Honestly, there is no more ethical, noble and worthwhile a death for an elephant than at the hands of a hunter. I will probably cry when I shoot mine some day, but it will end well.
Ok, lets be clear, 'reluctance' doesn't apply to the majority of the hunters on our forum, so maybe a better way to reference the wider potential Africa hunting group would be to make them aware that an elephant hunt is not only more reasonable than they thought, but a noble animal choice. The return for their money and effort would not just be a great Africa experience, but probably a part in the only thing that can ensure our beautiful elephants are still here for the future.