I simply have a problem with certain “big game” hunting. And the big cats are one. I know all about wildlife conservation, and so on. I hunted as well. Sure, the hunter pays big money to bag a lion, etc. But such big cats are not as prolific as wildebeest, for example. I look at hunting with powerful rifles as no sport at all. Sneak up, shoot, take photos, go back and celebrate. Wow, big friggin deal. Yes, the hunt may be to take out a troublesome animal. But the line between troublesome animal and big paycheck can easily be overstepped for the big money. I simply want to slow the decline in numbers of the big game that are declining in numbers.
The trophy animals that they are allowed to hunt are older male lions who will be dead in a few years in any case.
They are slowing down and won't be able to fend off challengers to their pride for much longer. If you take him out now the area gets a nice income boost and the pride gets taken over by a younger lion. This keeps the pride healthy.
If you don't have the hunt you have an increase of young male lions coming into the area to challenge him which is a problem for the people who live in the area. If the older lion is driven out but not killed he will then become a major problem and possibly a man killer.
The lion is going to die. You can either harvest while there is some gain or not. The outcome for the animal is the same. The outcome for the people in the area is not.