Yeah, it is illegal. The local authorities have charged the landowner and the hunt guide. The American is lucky to have got out of the country, and his pelt has been left in Africa. Not a good showing all around.
It is not illegal to lure animals out of the reserve according to Heavy.com. What was illegal was not having a permit to kill a lion that year. From what I read the Dr. was told after the lure (for another type of animal) that it was ok to take the shot. The professional guide was at fault for advising to take the shot on the lion and perhaps later trying to remove the tracker collar.