Controversial Big Game Hunter Ernie Dosio Sparks Outrage After Latest Kill
Big game hunter Ernie Dosio is facing renewed backlash after photos surfaced online showing him posing with a rare black rhinoceros he legally hunted in Namibia. The images, shared by Dosio on social media this weekend, quickly went viral, reigniting debates about trophy hunting and conservation ethics.
Dosio, a Florida-based hunter known for pursuing endangered species, reportedly paid $400,000 for the government-issued permit through a sanctioned conservation program. Wildlife officials confirm the 32-year-old male rhino was selected because it was non-breeding and aggressive toward other rhinos. Critics argue such kills still incentivize the hunting industry.
The controversy comes as US lawmakers reconsider the CECIL Act, which would ban importing trophies from animals listed under the Endangered Species Act. Recent surveys show 86% of Americans oppose trophy hunting of endangered species. Conservation groups like the Humane Society have condemned Dosio's actions as "ecologically unnecessary."
Dosio defended his hunt in an Instagram statement Monday, claiming the fees fund anti-poaching efforts. "Sustainable use is conservation," he wrote. Namibia's government supports such regulated hunts, which generated $6.7 million for conservation last year. However, biologists note rhino populations remain critically low, with fewer than 6,000 black rhinos left worldwide.
The debate gained traction this week after celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio shared critical posts. Twitter reports over 200,000 mentions of Dosio since Sunday. Google Trends data shows US searches for "trophy hunting" spiked 380% in 24 hours.
This marks Dosio's third high-profile hunt since 2024, following controversial kills of an African elephant and a rare bongo antelope. The 47-year-old operates a hunting outfitter business and stars in a YouTube series with 850,000 subscribers. Advertisers dropped his show after the 2024 elephant hunt, but viewership reportedly increased 40% afterward.
Ethical questions persist about whether wealthy hunters should participate in species management. "This isn't conservation—it's ego," said IFAW spokesperson Jeff Flocken. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is reviewing recent import permit applications, including Dosio's rhino trophy request.
Public records show at least 1,100 animal trophies from endangered species were imported to the US in 2025. The debate continues as Namibia prepares its 2027 hunting quota decisions next month.
