Why are you assuming the meat went to waste?

I used to think like you do until I read more into the subject. Trophy hunting is the largest contributor to conservation efforts in Africa and is the #1 reason why the large game species haven't been poached to extinction.

The tags are granted for carefully selected past-prime bulls that are no longer able to breed. Taking these animals relieves some of the pressure on the remaining younger populations as there is less competition for food and resources.

None of the food is wasted in a "trophy hunt" as 100% of the kill is given to the local communities, those that have the highest need for this protein source.

There is also the financial aspect of these hunts which cost between 5 and 6 figures. This income stimulates the local economies, employs local guides and most importantly puts a monetary value on these game animals.

This alone is the number one reason incentivises the locals to manage these game populations opposed to poaching them.