What is Poaching (and How to Report It)

Wildlife crime is a significant challenge in conservation, and it affects the way many people perceive hunting. Poaching and associated criminal acts—such as breaching bag limits, hunting out of season, or taking undersized game—tarnish the reputation of hunting. These practices also interfere with the management of game and non-game species, restricting our rights and ability to enjoy the natural environment. 

Knowing hunting regulations and the laws that protect wildlife can help hunters report wildlife crime, empowering us to be ongoing stewards of the natural world.

What is illegal hunting, and what is poaching specifically? Let's take a closer look and learn how to report poaching. 

Note: None of the animals shown in the photos as part of this blog were taken through illegal hunting or poaching. All were hunted legally by responsible, ethical hunters. 

What is Poaching?

Sometimes referred to as wildlife crime, poaching is the illegal hunting, capturing, or killing of wildlife. Poaching often violates conservation laws, hunting regulations, and other laws designed to safeguard animal species and their habitats.

Not only is poaching a highly unethical crime, but it's also costly for U.S. taxpayers. A comprehensive five-year study by the Boone and Crockett Club found that poaching, including the loss of licensing and replacement costs for animals, has an annual price tag of $1.4 billion.

What Does Poaching Look Like?

When we ask ourselves, "What is poaching?" we must consider a wide range of illegal acts. Often, poaching involves the taking of animals, plants, or fish without proper permits. Poaching may also involve the use of banned equipment (such as traps, poison, or explosives), hunting without a license, hunting in protected areas, hunting out of season, or taking more animals than permitted (otherwise known as overharvesting).

While many people think of poaching as the killing of endangered or protected species (for example, hunting elephants for ivory or rhinos for horns), the practice is troublingly widespread. 

What's the Difference Between Poaching and Illegal Hunting?

Poaching refers explicitly to the illegal violation of wildlife protection or conservation laws. In contrast, illegal hunting is broader and may include poaching, as well as acts such as hunting on private land without permission or violating local hunting rules. 

What Is the Lacey Act?

Initially passed in 1900, the Lacey Act is a US law that protects the natural world by making it illegal to traffic in fish, wildlife, or plants that are taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of the law. The Lacey Act is one of the oldest and most significant conservation acts in the United States, and it has undergone amendments to include additional plant and animal species. 

The Lacey Act helps protect endangered species, ecosystems, and fair trade practices, and it covers a range of violations, including the illegal importation or exportation of endangered species, as well as the transportation of wildlife across state lines (if in violation of state laws). As the Lacey Act has changed and expanded, it has become a fundamental tool for combating deforestation, preserving biodiversity, and protecting endangered species. 

Penalties for violating the Lacey Act may include fines, forfeiture of goods, and prison time, depending on the severity of the violation.

What Are the Penalties for Poaching?

For individuals, poaching consequences can vary based on the nature of the crime itself as well as differing state legislation. 

However, the most common penalties include: 

• Heavy fines and restitution fees

• Confiscation of hunting tools, vehicles, and equipment used in the crime

• The suspension of hunting and fishing licenses

• Imprisonment for severe acts, such as endangered species violations

Poachers may be subject to additional penalties if the act happens on private property, and federal charges apply to cases of interstate or international trafficking. 

How Does Poaching Affect Wildlife Populations? 

Poaching has a direct impact on the natural world, resulting in population declines and the potential extinction of threatened species. These losses impact not only hunters but also outdoor enthusiasts and naturalists. 

Acts such as overharvesting further harm ecosystems by disrupting food chains and reducing biodiversity and genetic diversity. 

Poaching consequences in local economies include harm to regions that rely on tourism and sustainable hunting for financial gain. Fewer licenses and hunting tags also reduces the amount of money that goes to our wildlife departments, potentially limiting the valuable work they do in conservation and management of game lands. Destabilizing animal populations can lead to the spread of disease, resulting in population declines and fewer viable animals available for harvest. 

How Can I Report Poaching if I See It?

Let's explore the details of how to report poaching. 

If you witness poaching or an individual potentially breaking the wildlife laws, contact your local wildlife or game department immediately. You can contact the US Fish and Wildlife Service for federal violations, and many states have toll-free hotlines or mobile apps for reporting.

Provide as much detail as possible, such as location, time, vehicle, description, license plates, and what you observed. You can also find a GPS coordinate in the HuntWise app: every detail helps. Taking photos can also be highly beneficial, but only when it is safe to do so.

Never confront the individual you believe is committing the violation. Instead, keep your distance as the individual may be dangerous. Remember that any contact may become part of a law enforcement investigation. 

Use HuntWise

The HuntWise app makes it easy to know how to report poaching!

In the app:

• Click the dots for "More," then "Licenses & Regulations." 

• Then, you'll find "Report Poaching." 

Click through to see the resource for your state. 

HuntWise Helps You Be an Ethical (and Better) Hunter

The impact of poaching is extreme and far-reaching. By raising awareness, promoting conservation, and remaining vigilant for illegal activities, you can help make a difference to eliminate this devastating act.

With HuntWise, you can access state-based resources and reporting portals to share suspected incidents of poaching or wildlife crimes, helping to promote conservation, uphold the law, and support a future of happy hunting. 

If you don't have it yet, download HuntWise now so you're ready for hunting season! We'll give you your first week free. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to your questions about hunting and poaching!

Q: What does it mean if someone is poaching?

Poaching means illegally hunting, capturing, or killing wildlife, often in violation of local or international laws.

Q: What are the legal consequences of poaching?

Penalties vary by location and species but can include heavy fines, loss of hunting privileges, and jail time.

Q: Is poaching a felony in the US?

Yes, in many cases. Poaching can be charged as a felony, especially when it involves endangered species, protected lands, or repeat offenses.

Q: What's the difference between poaching and illegal hunting?

They’re similar, but “poaching” usually refers to more serious or deliberate violations, such as hunting protected species or in restricted areas. “Illegal hunting” may cover lesser violations, like hunting out of season or without a license.

Q: How can I report a poaching incident?

You can contact your state’s wildlife agency, game warden, or call hotlines like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s TIP line. Many states also have anonymous reporting apps or websites. The HuntWise hunting app includes direct access to reporting poaching in your state. 

Q: What are some common examples of poaching?

Examples of poaching include killing elephants for ivory, taking deer out of season, capturing exotic birds for trade, or fishing in protected waters.