26/05/2026
๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐๐ฏ๐๐ฌ
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New research shows that poaching is a huge problem in the U.S. and proposes some solutions.
Photo above: Poaching is far more widespread and unreported in the U.S. than previously thought. Stiffer penalties that reflect the value of the animal can act as a deterrent. For example, in Colorado, the fine for poaching a 6-point elk is a minimum of $10,000. (Photo by Victor Schendel)
Readers of Sports Afield are likely familiar with the widespread problem of poaching in Africa. But it may come as a surprise that poaching is also a huge problem here in the United Statesโand itโs taking a large bite out of our game populations and posing a threat to our legal hunting traditions. We are starting to get an idea of the magnitude of the problem with the help of a five-year research project conducted by the Boone and Crockett Clubโs Poach and Pay program, the results of which were released in September 2025.
The research, conducted by Jon Gassett of the Wildlife Management Institute and Kristie Blevins of Eastern Kentucky University, was undertaken to quantify the various costs of poaching, estimating factors such as the number of animals affected, the loss of opportunity for hunters, uncollected license revenue for state wildlife agencies, and the replacement cost of poached animals.
A detailed data collection effort and statistical analysis determined that a tiny percentageโjust 4 percent, to be exactโof poaching incidents in the U.S. are ever even detected, let alone investigated or prosecuted. This isnโt so surprising if you consider that poaching occurs in areas with few people around, and that there are relatively few conservation officers patrolling our hunting lands.
Read more here: https://sportsafield.com/2025/grappling-with-game-thieves/
