People spend a lot on money on it for sure, but very few make money from hunting. Those that can afford all the best of the best aren't looking for the profit but for bragging rights. I'd say all the low light visibility scopes and what not out there now are also a contributing factor. Seem to hear more and more shots just after dark than I ever have in the past. These people I don't think consider themselves to be poachers. They seem to consider it just an advantage of better equipment, they paid for the extra half hour of hunting and are entitled to it in their opinion. Their wrong, the rules and laws are the same for everyone.
In any event I think very few see hunting as a way to make money. It's the experience, the outdoors. Hunting is not cheap and in my opinion would be very difficult to make a profit. How often are you going to get the buck of a lifetime that will pay the big bucks. Thats why I believe quite a few poachers are poachers of opportunity. They didn't set out to poach but when the time came they didn't have morals, discipline, or integrity to resist.
You throw all the people together that think the rules don't apply to them, add the ones that think they'll get away with it this one time and you have your poachers. I don't believe I personally would have a problem making the right decision , but try to keep myself out of these situations. No low light scopes, and if I don't have license, permission, season is open and everything to make it legal then I not carrying a weapon.  |