Poach and Pay
Footprints in the Sand
By Jon BrauchleThis article originally appeared in Texas Wildlife magazine, published by the Texas Wildlife Association, September 2025It began with footprints in the sand in a place where they should...
Hunter, Landowner, and Conservation Officer Attitudes on the Impacts of Illegal Wildlife Crime
By Jon Gassett, B&C Professional Member In 2020, the Boone and Crockett Club, in partnership with the Wildlife Management Institute, initiated a comprehensive study of the illegal take of big gam...
Poach & Pay: Understanding the “Dark Figure” of Illegal Wildlife Crime
The Boone and Crockett Club and Wildlife Management Institute’s Poach & Pay Program recently completed analysis of early data from surveys of landowners, hunters, and conservation officers in an effort to understand the “Dark Figure” of poaching. Initial research under the Poach & Pay project in 2016 examined and reviewed state restitution systems for illegal take of big game species and found that the judicial systems were the primary obstacle for successfully convicting and punishing poachers.
Hunters’ Opinions and Attitudes towards the Illegal Take of Wildlife in the United States
Modern fish and wildlife conservation is based on the public trust doctrine (PTD), which establishes a trustee relationship whereby the government holds and manages wildlife for the benefit of the public. Fundamentally, it posits that natural resources are universally important, and that the public should have an opportunity to enjoy these resources, including activities such as fishing, hunting, and trapping. Prior to the adoption of this philosophy, wildlife was often treated as an inexhaustible commodity, with little thought or concern for long term sustainability. As a result, many species suffered under this “limitless supply” philosophy, with some becoming extirpated or even driven to extinction.
Safari Club International Supports Boone and Crockett Club Poach & Pay Project as a “Trailblazer in Conservation” Sponsor
“SCI is proud to support the Poach & Pay program and to work with the Boone and Crockett Club in the fight against illegal poaching,” said CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “This program will be critical to our efforts to increase participation in the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and promote legal, regulated hunting. Hunters are the first line of defense against poaching, and SCI is excited for this important initiative across the country.”
Federal Ammunition Supports Boone and Crockett Club Poach & Pay Research as a “Trailblazer in Conservation” Sponsor
The Boone and Crockett Club announced today that Federal Ammunition will be supporting the Club’s Poach & Pay project as a Trailblazer in Conservation. The three-year sponsorship agreement will provide consistent support for this critical research and policy project and generally support the Club’s overall conservation mission. For over 130 years, the Boone and Crockett Club has led the way on hunting ethics and the Poach & Pay project continues this tradition in an effort to raise the stakes against wildlife crime.
Boone and Crockett Club Welcomes Research and Media Partnership with International Wildlife Crimestoppers
International Wildlife Crimestoppers, Inc. has joined B&C as a research and media partner in their coordinated efforts against poaching. Through the strategic partnership, the Club is supporting conservation law enforcement and will help IWC promote and continue providing specialized law enforcement equipment to officers. In addition, one key part of this outreach includes IWC’s Wall of Shame trailers, traveling exhibits that educate both adults and our nation’s youth about the differences between poaching and legal, ethical hunting. As part of the partnership, IWC will also be actively engaged in the Club’s Poach & Pay initiative supporting the development of communications materials and connection to conservation officers.
Kansas and Illinois Stand Strong Against Poaching
The Boone and Crockett Club’s Poach & Pay project seeks to raise the stakes against poachers. Last week, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism announced on Facebook that a poacher was sentenced to prison and significant fines and restitution. John Blick Jr. of Sharon, Kansas, was found guilty of poaching 60 white-tailed and mule deer. He was sentenced to 14 months in prison and fined $15,000.