HUNTING

              POACHING

The legal pursuit of animals for food or sport with the permission of the landowner. Often requires a hunting license, permit, and a hunter's safety course. For information about NRA Hunter Education Courses, click here!

Illegal hunting or capturing of animals without the permission of the landowner or government. Often with the intent of selling parts on the black market. Click here to learn more about the difference between poaching and hunting.

Government regulated

Not government regulated

Helpful to wildlife populations

Managed using scientific population data to keep wildlife healthy.

Harmful to wildlife populations

Not scientifically driven  

Benefits local communities, landowners, conservation programs and anti-poaching groups

Benefits poachers, traffickers, black market dealers, warlords 

Contributes significant amounts of money to conservation

Has no public benefit