How hunters help reduce illegal hunting

The presence of licensed, legal and responsible hunters is the best deterrent to those who intend to do the wrong thing. Licensed hunters tend to pursue the same animals and hunt in the same parts of the property as those targeted by illegal hunters. And there is every chance that licensed hunters and illegal hunters will cross paths. Licensed hunters are extra eyes and ears on the ground. They can gather information on illegal hunters that assists in investigations and prosecutions.

Sometimes it is difficult for non-hunters to distinguish between licensed, responsible hunters and illegal hunters who do the wrong thing. This may be due to a lack of knowledge or is simply that non-hunters have not been given the right information.

Illegal hunting and trespassing put considerable strain on rural communities, landholders and enforcement agencies.

Illegal hunting can occur at any time of the day but is mostly committed at dusk and dawn when animals are most active or at night when the offenders can move about under the cover of darkness.