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Boone and Crockett Club to Release Major Report on Poaching in the United States

Posted on: Sep 03, 2025

Washington, DC, Press Conference Tuesday, September 9, 12:30 pm

(Zoom option available for those not in DC)


What:
The Boone and Crockett Club will host a press conference to release the results of five years of research providing the most comprehensive review of domestic wildlife poaching in U.S. history. Wildlife crimes, such as illegal take and other breaches of hunting, fishing, and trapping regulations, can significantly harm wildlife populations, diminish the hunting experience, and affect social acceptance among both hunters and non-hunters.

The Poach and Pay research determined the detection rate of poaching crimes and the conservation impacts and financial losses from the illegal take of big game in the country. The results are significant and strongly show that poaching is not a victimless crime. The research identifies the typologies and motivations for poaching and potential deterrents through detailed surveys of stakeholders (landowners, hunters, conservation law enforcement, and prosecutors) and the use of criminology theory. The research also provides specific policy and outreach recommendations to help reduce the amount of illegal wildlife crime in this country.

The press conference will focus on differentiating between legal, regulated hunting and poaching and will emphasize how the Boone and Crockett Club, our partners, and ethical hunters can take a stand to reduce poaching. By quantifying the dark figure of undetected crime, identifying judicial bottlenecks, and presenting a structured deterrent framework, the research equips state and federal wildlife agencies with data-driven strategies to reduce illegal take and protect America’s wildlife heritage.

Who: Tony A. Schoonen, Boone and Crockett Club Chief Executive Officer

When: Tuesday September 9, 2025 – 12:30 pm ET.

Where: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, Congressional A, Lobby Level

400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington DC 20001

Zoom Registration Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Nz9ucVwLRvadiWHuqXXS7w