- Legal hunting refers to the lawful pursuit and harvesting of wildlife in accordance with established rules and regulations. It is typically regulated by government agencies and involves obtaining permits, following seasons and bag limits, and using authorized hunting methods. Legal hunting is often viewed as a form of recreation, conservation, and a means of managing wildlife populations.
- Poaching, on the other hand, refers to the illegal hunting, capturing, or killing of wildlife in violation of the law. Poachers do not adhere to regulations, often target threatened or endangered species, and may use indiscriminate or harmful methods. Poaching is driven by various factors, including commercial gain (selling wildlife products), personal gain (trophies), or subsistence (acquiring food). It poses serious threats to biodiversity, species conservation, and the health of ecosystems.
To summarize, legal hunting operates within a regulated framework and serves various purposes, including recreation and conservation. Poaching, however, is an illegal and destructive activity that undermines conservation efforts and threatens wildlife populations.