im personally really on the fence about this stuff. living in one of the worst poaching areas in oregon, knowing, personally, guys who do it to feed their families, i have a hard time accepting the arguments. on the flipside, i've also seen plenty of redneck bubblegum poachers, tearing up and down logging roads with muzzles poking out of their windows, taking shots any any deer, doe or buck, young or old. these are obviously the guys you're after- but where do you draw the line?
i do think that shooting certain animals is irresponsible. there's really no excuse for poaching big horn or antelope when there's deer and elk all over the place. but at the same time, who am i to judge? when you're hungry and looking at a nice fat ram through your glass, "ethics" probably dont mean much.
i also don't think that saving trophies from poached animals is any indicator of worth or intent. if you're gonna risk your personal liberty to feed your family, why wouldnt you go on ahead and save the rack/horn/whatever? especially antlers- they're useful for bringing in more game later.
i do think that shooting certain animals is irresponsible. there's really no excuse for poaching big horn or antelope when there's deer and elk all over the place. but at the same time, who am i to judge? when you're hungry and looking at a nice fat ram through your glass, "ethics" probably dont mean much.
i also don't think that saving trophies from poached animals is any indicator of worth or intent. if you're gonna risk your personal liberty to feed your family, why wouldnt you go on ahead and save the rack/horn/whatever? especially antlers- they're useful for bringing in more game later.