Poached Elk Confiscated

[Crittercoroner]

It's really simple, if the animal is taken illegally in any way it's poached.

[FishArt]

I guess I didn't fully understand the definition. Although if you do a search in various sources, you get some variances on the definition. Interestingly Wikpedia mentions "taking from a restricted area" and mentions most of all the other things I brought up, but no mention of trespassing. "Restricted area" could be interpretted as "trespassing" however. But, it's interestng that the word "trespassing" isn't even mentioned. Whereas some definitions ONLY state the trespassing part. Interesting. IMO, It seems as the word stems from midievel times when the peasants would "poach" deer on the kings land. Therefore trespassing. I guess I just always thought that poaching was a bit more than simply harvesting an animal on somebody's property w/o permission. And it is. Or should I say, it could be a variety of reasons. And trespassing is one of them. You DO learn something new everyday!!!

[Becky P]

I have in my contract that deposits are nonrefundable and a statement which says they took the animal LEGALLY and THEY will be responsible if not.  I take the "responsible" part as, you best not come knocking on my door wanting ANYTHING back after knowingly bringing me an illegal animal. That is if they are found guilty. And then they are not even welcome on my property.
I'll be just as honest to them as they were to me.

[Bill Yox]

Guys, while Im with you all that say thats HIS problem, no refund, its not up to you or I and our emotions. Its up to your state/town law. Common sense suggests we charge him for what all we have completed, and that ought to equal (or exceed) the deposit amount, but be smart and use your noggins here. Contact an attorney or at least get wording from your town as to whats in the books. Cover YOUR butt. Lets face it, most of us dont get too far into mounts that have just arrived anyway.

[paul e]

interesting approach george
i might rethink the way i handle things like this
you got me thinking

[ELMER GANTRY]

Marty most Fish and Wildlife agency's will have a legal  definition of "poaching" here's Kentucky's
150.300 Poaching
(1) No person shall, without first securing the permission of the commissioner, enter
upon the premises of a propagation farm, game farm or game refuge, or fish
hatchery and take wildlife; or, without the consent of the property owner, enter upon
any pond and take wildlife or foul the waters of any pond or farm with a substance
injurious to life or growth of wildlife, or break or destroy any dam, reservoir, or
embankment or divert the waters or otherwise willfully damage the farm or pond.