But not even that gives you a clue to the scope of the problem. An investigative article by Michael Hanback in Outdoor Life magazine opened my eyes. I have never seen the gross illegal take of wildlife, the illegal commercialization of parts and products of wildlife and the illegal smuggling of wildlife, greater than it is today. Most people are aware that around the turn of the century, market hunting bloomed. Sportsmen feel market hunting was knocked down by changing attitudes, good laws, and aggressive law enforcement.
Market hunting by commercial poachers is alive and doing very well in America today.
There are only some 6,000 state conservation officers and 215 federal special agents to patrol the entire United States. And when the illegal wildlife trade is growing as never before, states are cutting conservation agency budgets as never before. I'll bet the fish and game agency in your state is facing a budget cut this year. Some conservation groups say they're just trying to get publicity and more funding. Others say they're trying to cover up the extent of a problem they can't handle.