Hunting is a legal activity where individual hunters with the relevant permits (e.g., for hunting and arms possession) are allowed to shoot game (or hunting) species during authorized seasons and in designated areas. Therefore, hunting can be monitored and regulated throughout the whole supply chain. Poaching, however, is an illegal activity which can seriously affect the conservation status of protected species – it includes: 

• killing or trapping protected species without permits; 
• killing or trapping with illegal weapons (e.g. weapons of military use) and equipment (e.g. night vision in some countries); 
• use of unselective and cruel, lethal traps that do not follow the rules and regulations of the EU (Humane trapping standards for certain animal species) or the country; 
• using illegal substances (e.g. poison) in order to kill wildlife.