In Minnesota, the state and DNR officials have put a dollar figure on game animals that are taken illegally, as a way to " hurt" that sort of activity. The dollar amount changes with different animals. With fish, it' s $100 each fish over the limit. With big game such as deer, I believe the dollar figure is $1000 per animal. If actually caught in the " act" of poaching, the state can also take your vehicle(if you transported or attempted to transport the animal), weapons, decoys,guns, etc that were used or connected with the crime. The state may also take your hunting/fishing priveledges away for up to 5 years depending on the offense. Any repeat offenses, means stiffer $$$ fines,jail time, and possible lifetime hunting/fishing priveledges revoked. If the offense occured on any federal land, then the feds can get in and also prosecute. I live in very " rural" northern MN. I don' t want to say poaching is a way of life, but it' s something that happens often. It' s not uncommon to hear rifle shots at midnight year round. I don' t practice or agree with this activity, but accept it as what it is. happy Hunting! Steve