This is 2005, not the 30's! I know that if you are out of work and down on your luck, it doesn't matter what year it is! You may be going through your own "great depression" right now, but it doesn't make stealing right!
The time and effort spent hunting would be better spent doing odd jobs, or looking for work! I know someone mentioned flipping burgers. Yes, flipping burgers won't get you very far, but it is honest work, and will help get you through until better work comes up!
That is one of the problems with many of us these days, you'd rather steal than work!
Some of you are saying you "will do what it takes to survive!" Well, if one burger job doesn't provide, get two of them, until you can get a better job!
If you are hunting for table meat, plenty of game can be taken during legal seasons, and many good tasting animals are un-regulated, you can legally hunt them year round!
Besides, meat is only one food group! What are you going to do for the other food groups? Shoplift? Armed robbery, maybe? If you are going to justify breaking one law, it will only be a matter of time before you rationalize breaking other laws!
Survival is one thing, stealing is another!
I'd be willing to bet that ALL those posting here in favor of poaching, are not bad enough off financially, as to be able to justify poaching!
If by chance you are, take my earlier advice, drop your internet service, and sell your computer, before you start stealing!