Poaching has traditionally been defined as the illegal hunting, killing, or capturing of wild animals, usually associated with land use rights.Until the 20th century, mostly impoverished peasants poached for subsistence purposes, thus supplementing meager diets.he following violations and offenses are considered acts of poaching: 1  Hunting, killing or collecting wildlife that is listed as endangered by IUCN and protected by law such as the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and international treaties such as CITES.