Techniques of neutralization used by deer poachers in the Western United States: A research note

The purpose of this study was to examine and describe the specific techniqu es of neutralization that were used by deer poachers. The study consisted o f two parts. In the first section, a survey instrument containing statement s dealing with specific neutralizations was developed by the authors and ma iled to individuals who had been cited for illegal deer possession in Color ado from 1990 to 1996 (n = 42). In the second part of the study, in-depth i nterviews were conducted with 20 poachers and 5 game wardens to obtain info rmation about neutralization techniques in greater detail. The use of neutr alization techniques was common, and four techniques occurred most frequent ly: the denial of responsibility, the metaphor of the ledger, the defense o f necessity, and the condemnation of the condemners.