The existence of a commercial bushmeat trade was verified through interviews, a review of secondary data and research reports, and by observation. Corruption and intimidation of the security staff at the parks were common factors that contributed to poaching, along with incompetent management. Bushmeat was found to be an affordable source of protein sold at low prices in line with the local economy. A contributing cultural factor is the longstanding practice of normal or daily consumption of bushmeat. It is in high demand during holidays and special occasions such as weddings. This has led many in the population, particularly Black South Africans in rural areas near the parks and farms, to view game as a resource to be used rather than protected. For local law enforcement and magistrates, bushmeat poaching was viewed as a low priority. A significant finding was the effectiveness of private game ranger units and their innovative tactics in preventing and investigating poaching incidents, when compared to their public-sector counterparts. Interviews of game rangers at private game reserves found a high level of professionalism and dedication to their jobs. Their strategy involved contacting the local tribal chief or elders in the individual’s village, explaining the offense, and requesting that the individual be disciplined. This research was conducted in five protected wildlife conservation areas located in three Provinces in the northeast part of South Africa. The use of indepth, semistructured interviews and observation, combined with secondary data, resulted in a detailed description of the bushmeat trade in these sites. 2 notes and 23 references