'The Amateur Poacher' is a guidebook into animal poaching written by Richard Jefferies. Although today the practice is associated with an illegal act, during Jefferies time, animal poaching refers to the capture of wild animals by impoverished peasants for subsistence purposes and to supplement meager diets. Jefferies is well-noted for his experience of living in a rural area, and often writes books, fiction and nonfiction, about the subject.