"While I applaud their effort, I'd sure hate their fines if they got caught!"

I have also researched this aspect. While the fine is up to $15,000 per bird, most judges have made it more like a normal fish and game violation. I think the highest fine was $10,000 for a couple of guys who really slaughtered them, and the next highest was $5,000. Most of the time, it's like $100-$500. Like most cases, it also depends on the mood of the judge at the time.