The same thing is true in Africa. In places were hunting is allowed, if someone finds a leopard on their land they look out for it and even will let it cost them a cow or two because they know they'll get a bunch of cash from a rich while guy who wants to come shoot it. But in those areas where there is no hunting allowed, there is no incentive so he'll just shoot, shovel, and shut up. No more leopard. (and he'll kill all the cubs too instead of making sure they are OK for next season)
You really need to think of it as a conservation tool.
Your exactly right. Even our great Environmentalist President Teddy Roosevelt Hunted! Most who actually hunt are more conservationist than any bleeding heart feel sorry for bambi guilt tripping liberal.