Coast redwoods are the tallest living tree species and one of the longest-living organisms on Earth, with lifespans that can extend 2,500 years. Burl poaching from a living tree leaves a wound, making it susceptible to insects, disease, and even death. A spate of burl poaching incidents have riddled the Redwood National and State Parks (Northern California) in recent years. This paper uses the concept of choice structuring properties to understand in depth how offenders commit these crimes, and what factors influence their decision-making process at the micro-level. Results show that offenders target burls low to the ground and in areas close to roads, illicit markets, and in areas with higher elevation relative to roads. A number of initiatives directed to prevent this crime are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]