Hunting wildlife for food is a long-established component of livelihoods throughout the world. However, there is increasing concern that wildlife is disappearing due to overhunting, with associated impacts on both livelihoods and biodiversity. Tropical forest systems are particularly vulnerable, due to a unique combination of ecosystem, socioeconomic, technological and institutional constraints. Many approaches to reducing hunting pressure have been suggested, all of which impact on users to some extent. However, there has been little rigorous analysis of how these impacts are distributed. Here we discuss the key determinants of impact distribution, including who is targeted, who implements the policies, ability and willingness to comply with enforcement measures, and ecosystem characteristics. We then present a case study where the framework is applied, and conclude with an approach for planning policy interventions. Key words: bushmeat, hunting, policy, wildlife.