Stopping poachers is just a phone call away

With many hunting seasons about to begin, the Idaho Fish and Game reminds people who spend time outdoors that they should reach for a phone whenever they witness a violation of fish and game laws.

Callers to the Citizens Against Poaching hotline, 1-800-632-5999, can report wildlife law violations anonymously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Cash rewards are available to callers who provide information leading to the citation of suspected wildlife law violators.

“Many sportsmen help us solve cases regardless of the reward,” said Assistant Enforcement Bureau Chief Chris Wright. “But it is a good added incentive for some people.”

Rewards are: $200 for birds, fish and general violations; $300 for most big game animals and wild turkey; $600 for trophy species such as sheep, goat, grizzly, moose and caribou. In special circumstances, these amounts can be higher.

Citizens who report a wildlife violation are encouraged to note as complete a description as possible of people and vehicles involved as well as report it as quickly as possible.

“License plate numbers are extremely useful as well as specific information such as exact location and time,” Wright said. “The more detailed information you provide and the quicker you report it, the more likely a poacher will get caught.”

Persons with any information about suspected poaching activity are encouraged to call the Citizens Against Poaching hotline at 1-800-632-5999, contact the local Fish and Game office, or report online https://idfg.idaho.gov/poacher.