On Reporting Violations
I have decided that I am going to report every violation I see. Time to start shaking the chaff out from the wheat..
From AZGFD:
The dos and don’t of reporting a wildlife violation
Arizona Game and Fish Department law enforcement officers want the public to report wildlife violations, but there are things a person should and shouldn’t do at a potential crime scene.
“The desire of the public to help us catch violators is great. However, there are instances when that desire can actually hinder law enforcement efforts,” said Gene Elms, manager of the department’s Operation Game Thief (OGT) program, which maintains a 24-hour hotline for people to call in wildlife violations.
Elms explained that those encountering violations sometimes inform the violator they will be calling the OGT hotline.
“At that point the violator vacates the scene before law enforcement personnel can arrive,” Elms said. “A better approach is to avoid contact, leave the scene, and call the OGT hotline as soon as possible with details.”
Elms added that license plate numbers, names (if known), vehicle descriptions, and GPS (global positioning system) coordinates are all important pieces of information an officer can use.
Another common mistake is getting too close or examining a dead animal.
“Additional footprints, tire tracks, and general disturbance of the area makes an investigation difficult, if not impossible,” Elms explained. “If the death of a wild animal appears to be suspicious, people should assume a violation has occurred, call the OGT hotline, and provide the location. Do not disturb the area around the site.
“In the case of a natural cause of death, including predation, vehicle collision, or lightening, individuals can file a claim for the remains or parts. It is important to remember that only Game and Fish officers can make this determination about the cause of death and they can only do that when the animal is in the field.”
Individuals should also remember that confronting suspected violators in the backcountry could be dangerous.
“Approaching a violator is not the best course of action,” Elms warned. “Allow trained law enforcement officers to handle such situations. Individuals should focus on being a good witness, but should never put themselves in harm’s way.”
Individuals witnessing or suspecting a violation can call OGT toll free hotline, 24 hours a day at 1-800-352-0700. Callers can remain anonymous. The OGT program will pay rewards for information leading to the arrest of a suspect in the case.
I’m curious as to why you are making this decision…
September 20th, 2007 at 8:17 am
The information about what to do if you see a violation is very helpful. I never really thought abotu what I would do if I saw one, but now at least I have some guidelines.
September 20th, 2007 at 10:04 am
Bryan – A few reasons, I guess.
1)Maybe my awareness has risen, but around here at least, we seem inundated with slobs posing as hunters. Litterers, trespassers, poachers, sign shooters – you name it.
2) As the hunting community dwindles in society, I feel it is more important than ever to portray a positive image in the community – at all times.
3) Since I am a slightly more “public face” in the hunting community now, I feel it is even more important to set an example.
September 20th, 2007 at 11:50 am