COLUMBUS, OH -- Ohioans are encouraged to help enforce state wildlife laws by reporting alleged or known wildlife violations to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife Turn-In-A-Poacher (TIP) program.
Established in 1982, the TIP program allows Ohioans to call a toll free number from anywhere in the state to report wildlife violations. Calls regarding wildlife violations can be placed anonymously at 1-800-POACHER (800-762-2437).
This year the ODNR Division of Wildlife will offer extended hours for answering the TIP hotline prior to and through the popular deer gun season. TIP lines will be answered between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. through December 2. Callers are encouraged to leave a message during closed hours with as much information about the suspected violation as can be provided.
The TIP program is an important tool for our law enforcement operations, said ODNR Division of Wildlife Chief Michael Budzik. We encourage anyone who has witnessed or has knowledge of a wildlife violation to call the toll-free TIP hotline.
According to the wildlife division, most callers to the TIP hotline are hunters and anglers who report wildlife violations they witness while hunting, fishing or enjoying other outdoor recreation.
Violation reporters who choose to give their names may be eligible to receive a cash award for provided information.
This past April, a total of $4,515 was awarded to 20 callers. Their information to the TIP hotline helped convict 46 wildlife poachers who were fined a total of $12,968 by Ohio courts.
Since 1982, the TIP program has awarded a total of $110,176 to 796 callers for providing vital information on wildlife violations. More than 1,380 poachers have been arrested and convicted as of 1982 and a total of $456,046 assessed. For each TIP caller receiving a cash award, nearly two offenders have been convicted. For each dollar paid in awards, $4.14 has been returned to the state for wildlife management and law enforcement.
Some calls have led to major wildlife investigations. A series of tips received in 1991 led to a 14-month investigation into wildlife poaching known as Operation Clanbake. The investigation resulted in the arrests of nine Toledo-area residents on more than 250 wildlife violations.
In 1995, callers provided information that led to a 15-month investigation in southeast Ohio known as Operation Redbud. That investigation concluded in June 1996, with the arrests of 26 southeast Ohio residents on more than 275 wildlife violations. Last year, an investigation known as Operation River Sweep resulted in the arrests of eight people in southern Ohio on more than 100 wildlife violations.