COLUMBUS, OH - A total $3,619 has been awarded to 16 persons who provided information to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife regarding wildlife violations. The awards are part of Ohios Turn In A Poacher (T.I.P.) program.
More than 50 wildlife poachers were subsequently arrested and fined a total of $23,666 by Ohio courts.
Since its start 19 years ago, 834 callers to the toll-free T.I.P. hotline have been awarded $117,460 for providing information on wildlife violations. The information has led to the arrests of 1,476 poachers who were convicted of violating state wildlife laws. They paid a total of $498,180 in fines.
For each T.I.P. caller receiving an award, nearly two wildlife violators have been convicted. For each dollar paid in rewards, $4.24 has been returned to the state wildlife agency for wildlife management and enforcement. The average T.I.P. payment award is $141 and the average fine to the poacher is $337.
In cooperation with Ohios National Wild Turkey Federation chapter, $675 was paid to four callers whose information led to the conviction of four wild turkey poachers.
Established in 1982, the T.I.P. 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).
For Further Information Contact:
Tom Rowan, ODNR Division of Wildlife
614-265-6314
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882