by Jack Spaulding
Outdoors writer
State’s anonymous program expands the battle against poachers and polluters
Bringing justice to a poacher or polluter in Indiana doesn’t involve just a phone call anymore … it can be done with a few computer keystrokes or a quick text message. Poachers and indiscriminate polluters in Indiana are now coming under attack not only by telephone calls but also by computer and telephone text messaging.
For decades, Indiana’s Turn-In-a-Poacher/Polluter Program has been based around citizens and hunters phoning in tips to help corral and convict poachers and polluters of Indiana’s natural resources. Hoosiers have reported thousands of suspected incidents to the TIP Hotline at 1-800-TIP-IDNR resulting in many arrests.
The TIP Hotline is still in effect at 1-800-TIP-IDNR (1-800-847-4367), but the IDNR has expanded communications in the ongoing battle against poachers and polluters in the 21st century. Incidents of poaching and polluting may now be reported online at tip.IN.gov or sent by telephone text to the IDNR at TIP411 (847-411). Both new options give the opportunity to tell TIP what you wish to report, and where the violation is taking place. Your text message, e-mail reports and telephone tips with TIP are always totally anonymous.
If you hear gunshots late at night, find a baited area while hunting, observe wildlife parts discarded in a field or see someone illegally running nets in the river, report it with a phone call, text or online. It’s quick and simple to report a violation. Even the smallest piece of information might be the missing link leading to the arrest of poachers who are abusing a sport or recreation resource.
The Turn-In-a-Poacher/Polluter Program rewards up to $200 for information leading to the arrest of fish and wildlife violators or polluters. All rewards are paid by TIP Inc., a not for profit organization comprised of Indiana sporting groups.
TIP Inc. is the 501(c)(3) organization funding program operations and overseeing the payment of rewards. Part of the funding effort includes the annual TIP Fundraising Banquet.
The Turn-In-a-Poacher/Polluter Program is a joint effort between the sportsmen and sportswomen of Indiana, concerned citizens and the Department of Natural Resources. The goal is to provide a quick and easy way to report poachers and polluters.
Poachers are thieves who steal from honest Hoosier outdoor enthusiasts. Poaching is the illegal killing, possession or destruction of habitat of Indiana’s fish, game or non-game wildlife. Licensed, ethical hunters know the rules and play by them. Poachers may know the rules, but don’t play by them.
Hunting seasons increase the likelihood law-abiding hunters will encounter poaching. Anyone can use the TIP Hotline, text or computer but hunters are more likely to witness violations afield.
When hunters encounter poaching in the field, DNR Law Enforcement urges the use of the TIP Hotline or text option to immediately file a complaint.
A typical poaching situation may occur when a law-abiding hunter is sitting in a tree stand waiting for sunrise (the legal time to shoot), notices a pickup truck and sees someone shining a field with a spotlight. The truck stops and shots ring out through the darkness.
“True sportsmen have an ethical responsibility to report this violation,” said Lt. William Browne, DNR Division of Law Enforcement. “Poachers are thieves, and some estimates indicate poachers illegally kill and take as much fish and game as legal hunters and licensed fishermen do.”
As I noted, complaints remain anonymous. All information is held in strict confidence, and informants’ names are never released. Videotapes or signed confessions are not required for successful prosecution of poachers.
Citizens who provide TIP with information are never required to testify in court or reveal their identities. All confidential information will be reviewed and investigated by Indiana conservation officers.
Remember … see a suspected violation call 1-800-TIP-IDNR, text TIP411, or go online to
tip.IN.gov. Poachers and polluters, beware!
till next time,
Jack Spaulding is a state outdoors writer and a consumer of RushShelby Energy from Milroy. Readers with questions or comments can write to him in care of Electric Consumer, P.O. Box 24517, Indianapolis, IN 46224; or e-mail jackspaulding@hughes.net.