By Doug Leier
The Report All Poachers call I received when I was a game warden was from an elderly lady who watched a young man intentionally run over a couple of squirrels. Doesn’t sound like a big poaching crime but I’ll never forget how angry she was. This “poacher” swerved to run over one squirrel, then came back and ran over another.
Turns out, it was just one of many crimes which included misdemeanors and felonies over the past 30 years. Being prosecuted didn’t stop this man from a variety of future violations, but it’s an example of how the system works. It takes a concerned citizen, hunter or angler to make the decision to report the activity.
If you feel strongly about catching poachers and stopping future incidents, a report needs to be made. Asking a game warden to just “talk to them about it” is a waste of the warden’s time. Poaching is stealing. It’s the equivalent of a suspected thief at the local grocery store. Their stealing steaks and profits is your deer and back straps.
So, what should you do? What shouldn’t you do?
Do not put yourself in harm’s way. You may be a former law enforcement officer, but in this day and age of criminals using the outdoors as escape or cover for other illegal activity, the last thing you need to do is put you or the rest of your hunting party at risk.
Do not wait to report an incident until the next time you see a game warden or meet one at the monthly wildlife club meeting. Time is of the essence. In the day of mobile communication, the Game and Fish website (gf.nd.gov) can connect you with the game warden in the region you are hunting in real time.
Requested Violation Information
When reporting a game or fish violation, please provide as much of the following information as possible.
● Nature of violation.
● Location.
● Violator’s name and address if known.
● Description of violator’s age, build, clothing, other features.
● Vehicle description (license number, make, year, color, other features).
● Date and time of offense.
● Your name, address, and phone number (you can remain anonymous if you prefer).
● Names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses.
● Would you sign a complaint and testify if necessary?
The RAP program encourages people to report wildlife violations, remain anonymous if they prefer, and receive monetary rewards for convictions based on their information. Anonymous callers will be given a special code number and are not required to give their name.
Rewards range from $100 to $1,000 depending on the nature and seriousness of the crime.
Call 701-328-9921 to report game and fish violations.
The reward fund is supported by private donations. If you wish to donate to the RAP program, tax deductible contributions can be sent to RAP, Box 1091, Bismarck, ND, 58502-1091.
Stay safe, obey the rules and enjoy North Dakota’s great outdoors.
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