Turn in poachers to SCDNR, NCWRC

Poachers are thieves, so let’s make them pay

Game wardens for the SCDNR and the NCWRC do a great job. From helping kids learn the ropes of hunting and fishing to doing all they can to stop poachers, they have their hands full with more activities than most outdoorsmen realize. But they cover large areas of land and water. And in the grand scheme of things, they are relatively few in number.

Outdoorsmen across both states can be a big help to them. Both agencies offer several methods of turning in poachers. And you can do so anonymously if you choose. And if you who witness someone poaching but don’t turn them in because you “don’t want to be a snitch,” then you are part of the problem.

Poachers are stealing from all honest sportsmen. And we should do our part to see to it that they’re punished.

As stated on the SCDNR website:

In May of 1999, one call to Operation Game Thief prompted a statewide investigation that identified over two hundred Natural Resources Laws violations. These unlawful acts included the illegal sale of freshwater gamefish, of saltwater fisheries products, possession and size limit violations, and others. DNR Officers seized over 1,300 pounds of natural resource products destined for illegal sale as a result of this one call.

Operation Game Thief is a program designed to allow you to get involved in the protection of your South Carolina natural resources. With the information and donations provided by concerned citizens, like yourself, Operation Game Thief assists DNR in the protection of South Carolina’s wildlife, fish, coastal, and other resources. Rewards of up to $500 are paid to persons providing information leading to the arrest of natural resource law violators. In addition to supporting the rewards system, donations to the program pay for the toll-free, round-the-clock telephone reporting system.

South Carolina’s Operation Game Thief offers sportsmen the option of calling 800-922-5431, texting from your mobile phone to 847411, submitting a tip through the SCDNR app (available on iTunes or Google Play), or by filling out a form on the SCDNR website.

As stated on the NCWRC website:

After the N.C. legislature’s inception of the Wildlife Poacher Reward Fund Rule, the NCWRC established the NC WILDTIP (Turn-In-Poachers) program as a silent witness, anti-poaching program that encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or knowledge about poaching violations.

The multi-optioned NC WILDTIP reporting system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The TIP Program pays rewards to persons who provide information that result in the arrest and conviction of persons who have committed certain wildlife offenses.

Rewards range from $100 to $1000 depending on the severity of the crime and the fines assessed by the court. Click here to see a complete list of eligible violations.

All tips will remain anonymous, however, to be eligible for the reward your name and contact information must be provided to NCWRC.

North Carolina’s WILDTIP program allows outdoorsmen to call 855-WILDTIP, text to WILDTIP, use the NCWRC app, or fill out the online form.