Game and Fish Still Seeks Poaching Information

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking information from the public about poaching crimes this fall. The help received from people in the state is extremely beneficial in solving crimes against the state’s wildlife.

“Through the Stop Poaching tip line and through direct communication with wardens, Wyoming hunters, anglers and people who recreate in the outdoors are valuable sources of information for the Game and Fish Department in many ways,” said Brian Nesvik, WGFD chief game warden. “We appreciate the help and know we couldn’t do our jobs without this partnership.”

Game and Fish’s increased outreach on poaching incidents has raised questions as to whether there has been an increase in poaching cases. While poaching report figures for 2014 are not yet available, it is believed by the Game and Fish that there is not an increase in poaching this year.

“So far in 2014, we have had several incidents that we need help from the public to solve, so we have been more active seeking tips,” Nesvik said. “We are also using additional ways to communicate, like social media and direct emails to the public. I think it is more noticeable that we are looking for assistance and that is good news. In past years, several of these poaching incidents were successfully prosecuted and probably would have gone unsolved without the public’s help.”

Wyoming Game and Fish asks that anyone with information about potential wildlife crimes, even if it is second hand, to please call the Stop Poaching Hotline at (877) WGFD-TIP or text keyword WGFD and message to TIP411 or report the violation online.

Anyone who reports a poaching incident may be eligible for a cash reward through the Wyoming Wildlife Protectors Association.