Indiana residents encouraged to help stop poaching

Monday, October 7, 2024 at 5:39 PM

By Staff report

Indiana Conservation Officers encourage Hoosiers to help the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) put an end to poaching by reporting potential violations to Turn In a Poacher, Inc. (TIP).

TIP is a nonprofit conservation organization that partners with DNR to protect fish and wildlife resources by increasing public support and involvement in bringing violators to justice.

A poacher is a thief who illegally steals wildlife that belongs to all Hoosiers. DNR manages wildlife for everyone, and every person can help TIP support DNR efforts by reporting potential violations at 1-800-TIP-IDNR (800-847-4367) or tip.IN.gov. Doing so will help conserve wildlife for future generations.

Call TIP if you see, hear, or learn about poaching or another violation regarding fish and wildlife. If your “TIP” leads to an arrest, you may receive as much as a $500 reward, or you can remain anonymous if you choose. In 2023, TIP received nearly 900 tips and paid thousands of dollars in rewards for tips that have led to the arrest of a suspect.

“Concerned and vigilant citizens are the key reason why the Indiana TIP program has been successful in fighting against poaching and bringing those who violate fish and wildlife laws to justice,” said Col. Steve Hunter, director of DNR Law Enforcement. “Poaching affects us all.”