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Wildlife violators beware: the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has a new Stop Poaching tip line designed to help crack down on illegal hunting and fishing activities in the state. The new number, (877) WGFD-TIP will handle wildlife violation tips in a more efficient manner.
"We wanted a new number that was easy to remember so hunters and anglers out in the field could report violations immediately," explains Mike Choma, the department’s wildlife law enforcement supervisor.
The (877) WGFD-TIP number has been active for several weeks, but the old number will remain active for a while as well, to ensure no violator goes unreported.
The Stop Poaching tip line has proven helpful at catching those who would choose to circumvent Wyoming’s wildlife regulations. In 2006, 563 tips were reported through the tip line. Based on these tips, the Game and Fish issued citations to 68 defendants and closed 65 cases, resulting in $73,450 dollars in fines paid by violators. More than $2,800 in rewards was paid to reporters using the Stop Poaching tip line. Informants can remain anonymous.
In addition to wildlife crimes, citizens and are encouraged to report illegal transportation or introduction of fish.
"Some unethical anglers want to fish their favorite fishing hole and catch their favorite species, regardless if the water is suitable for that species or not," explains Pete Cavalli, a fisheries biologist in Pinedale.
Last year, the Game and Fish discovered that burbot, an eel-like fish that is native to the Big Horn and Tongue River drainages in northern Wyoming, were illegally introduced into the waters west of the Continental divide.
"Our concern here is two-fold," says Cavalli. "First, our native fish (trout, whitefish and nongame species) in the Green and New Fork River drainages will have to compete with juvenile burbot for food and space, and then also avoid being eaten by larger burbot."
Choma encourages all citizens to be alert and gather as much specific information about the violation as possible. "Try to document the date, time, location and specific nature of the violation," says Choma. "Call 877-WGFD-TIP to report the incident. Include a physical description of the suspected violator or include contact information if possible, as well as a license plate number and description of any vehicles involved in the incident."
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