Information led to 72 apprehensions and 385 written offenses, LDWF says
Information called in to Louisiana Operation Game Thief — a wildlife crime-stoppers program — awarded $16,800 to tipsters in 2015.
According to a news release from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Operation Game Thief board reviewed 43 cases in 2015, and 72 subjects were apprehended as a result, with a total of 385 offenses written.
Cases reviewed included 27 related to deer, three for migratory game birds, seven for turkeys, three for commercial fish and one for alligator.
Anyone wishing to report wildlife or fisheries violations can anonymously call LDWF’s 24-hour toll free Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-442-2511, or utilize LDWF’s new tip411 program.
To use the tip411 program, tipsters can text LADWF and their tip to 847411 or download the “LADWF Tips” iPhone and Android apps from the iTunes or Google Play store free of charge. Texting or downloading the app enables the public to send anonymous tips to LDWF and lets LDWF respond back, creating a two-way anonymous chat.
Users of the app or texters can also send in photos to help support their claim and be used as evidence. CitizenObserver, the tip411 provider, uses technology that removes all identifying information before LDWF receives the text so that LDWF cannot identify the sender.
LOGT was instituted in 1984 and provides cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of violators of fish and wildlife regulations. Funds are raised through private donations, court-directed contributions and through contributions from cooperative endeavor agreements with organizations such as the National Wild Turkey Federation and Quality Deer Management Association.
The LOGT has paid out a total of $375,700 since inception in 1984, the release states. To make a donation to the LOGT that can be used for cash rewards, please contact Lt. Will Roberts by email here.
