Ohio’s 'Turn-in-a-Poacher' program provides rewards

Hotline number now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

COLUMBUS, OH- Eight Ohioans recently received a combined $2,420 in rewards for reporting wildlife violations to the Turn-In-a-Poacher (TIP) hotline, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. As a result of these calls, 31 people were convicted of poaching wildlife, including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, and fined a total of $20,621 by Ohio courts.

The TIP program encourages individuals to anonymously report wildlife violations by calling 1-800-POACHER (800-762-2437). This number is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tips can also be sent via the Internet at ohiotip.com.

Since the program began in 1982, more than $128,993 has been awarded to callers who provided vital information about state wildlife violations. Those calls helped lead to the arrest and conviction of 1,560 poachers and the collection of $623,381 in fines and an additional $169,654 in restitution.

The average TIP call results in the conviction of two wildlife violators and a fine of $674 for those convicted, according to Division of Wildlife records. For each dollar paid in rewards, $6.20 has been returned to the Division of Wildlife for management and enforcement.

Turn In a Poacher Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation that oversees the payment of rewards from calls generated from the public to 1-800 POACHER, which is administered through the Division of Wildlife. Program volunteers, representing the state’s five wildlife districts, meet on a regular basis to review tips received and determine award amounts based on the corporation's bylaws.

Ohio’s TIP program continues to help curtail wildlife violations across the state. Citizens can help, not only by providing tips, but also by making a donation to the reward fund. Donations can be addressed to: TIP Headquarters, ODNR Division of Wildlife, 2045 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com.