Citizens can help end poaching

Indiana Conservation Officers are encouraging citizens to partner with the Turn in a Poacher (TIP) program and become active in putting an end to poaching.

TIP is a non-profit organization that originated in 1983 for the purpose of paying rewards to promote public involvement and assistance to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement effort.

TIP is administered by a citizens advisory board consisting of members that represent many different sportsmen organizations.

"Concerned citizens are the main reason why Indiana TIP has been successful in fighting against poaching and bringing justice to those who violate Fish and Wildlife laws," TIP citizens advisory board President Joe Cales said. "Poaching affects us all."

Since 2011 TIP has received 1,388 tips and has paid $13,100 in rewards for tips that have led to the arrest of a suspect.

TIP was instrumental in funding the beginning of the nationally recognized K-9 resource protection program for the Indiana DNR Law Enforcement Division.

"The Turn in a Poacher organization and its members continue to be a great supporter of the mission of the DNR Law Enforcement Division," Director Danny East said. "Our success is greatly increased by the support of our citizens and sportsmen organizations."

To report Fish and Wildlife violations and remain anonymous citizens are encouraged to use the TIP line by calling 1-800-TIP-IDNR.