10/03/05
Call TIPs And Help Stop A Poacher
PIERRE – With some of South Dakota’s hunting seasons open and others soon opening, people are reminded that anyone who witnesses a violation of South Dakota’s wildlife laws should help stop wildlife poachers by calling the Turn In Poachers (TIPs) hotline at 1-800- 592-5522.
The call is toll-free, and callers can remain anonymous. Cash rewards will be paid upon arrest of a violator. It may be the biggest call a person ever makes.
"TIPs accomplishes many things," said Andy Alban, Game, Fish and Parks coordinator of South Dakota’s Turn In Poachers (TIPs) program. "Most importantly, it helps to stop wildlife poachers. However, another important function of an active anti-poaching hotline is that it can discourage potential violators. With today’s technology, anyone can quickly contact a wildlife law enforcement officer, and poachers have to think twice before breaking the law."
When a person calls TIPs, it is important to have as much information as possible on the violation and the person or people committing it. Descriptions of people, a vehicle, license numbers and precise details on the violation itself are all helpful.
Below, is the latest TIPs summary:
TIPs Summary - July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005
 | 522 INVESTIGATIONS |
| 178 ARRESTS |
Dispositions:
 | $43,257 fines |
| $1,750 civil penalties |
| 931 days of jail (497 suspended) |
| $5,700 REWARDS PAID |
Program Totals 1984 – June 30, 2005
| 7,242 INVESTIGATIONS |
| 2,496 ARRESTS |
Dispositions:
| $480,546 fines |
| $311,193 civil penalties |
| 25,068 days of jail (23,242 suspended) |
| 2,204 hours of community service |
| $90,855 REWARDS PAID |
-GFP-
Click Here To Return To The Previous Page
