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Please note: E-mail will only be read during
regular business hours, between 8:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m, Monday - Friday.
On-going violations
Violations needing immediate response
should be phoned in to ensure prompt response.
Weekends, holidays, and after hours
To report in-process violations on weekends, holidays,
and after hours, call your local State Patrol
office. Reports are confidential and are forwarded
to a Fish and Wildlife Officer for investigation.
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The Washington State Department of Fish
and Wildlife, Enforcement Program encourages any citizen
who witnesses a fish and wildlife offense to report
the violation.
Individuals that witness and would like to report a
violation, can call toll-free 1-877-933-9847, or you
can report the violation by using the on-line reporting
form. You always have the choice to remain anonymous
when reporting.
Reward Program
Violator information that leads to a conviction, could
be eligible for a cash reward (up to $500), or hunting
bonus points (up to 10 points). Hunting bonus points
give you a better chance for the special permit season.
Basically, "poaching" is the illegal taking or possession
of game, non-game, protected, threatened, or endangered
species. In order to understand the fish/game laws of
this state, please familiarize yourself with the hunting
and fishing regulations
posted on the WDFW website.
Hunting deer/elk with the aid of spotlight, closed
season, closed area, possessing over the legal limits
of fish/wildlife, or the killing of protected and endangered
animals are just a few examples.
Poaching has a direct affect on all of us that follow
the rules. For example, poaching diminishes current
and future populations thus reducing hunting/fishing
opportunities for us and our children, and deprives
local businesses of revenues.
It is not known exactly how much poachers take, but
it's estimated they can illegally take just as much
as legitimate hunters/fishers do during regular seasons.
If you believe you have just witnessed a fish/wildlife
violation, try and record all the necessary information:
- Auto license number, make, model, year, description
of vehicle (poor shape, off-road vehicle, camper shell,
etc.).
- Person that committed the violation (race, sex,
color of hair, build), name, and address (if available).
- Type of violation, when/where did it occur, or species.
Bottom line is that poaching steals the opportunity
from the rest of us that follow the rules and regulations.
Currently, Fish and Wildlife Officers cannot apprehend
all violators. However, with the help from the hunting/fishing
community, we can make a difference.
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