COLUMBUS, OH - Ohioans wishing to contact the 1-800-WILDLIFE or Turn-In-A-Poacher (TIP) hotlines during the busy deer-gun season - Dec. 2 through 8 - can take advantage of increased call center hours being offered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
In a commitment to improving customer service, we are making it more convenient for hunters to reach us during our busiest time of year, the statewide deer-gun season, said ODNR Division of Wildlife Chief Mike Budzik.
Staff answering the 1-800-WILDLIFE (800-945-3543) will be available to give general information questions about hunting and trapping season regulations in addition to providing specific information about deer season.
Ohioans are encouraged to help enforce state wildlife laws by reporting alleged or known wildlife violations to the ODNR Division through the Wildlife TIP program.
Established in 1982, the TIP program allows Ohioans to call a toll free number from anywhere in the state to report wildlife violations. Calls can be placed anonymously at 1-800-POACHER (800-762-2437).
Callers are encouraged to leave a message during closed hours with as much information about the suspected violation as can be provided. Callers may be eligible to receive a cash award for information.
This past April, a total of $3,619 was awarded to 16 callers. Their information to the TIP hotline helped convict 50 wildlife poachers who were fined a total of $23,666 by Ohio courts.
For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at Ohiodnr.com
For Further Information Contact:
Eric Postell, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-1002
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882