OPERATION GAME THIEF CALL TOLL FREE 1 (800) 222-0456 IT'S CONFIDENTIAL!

The Operation Game Thief phone number should be used only to report violations.

For all other law enforcement questions or information please write or call the main office or regional office nearest you. See our Contact Us page for contact information.

Law enforcement agencies do their best, but without the cooperation of the public their efforts cannot fully control the disregard some people have for our natural resources.

Involving YOU is what Operation Game Thief is all about. This program, sponsored by the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs in close cooperation with the Division of Fish and Wildlife, seeks to enlist the help of all segments of the public in cracking down on wildlife crime.

You can make a difference and you can also be paid for your efforts.

Operation Game Thief, which is closely patterned after a very successful program in New Mexico offers rewards of up to $200 to persons who report certain types of wildlife crimes. The rewards are paid if the report results in the issuance of a summons.

Anonymity is guaranteed if desired. You are fully protected because no one, not even the person you speak with need ever know your name or address. Rewards are paid confidentially also.

OPERATION GAME THIEF CATEGORIES

1. Commercial exploitation of New Jersey's wildlife resources, including deer, striped bass, shellfish from condemned waters, undersized lobsters, fluke, crab pots, etc.
2. Flagrant violations concerning pheasants, trout, and other freshwater fish, ducks, quail, etc., including over limit netting and trapping, and the use of illegal traps.
3. Pollution of wildlife habitat.
4. Illegal dumping on state lands.
5. Negligent use of firearms, including the destruction of signs.
6. The illegal taking of deer, bear, bobcat, turkey and endangered species.

A minimum reward of $25 will be paid to informants for reporting violations in the above categories which result in a citation being issued. Rewards may be substantially higher depending upon the seriousness of the violation.

A minimum reward of $100 will be paid for the report of violations relating to deer poaching, illegal trapping and the taking of endangered species.

If you see or are aware of a violation, call the toll-free number 1-800-222-0456 and give as much information as possible.

If you desire to remain anonymous you will be assigned a code number of your own choosing. You will be told when to call back to find out the result of your tip. If your information leads to the issuance of a citation, you are eligible for a reward. Arrangements will be made for payment. (Law enforcement officers are not eligible for rewards.)

No one, not even the person you speak with on the phone needs to know your identity. Rewards payments can be made in untraceable bank money orders or in cash and delivered to you as per your instructions. YOU ARE FULLY PROTECTED.

The person who commits wildlife crime for whatever reason is a crook, a thief and a cheat who robs us all of not only our precious wildlife, but also our tax and license dollars. That person cheats us of our outdoor recreation and threatens future generations with diminished wildlife resources.

Help us help you. Don't make excuses for wildlife crime and don't tolerate poaching or other illegal activities among your hunting, fishing, or hiking companions. Report violations and help conserve our wildlife for others to enjoy while at the same time helping yourself.

The more information you can supply and the more specific you can be, the better the chances for apprehending the violator. Here are some things to look for:

• Names, addresses, age(s) of suspects, along with as complete a description as possible.
• Vehicle description and license plate number.
• Type of violation - be specific - when and where it occurred.
• Where is the contraband stored? How was it transported?
• Report violations as promptly as possible. The quicker the information is received, the better the chances for an arrest.

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