The Pennsylvania Game Commission has established a "Turn-In-a-Poacher" program to strengthen the Commonwealth's efforts to apprehend people who are suspected of killing threatened or endangered species or multiple big game animals. The program encourages citizen involvement by offering a reward to callers who provide "tips" that lead to the prosecution of an individual(s) who kills endangered or threatened species or unlawfully take multiple big game animals (white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey and elk). You can get involved by either calling a toll-free-telephone number - 1-888-PGC-8001 - or filling out a "TIP" Reporting Form.
The TIP program was authorized by the General Assembly as part of a legislative package to deter crimes against wildlife. The act authorizes the Game Commission to increase by $200 fines against individuals convicted of killing threatened or endangered species or unlawfully taking multiple big game animals. That money is then placed in a special fund from which $100 will be used to pay the individual providing the "tip," and the remainder is used to help offset the costs of running the TIP program.
{Just Do It} Calls to the TIP telephone number are always answered by a secure recording device. Tips submitted using the new on-line reporting system will be delivered electronically to a special email account in the agency's Bureau of Wildlife Protection. Access to the recording device and e-mail account is limited to ensure confidentiality and program integrity. Both methods of reporting are available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
People who provide "tips" can choose to remain completely anonymous, particularly if you're not interested in a reward for your efforts to help wildlife and fight criminal activity against it. But if you would like to claim a reward you're entitled to, you'll have to provide a way for the agency to let you know that your information led to the successful prosecution of the accused individual and that the reward is yours.
Information about other crimes against wildlife - the illegal harvest of a single deer, bear or elk, crimes on state game lands, etc. - is still of great interest to the Game Commission, but should be reported to the appropriate agency Region Office serving the county in which the violation(s) occurred. Remember, every time another individual gets involved with reporting crimes against wildlife and wild places, Pennsylvania's great outdoors improves.