Ask a Game Warden: Report Wildlife Violations
It’s all part of the job.
This is Passport to Texas’ Ask a Game Warden
It’s officially fall hunting season in Texas. But what if you suspect someone of illegally harvesting wildlife?
If they see something they think is a violation, and they have the contact information readily available, contact your local game warden and let them know that [what you observed].
Lieutenant Lewis Rather is Operation Game Thief Coordinator for Texas Parks and Wildlife. If you don’t have your Game Warden’s contact information, then remember this number: 800.792.GAME. It’s the Operation Game Thief hotline.
It’s operated 24/7, and our dispatchers will take those calls and get them out to the game wardens immediately, electronically.
Callers remain anonymous. Before making the call, Lt. Rather says be prepared to provide as much information as possible about the incident. Remember: your safety is paramount.
If you have your phone available, and you can take a picture of the license plate number of the vehicle—take a clear picture of that. Maybe a picture of the violators, if you‘re at a safe location where you can do so. Also, a description of the violators; a good description of what the violation is you think. Where it’s located. And even a description and the color of the vehicle. And one of the most important things, if the vehicle is starting to leave, and you call Operation Game Thief with the information, give them a direction of travel and tell them when they left. And make sure you have a good cell phone number for the dispatcher, in case a game warden needs to call you and ask more questions.
If you spot a wildlife violation call 800.792.GAME. That’s 800.792.4263.
For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.
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