As summer comes to an end and hunting seasons ramp-up, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is asking citizens to make the call to the Turn In Poachers (TIPs) hotline if they observe illegal hunting, fishing or trapping activity. ͞
During the annual reporting period from July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018, the TIPs program resulted in 261 investigations leading to 146 arrests, $31,000 in fines and $57,400 in liquidated civil damages,͟said GFP conservation officer specialist Joe Keeton. ͞Although the number of TIPs calls declined from the previous year, the number of arrests was the highest in program history.͟
The TIPs program began in 1984, and since that time, citizens have generated 11,919 investigations that have led to 4,327 arrests.
If you witness any questionable activity, contact your local state wildlife agency.
(Photo source: Flickr.com)