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IANRC NEWSLETTER 2011
President's Report
Col. Joel Wilkinson - Maine Warden Service
Col. Joel Wilkinson - Maine Warden Service
Hope this finds you well as we make our way into 2011! I am very excited that Maine is hosting the 2011 IANRC conference in Bar Harbor. As many of you know, we held the annual conference in Maine a few years back. This will be a different venue along the coast which we hope will expose you all to a different view of the state of Maine. This has been an extremely busy year for Maine Warden Service and I look forward to meeting with everyone and discussing each of your state's affairs from this past year.
TRAINING ISSUES
The Maine Warden Service is continuing to utilize Justice Planning Management Associates, which is an internet based company that provides managed on line courses for Maine law enforcement officers. The course content is developed in conjunction with the Maine Criminal Justice Academy's Board of Trustees to meet the minimum training standards for all state law enforcement officers for annual re-certification. This training has allowed us to provide consistent and timely training that meets the Board of Trustees mandated training while keeping training costs reasonable. In addition to our mandatory firearms and use of force training we provided training this year on police related shootings. The Chief of Investigations for the Maine Attorney Generals Office provided a comprehensive presentation regarding issues surrounding police related shootings that covered critical issues relating to use of force statutes, scene preservation, officer rights, supervisory issues and critical incident de-briefing for the shooters.
Our Game Warden Training Sergeant was recently integrated back into the field operations unit from the special services unit to provide us with additional field supervisory staff. The Game Warden Captain and his staff are now managing our entire training program. The Maine Criminal Justice Academy has provided us with an office located at the Criminal Justice Academy next to the State Police Training Unit. This has allowed us to have a more visible presence and is utilized by our training staff during advanced training academy's and in-service training. This additional presence has been a positive move and allowed us to be more proactive with educating the entire state law enforcement community regarding our unique law enforcement mission.
FUNDING AND STAFFING ISSUES
We were successful in moving a FY 2010-2011 budget through the Joint Standing Committee's of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Appropriations and Financial Affairs. This budget included a fee increase for resident and non-resident anglers, hunters and boaters on all major license and registrations. This increase allowed us to keep the current staff in our law enforcement agency without having to eliminate headcount through layoffs or attrition.
We are still working to re-structure our administrative staff to meet the demands and appropriate span of control necessary to efficiently and effectively manage an agency our size. Due to the current constitutional provision protecting our license and registration revenue, we fared much better than other agencies within the state.
We had five senior staff retire in very short notice this summer. 2 Game Wardens, 1 Game Warden Sergeant and 2 Game Warden Lieutenants elected to enroll in an early retirement incentive that was offered to all state employees.
MAJOR CONSERVATION LAW ENFORCEMENT TRENDS
The Maine Warden Service partnered with the Maine Marine Patrol and Maine State Police to develop an aggressive media campaign regarding operating under the influence. We were able to utilize our own staff from the Education and Information Division to develop a Public Service Announcement that was given air time on all major networks. This initiative was in support of our participation in NASBLA's Operation Dry Water weekend. All Game Wardens were authorized to work with overtime funding to fulfill a full complement of our law enforcement staff on Maine's inland waterways regarding this initiative.
The Warden Service has been training with other state public safety and emergency response agencies regarding statewide incident command and incident management. This includes our participation in the state's emergency operations center. Responses to natural disasters in addition to our statewide search and rescue responsibilities are an important agency priority in which we receive tremendous financial and public support.
UNIQUE CROSS BOUNDARY OR COOPERATIVE ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS
We are continuing our agreement with the United States Border Patrol regarding the recent Operation Stone garden enforcement grant award to the State of Maine. Chief Meliay of the United States Border Patrol has committed and initiated writing Maine Game Wardens into their operational plans for augmenting the law enforcement presence along the Maine, Quebec and New Brunswick border. Maine Game Wardens are providing additional law enforcement support by conducting their enforcement activities that meet our core mission along and near their areas in the border region.
While conducting their duties Maine Game Wardens report intelligence and provide an additional enforcement posture in those regions. The objective is to provide additional law enforcement presence in an effort to prevent or apprehend the entry of terrorists and weapons of mass effect, alien and contraband smugglers and to provide and share law enforcement intelligence in the region. This grant allows the Warden Service to increase staffing by providing overtime through this grant to staff in these regions at no cost to the State of Maine It is of great benefit to the Fish and Wildlife resources as we are putting more enforcement in the region on this grant. This initiative provides personal services, vehicle, ATV, snowmobile, minor equipment, lodging and meal expenses for all staff working in the region in addition to providing significant capital equipment to our efforts at no cost to the state.
The Maine Warden Service partnered with the Maine State Police, Maine Marine Patrol and Maine Forest Service to secure funding for a FLIR unit for one of our four fixed wing aircraft. We are currently in the process of procuring the FLIR and it will be based out of the Greenville Region where our Chief Pilot is stationed. This partnership will provide a much needed state asset to each agency's unique and primary enforcement mission.
We have continued our partnership with USFWS law enforcement staff and have worked on numerous criminal fish and wildlife investigations utilizing both overt and covert resources. These investigations have included lacey act violations in addition to commercialization issues and violations of our State and Federal Endangered Species Act. This close partnership and working relationship is a result of open honest communication and trust that has been built through investigative staff as well as managers within the two law enforcement agencies.
NEW INNOVATIONS IN CONSERVATION LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Maine Warden Service developed two additional specialty teams within the Bureau. The Maine Warden Service ERT (evidence response team) and FMT (forensic mapping team) were developed as result of need for the specialized training in specific disciplines that are crucial for our criminal investigations and search and rescue responsibilities. In addition to our Investigations Division these teams are deployed to all fatal related incidents that may result in prosecution. From hunting related shootings to watercraft fatalities we now are fully functional to meet mission needs without the delay or concerns regarding professional standards. The ERT is an associate member of the Maine State Police ERT and we train routinely together meeting IAI standards. Our Forensic Mapping Team utilizes several Leica Total Stations and Map Scenes Archer Data Collectors and works closely with the Maine State Police Traffic Crass Analysis Unit.
We formerly hired a Maine Warden Service Chaplain and integrated the position into our organizational chart. The Chaplain prior to this year was paid as a contract employee. The Chaplain is a part time intermittent position in the bureau and is added personnel to our law enforcement head count. We continue to utilize the Chaplain with our critical stress debriefing program to ensure staff is properly de-briefed and made aware of the issues resulting from the stress of our law enforcement work and the residual effects if we do not take care of ourselves and co-workers.
STATE, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES, LEGISLATION, LEGAL CHALLENGES AND COURT DECISION IMPACTING NATURAL RESOURCES LAW ENFORCEMENT
The first session of Maine's 124th Legislative Session was busy for the Law Enforcement Bureau. Colonel Joel Wilkinson prepared testimony on numerous bills that impacted the law enforcement operations. There were a total of 71 bills presented with 30 bills enacted.
Bills of significance included the de-listing of the Bald Eagle from Maine's endangered and threatened species list and the loss of Maine Game Wardens regulatory authority to stop and inspect all terrain vehicles without reasonable and articulable suspicion. There is currently a move to repeal this bill as the Maine Supreme Judicial Court ruled in support of the regulatory authority to stop All Terrain Vehicles without reasonable and articulable suspicion.
The Maine Warden Service has been authorized to submit legislation in the second session of the 124th Legislature for participation in the Wildlife Violators Compact.
COST SAVINGS INTIATIVES
The Maine Warden Service is nearing the end of a two year full automation project. From our records management system to our activity reporting and e-mail we have eliminated significant costs in mailing and duplication efforts relating to paper documents. This included the deployment of mobile data to all of our staff. This initiative is still a challenge and has required staff to be flexible, willing to change and looking forward. Partnering with the Maine State Police and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency allowed us to tackle this initiative while keeping overall development and maintenance costs down.
We continue to utilize our Aviation Division to reduce significant mileage of field staff by flying routine law enforcement patrols allowing field patrols to focus in on known activity eliminating the searching for the activity.
OTHER SPECIAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ISSUES
Maine Warden Service staff went through a Mission, Vision and Core Values process during the summer and fall of 2009. The work of staff was formally adopted and implemented into Bureau operations in January of 2009. This process was highly successful due to staff participation including a broad representation of rank, service time and regional staff from all regions of the State. Our Mission, Vision and Core Values are integrated into our policies, procedures and hiring processes.
The Maine Warden Service has researched and assessed the need for law enforcement staff being issued rifles. Colonel Wilkinson has approved and the Warden Service will be working with military surplus and the firearms team to provide rifles in addition to the shotgun that is currently issued. The procurement, training and certification process will take up to one year.
Colonel Joel Wilkinson has entered into an agreement with the Director of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy to provide a Game Warden as a member of the State Law Enforcement Cadre Staff for all Basic Law Enforcement Training Programs. This provides staff within the bureau additional career development opportunities while maintaining physical representation of the organization to all participants in the State's law enforcement training program. We are starting to have certified officers apply based on the professional representation of our organization and the impact our Game Warden had on them during their 18 week training program. Salary and benefits are paid by the Maine Warden Service in exchange for a $24,000.00 credit the agency receives at the academy for its training program. The Maine Criminal Justice Academy runs two basic law enforcement training programs annually.
We plan to bring some great speakers and training opportunities to you this summer at the 2011 conference, which will be held in Bar Harbor, Maine (more information to follow).
The 2011 IANRC conference will be held in Bar Harbor, Maine at the Bar Harbor Regency, see link below. The business meeting will start on Sunday July 10, 2011. The regular conference will start on the morning of July 11th and conclude on July 13th at midday. Three airports provide service to the area. We will be sending out a conference agenda very soon that will give everyone an idea of the presenters and events that are taking place.
Hotel Website - www.barharborregency.com
Airports -
* Logan International Airport (Boston, MA) - Approximately six-hour drive to Bar Harbor, Maine along the coast.
* Portland Jetport (Portland, ME) - Approximately four-hour drive to Bar Harbor, Maine.
* Bangor International Airport (Bangor, ME) - Approximately an hour drive to Bar Harbor, Maine.
Maine Warden Service
284 State Street, #41
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 547-5305
joel.wilkinson@maine.gov
Vice President Report
Ken Dinquel - Arizona Game and Fish Department
Ken Dinquel - Arizona Game and Fish Department
Greetings to you all of you from the desert-southwest. I will include my state report and VP report in this same article. I reported last year that Arizona and its economy were in turmoil due to the housing market collapse and subsequent ongoing recession. Our state's economy took, and continues take, a serious beating and recovery seems to be a ways off. Over the past two years state services have been slashed to unprecedented lows and state agencies have suffered tremendously under severe budget cuts, hiring freezes, furloughs, and layoffs.
On the bright side, our citizenry is resilient and inventive, and we have all embraced the hope that better days are ahead. There are recent signs and indicators that point to economic recovery and we are all optimistic that we will turn the corner in the near future. We are all realists, though, and we realize that full recovery will be a long, arduous process.
As for the Arizona Game and Fish Department in particular, we have (so far) survived the economic downturn pretty well, though we have still felt the impact. Our agency is self-funded through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and big game tags. Outside of some Federal tax dollars, we receive no general fund state tax revenues. That has helped our agency survive the economic downturn. Still, our agency is at the mercy of the State Legislature who approves our annual budget. We have just been released from a hiring freeze, and we are still coping with a Governor mandated 12 furlough days over two years for all state employees (six of which have already been taken), excluding Law Enforcement personnel. That breaks down to approximately 600 of 750 Arizona Game and Fish employees that have to take 12 mandatory days off without pay over the course of two years. On the side of hope, Governor Brewer has recently included in her 2011-12 budget proposals to eliminate the remaining six furlough days. We're still waiting to see how that rolls.
Even in economic downturns, people still like to hunt, fish, and generally enjoy wildlife. The public is still willing to purchase hunting and fishing licenses because, I believe, it is still a good value and that the sportsmen stand to "get something" out of the deal in the form of cheap recreation and the potential for meat in the freezer. Our license sales data seems to back this up as we are only down slightly on license sales. With all of those people still in the woods, you guessed it; we still have folks that don't follow the rules. Our Operation: Game Thief (OGT) hotline has been ringing off the hook and we are easily on par with 2009 statistics, and even up a little bit.
As a quick breakdown, here are our 2010 OGT statistics:
Phone reports: 992
Web Submitted (email): 55
Spanish Speaking Phone reports: 2
OGT Self-Reports (just started tracking these): 28
Of these reports, we have made over 50 arrests and paid 36 reporting parties $17,350 for information which led to an arrest. As an interesting side note, we paid an OGT Program record of $4,000 (plus an additional $2,000 donated by private groups) to an RP for the arrest and conviction of a subject who poached two desert bighorn sheep rams (Arizona's wildlife crown jewel) in May. This particular case generated an abundance of local media coverage.
Without boring you with too much statistical detail, the vast majority of calls were big game related, and a distant second was aquatic (fish) reports. The rest were a smattering of small game, migratory birds, illegal reptiles, non-game, and even some boating and OHV violations. Our web-submission reporting program is picking up steam because we are promoting the heck out of our OGT website (www.azgfd.gov/thief) on all of our promotional items, brochures, regulations, and press releases. One interesting note that I have discovered is that web-based reporting seems to be generating a majority of reports on internet wildlife crimes, and in particular, illegal commercialization of wildlife. Unlike our esteemed colleagues in Florida, Arizona does not have the resources to create an Internet Crimes Unit, but that is OK. We simply let the public (in part) be our internet crimes monitor. We have discovered that it is really easy for a person who is sitting at home surfing the web to discover a crime on Craig's List, e-bay, You Tube, Facebook, or any other of the myriad of hunting, fishing, or reptile forums, then "click" to our OGT website to report the crimes. This program is working really, REALLY well for us. I suggest that you look into a web-based reporting program, if your state or province does not already have one.
I know that a couple of state programs are utilizing the Tips-411 Program, but we do not feel that the program is value added to us right now. This is due to our agency having the luxury of having its own 24/7 dispatch center that is continuously monitoring OGT reports. With the advent of iPhones, BlackBerry's, and Android smart-phones that have internet access, RP's can text us an e-mail directly via the web to report a violation. Programs without their own dispatch center might benefit from the Tips-411Program, and you might look into it if you have not done so already.
Last year I reported that I had secured funding from Safari Club International for the acquisition of an OGT anti-poaching display trailer. I am happy to report that the trailer is up on wheels and the artwork is being completed as I write this for the outside graphics wrap. I should have some color pictures to share at this summers' IANRC meeting in Maine of the completed trailer.
I would like to give a little "teaser" for the upcoming annual 2012 IANRC meeting the summer after next. As you may know, I will be the IANRC President in 2012 after Joel Wilkinson from Maine finishes out his term. As such, Arizona is tasked with hosting the annual IANRC conference and I agreed to take on the task. At this past summers' meeting in Florida, Past President Curtis Brown suggested that the IANRC attempt to conjoin its annual conference with other natural resources conferences in order to bolster participation and to potentially reach a broader audience. Curtis's thoughts were that this idea could only help the IANRC organization become stronger over the long run. Curtis's idea did not fall on deaf ears.
In addition to being the VP for IANRC, I also happen to (currently) hold the VP position for the Arizona Game Rangers Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 71 (AGRL for short). AGRL has agreed to host the North American Enforcement Officers Association (NAWEOA) annual conference in Tucson, Arizona on the dates of July 19-23, 2012. As you are probably aware, NAWEOA is a large organization with a huge membership nationwide (www.naweoa.org). NAWEOA has established:
- Journal of Wildlife Law Enforcement (International Game Warden Magazine) to assist and educate Officers in investigative techniques involving wildlife law violations;
- Officer Memorial for those whose lives are lost in the line of duty;
- Memorial Fund for the families of Slain officers;
- Reward Fund to assist in the capture and prosecution of individuals who take the lives of conservation Officers in the United States and Canada;
- A Game Warden Museum in Peace Garden, North Dakota that shows the effect of the wildlife law enforcement profession and wildlife conservation
The annual NAWEOA conference is a very large event, indeed, with normal attendance of 500-600 Officers, family, and friends from the United States and Canada. The conference is organized to be family friendly with an abundance of scheduled activities for spouses and children alike. The theme of the NAWEOA conference is Arizona's Statehood Centennial, as the state will turn 100 years old in 2012.
I have decided to conjoin the IANRC conference with the NAWEOA conference in July of 2012. The two conferences will be a perfect fit for each other and the Arizona NAWEOA Conference Board of Directors is very excited to have IANRC participate. I don't have the exact details worked out yet, but I am leaning toward having the IANRC conference as a break-out session of the regular NAWEOA conference. More on that as things progress, and believe me when I say that we are working extremely hard on the NAWEOA conference at this time. This will be a big deal and a lot of people will take notice of the IANRC at this conference.
I'll throw out a few more tidbits about this conference. AGRL has already booked Lowes Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson. If you are reading this newsletter electronically click here, or Google: Lowes Ventana Canyon Resort, to take a tour of the resort. Lowes Ventana Canyon Resort is one of Arizona's premier five-star resorts. Through negotiations, AGRL has booked the entire resort for this conference at a special room rate for attendees. The room price will be comparable to prices paid at recent IANRC conferences.
It can be a little warm in Tucson this time of year, but not unbearable. On average, Tucson is typically 5-6 degrees lower in temperature than the Phoenix metro area. It is also the monsoon season in Tucson that time of year and we could experience some spectacular evening thunderstorms, which can cool things off dramatically. Attire will be shorts and golf shirts for sure. Speaking of golf, you will be at the heart of the golf Mecca in Tucson, and Lowes has its own course with special rates for conference attendees. If you have never been to Arizona, you will find that other major attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, are within easy striking distance from Tucson so you might consider staying in Arizona a few extra days to tour the state and see what we have to offer. I will give a further update on this conference at our annual IANRC Conference in Maine, this coming July.
That is about it for now and I hope to see you all in Maine this coming July!
Ken Dinquel
Operation Game Thief Program Manager, IANRC VP
Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 West Carefree Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000
O: (623) 236-7205
C: (602) 359-1661
e-mail: kdinquel@azgfd.gov
Regional Director Report - Northeastern States
Sgt. Chris Simmons - Maine Warden Service
Sgt. Chris Simmons - Maine Warden Service
Maine
This year we have had a few changes to Maine Operation Game Thief. First, we have recently lost a very dedicated OGT board member, Cap Campbell, to a massive heart attack. Cap went in for a bypass surgery, did very well, and was released early. The night that he went home, he suffered the fatal heart attack. Cap was a member of the OGT board from the beginning and will be sadly missed in Maine. Retired Warden Colonel Tim Peabody has been named the chair of the OGT Board of Directors.
This year, someone attempted to break into our "Wall of Shame" trailer in southern Maine. We found marks on the door of the trailer which came from a crow-bar type tool, but the perpetrators were unable to gain entry inside the trailer. We are glad to hear that Minnesota was able to recover all of their stolen items and mounts from their "Wall of Shame" trailer as well.
We are very excited to be hosting the 2011 IANRC Conference in Bar Harbor in July. We are hoping that everyone will be able to attend and bring their families to the coast of Maine for a short vacation. As we've stated many times already, we are hoping that as many family members can attend as possible. We are designing this conference to be family-oriented and we are planning to cater to family members while we are in the conference meetings. We have some good presentations lined up for the conference and you and your families will really enjoy the Acadia National Park region.
Vermont
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Inc. are continuing to fine tune Vermont's OGT program. 2010 brought many changes which will continue to be enhanced. The Orange County Sheriff's Department in Chelsea has agreed to be the primary call receiver and done an outstanding job of screening and forwarding complaints to the appropriate wardens. They received over 80 calls since October 1st and wardens were successful with responding to complaints and making arrests and/or using the calls to maintain intelligence for future investigations. Outreach Coordinator John Hall and Warden Chad Barrett produced a new PSA with the assistance of Vermont Public Television and were fortunate to have our local stations air the commercial repeatedly during prime time. Our online reporting option received more attention this year and with assistance from one of our new, tech savvy wardens, Jeff Whipple, we are exploring the possibility of developing other web based forms of information sharing. We're excited about officially being a member of IANRC and look forward to the Maine conference in July.
New York
"The budget crisis in NY continues to impact all state agencies and the NY Department of Environmental Conservation especially hard. We have gone from an agency of 3,800 to 2,900 employees in a matter of just a few years. The Division of Law Enforcement had to lay off nine employees, seven of them valuable support staff civilians and two sworn members (fortunately, they agreed to layoff because they were going to retire soon anyways).
In addition to layoffs, we are consolidating our two dispatch centers into one statewide dispatch center. Dispatcher layoffs are not expected, but some could simply not make the move of several hundred miles to the main dispatch center location in Albany.
The unfortunate turn of events that have created a rift between our Department of Environmental Conservation's Division of Law Enforcement and the board of TIPP DEC, Inc. continues. This ongoing issue began several years ago and revolves around their refusal to disclose their financial books. It has resulted in the discontinuation of any reward program for deserving citizens reporting poaching or polluting here in NY State.
On a brighter note, the Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) continues to receive many good tips through our TIPP DEC Hotline, which is answered 24/7/365 by DLE dispatchers. Last year we took just over 1,000 complaints on this dedicated line, with many others coming in via other law enforcement phone lines and e-mail. We have added an on line reporting form accessed from the DEC public website ( www.dec.ny.gov ). The reporting form was created by taking the best parts from existing forms that other states already use - we thank you for many good ideas. Our TIPP program now receives complaints via phone, e-mail and the online form.
I recently had a demonstration of the TIP411 program that allows tipsters to text a tip in. While NY will not be implementing it in the near future, it was an interesting system and I would encourage any other states to at least get a demonstration of it's use.
Lt. Eric Tupaj
Communications Lt.
NYS Environmental Conservation Police
625 Broadway
Albany NY 12233
(518) 402-8817 (w)/(518) 461-3647 (c)
Regional Director Report - Mid-Western States
Mark Rankin - Kansas Dept of Wildlife & Parks
Mark Rankin - Kansas Dept of Wildlife & Parks
South Dakota
The 2009-2010 Turn In Poachers year represented South Dakota's 25th anniversary in the program. What began in 1984 as a concern over some poached elk in the Black Hills has turned into a vibrant program that has become an integral part of our law enforcement effort. While the 2009 number were down from 2008, the program generated a 379 case, 83 arrests or citations, $13,068 in fines and $7,000 in civil damages. Violators were sentenced to 445 days in jail and tipsters were rewarded with $5,525. Again, compared to other years, cases and arrests were down; but, when we look at the history of the program, the results in South Dakota have been impressive. During that time; calls from concerned citizens have generated over 9,500 investigations, produced over 3,000 arrests, generated over $600,000 in fines and have contributed to almost one half million dollars in civil damages. During 25 years we have paid almost a quarter million dollars in rewards; but, honestly, millions more dollars could have been paid out; but, most people provide information more out of ethics, morality and environmental concern than a desire for a few dollars. The program continues to be a success and utilized by our sportsmen and community members.
One effort that continues to be a positive part of the TIPs program is our traveling trailer. Officers from around the state hauled the trailer from corner to corner of the state, using it to educate everyone from school children to Sportsmen's Groups. While people are interested in seeing cases that have been made, it is also a way to educate people on ethics and sportsmanship as well as introduce some people to the diversity of wildlife we have in our state.
Money received through donations came in from a variety of sources (from a check-off on hunting licenses to court-ordered “donations”); but, one thing that we noticed was that high-profile cases can generate a lot of response, very quickly. A moose poaching case in the Black Hills prompted thousands of dollars to be donated in a matter of weeks. Then, almost a year and a half later, another $5,000 donation was added to the pot. We have been very successful in generating revenue; it would be great if we could be as successful in generating actual tips that would lead to an arrest!
The past year also saw a renovation of our state's website with the TIPs page getting a facelift as well. In addition to some factual information, we now have the ability to highlight some of our more high-profile cases. If you are interested in checking it out, you can link up with us at: http://gfp.sd.gov/agency/law-enforcement/turn-in-poachers.aspx.
One final thought. In the opening paragraph I alluded to the fact that our numbers were down in 2009. When you think about it; isn't that the whole purpose of the program? Our goal isn't to generate numbers; it's to reduce poaching. We will never have any idea how many poachers didn't illegally take an animal because of the TIPs program; but, if we were able to stop one person from violating the law, the program is a success. No, we will never eliminate crime; but, if our programs can serve as a reduction in the number of poachers (or at least send them underground where they are harder to spot) haven't we accomplished one of the goals we set out in the beginning of our programs?
Keep up the good work, we are making a difference!
Charlie Wharton, TIPs Coordinator
20641 South Dakota Highway 1806
Fort Pierre, SD 57532
Phone: 605.223.7664
Email: charlie.wharton@state.sd.us
Regional Director Report - Western States
Bob Thompson - Colorado Division of Wildlife
Bob Thompson - Colorado Division of Wildlife
Colorado
OGT
In 2010 OGT generated a total of 788 reports. This is down from the record high of 942 from 2009. Of those total reports 433 were for big game violations; 123 reports for fishing violations; 1 report for licensing violations; 64 reports for small game violations; 47 reports for waterfowl violations; 22 reports for nongame violations; 8 reports for threatened/endangered species; and 90 reports classified as other. These 788 reports ended, to date, with 29 citations being issued to individuals. In 2010 OGT paid a total of 22 rewards totaling $11,000.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Operation Game Thief (OGT) is a Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) program which pays rewards to citizens who turn in poachers. You can call toll-free at 1-877-COLO-OGT (1-877-265-6648); Verizon cell phone users can dial #OGT; or contact by email at game.thief@state.co.us.
Callers do not have to reveal their names or testify in court. A reward of $500 is offered for information on cases involving big game or endangered species, while $250 is offered for information on turkey and $100 for fishing or small game cases. A citizens committee administers the reward fund, which is maintained by private contributions. The Board may approve rewards for higher dollar amounts for flagrant cases. Rewards are paid for information which leads to an arrest or a citation being issued.
OGT is a nonprofit, 501-(3) (c) organization registered with the Colorado Secretary of State. It is governed by a seven-person civilian board along with a CDOW employee that is assigned to administer the program. The OGT Board members are Pat Carlow, Grand Junction; Richard Hess, Colbran; Gerhart Stengel, Hotchkiss; Bruce McDowell, Longmont; Bryan Leck, Canon City; Jerry Claassen, Grand Lake and Brent Nations from Craig. These men all donate their time. Bob Thompson, Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement, assumed the role of OGT Administrator in 2006. The Board and the administrator meet at least once a year to discuss OGT business.
In an effort to encourage more people to use the hotline to report poachers, OGT continues to distribute brochures, static cling stickers, and advertise through the media. OGT also provides two trailers that travel to sports shows, county fairs and other wildlife venues to inform and educate the public about the existence of OGT. The OGT educational trailers are 8' by 16' Haulmark trailers with two “concession” doors on one side. The trailers are outfitted with items seized by wildlife officers, including such items as hides, antlers, skulls, the cross bow that killed Samson, a picture of Samson when he was alive and other similar items. CDOW brochures are also available and a TV/VCR will play CDOW videos. One of the OGT trailers was redone with a custom vinyl wrap on the outside and the other one is planned for 2011.
Poaching is the illegal taking or possession of any game, fish or nongame wildlife. Poachers do not confine their killing only to game animals. Threatened, endangered and nongame wildlife show up in the poacher's bag as well. No one knows the exact figures, but studies indicate poachers may kill almost as many animals and fish as legitimate hunters take during legal seasons. Hunting out of season or at night using spotlights or taking more than their legal limit are obvious signs of poaching. Non-residents buying resident licenses are violations that also impacts wildlife management.
Poaching is surrounded by romantic myths which just aren't true. Poachers are not poor people trying to feed their families. In fact, putting food on the table is one of the least common motives for poaching. Poachers kill for the thrill of killing, to lash out at wildlife laws, or for profit. They kill wildlife any way, time and place they can. Poaching rings can be well organized and extremely profitable. In a nutshell, poachers are criminals and should be dealt with as criminals.
In the entire state there are just over 200 Colorado Wildlife Officers so wildlife needs your eyes and ears to report known or suspected violations. Poaching is a serious and costly crime. It robs legitimate sportsmen of game and fish, robs businesses and taxpayers of revenues generated by hunting and fishing, and robs all of us of a valuable natural resource—our wildlife. Operation Game Thief is strong stuff, but the crime of poaching is serious enough to merit it.
Calls on the Operation Game Thief hotline are taken by contract dispatchers. All information about the poaching incident is taken and the caller is assigned a code number. The information is evaluated by the law enforcement personnel. Investigations are begun immediately and must follow the same rules and constitutional guidelines as any law enforcement investigation. If a poacher is arrested or issued a citation on the basis of information provided by a caller, a reward is authorized. Rewards can be paid in cash and payoff is arranged to protect the anonymity of the caller. Rewards will be paid only if the informant states that a reward is desired prior to any investigation.
People who turn in poachers may also receive preference points or even licenses in some cases. Find out more from the Turn in Poachers (TIP) program. Actually, most wildlife enthusiasts don't want a reward—they just want the criminals stopped!
You can help stop poaching. If you see a poaching incident, report it. Look at it this way: if you saw someone breaking into your neighbor's house, would you just stand by and watch? Of course not; you would report it. Poaching is a crime against you, your neighbor, and everyone else in state of Colorado. Call toll-free at 1-877-COLO-OGT (1-877-265-6648); Verizon cell phone users can dial #OGT; or contact by email at game.thief@state.co.us.
Provide all the information you can. The violation date and time; as exact a location as possible; a description of the violation; number of shots heard; type of weapon, etc; the number of suspects; names and/or identifying features such as age, height, hair color, clothes, etc; a vehicle description including type, year, color and license number. Include any other information you think may be pertinent to the case. If you know how a poached animal is being transported, or where it is being stored, tell us about it. Remember; try to get the information to us as soon as possible. Any delay may mean the bad guys may not be caught!
You can also help by contributing to the reward fund which makes the program possible. Make checks out to Operation Game Thief and send your tax deductible contribution to: Operation Game Thief, c/o Division of Wildlife, 6060 Broadway, Denver CO 80216. Remember, the reward fund depends on your contributions. With your help, something can and will be done about poaching. With the help of citizens, OGT will continue to try to help wildlife officers protect and manage the wildlife resources of the state of Colorado.
TIPS
The TIPS reward program is set up through Wildlife Commission regulations to award licenses and preference points to eligible persons that report illegal take or possession or willful destruction of big game or turkey. In 2010 there was four TIPS rewards given with one over-the counter elk license, one limited elk license, one preference point for deer, and one limited bighorn sheep license for the 2011 archery season.
The Turn in Poachers (TIP) program began September 1st, 2004. This program allows people who turn in poachers to receive preference points or even licenses in some cases. This program was created in addition to the existing Operation Game Thief (OGT) program.
The TIP program applies only to reports of illegal take or possession or willful destruction of Big Game or Turkey.
In order to be eligible for the license or point rewards the reporting party must be willing to testify which is in contrast to OGT which will pay rewards even to anonymous parties.
The basics, with some special restrictions for very limited units, are:
- If a person reports a violation which results in a charge of illegal take or possession, they may receive preference points or an over the counter license.
- If a person reports a violation which results in a charge of willful destruction or the illegal take involves an animal that meets the trophy requirements of 33-6-109(3.4), C.R.S. (The Samson Law) then the person can receive a limited license for the same unit and species as the reported violation.
- In all cases the reporting party must otherwise be eligible to receive the license, including meeting hunter education requirements and not being under suspension. The reporting parties may not receive both a TIP reward and a cash OGT reward for the same incident.
- If the case is dismissed, fine paid or the suspect pleads guilty but the reporting party was willing to testify if necessary then they will still be eligible for the reward.
Bob Thompson
Assistant Chief of Law Enforcement
Colorado Division of Wildlife
6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216
(303) 291-7342
bob.thompson@state.co.us
Idaho
As reported last year All West continues to provide Citizen's Against Poaching outstanding service. Annual statistics remain reasonably static with approximately 350 cases generated resulting in 180 citations and $20,500 paid in rewards. CAP is working with All West on a project that reports crimes through use of the internet and e-mail. Presently reports can be made through Idaho Fish and Games public website. Once the report is made an e-mail is generated and sent to an our Enforcement Bureau where it may sit over night or through a weekend or holiday before receiving attention. With All West the e-mails will receive more immediate attention and if urgent it will be redirected immediately. Also, we are exploring the use of texting to report poaching.
CAP continues to pursue avenues to spread their message. CAP can now be followed on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Citizens-Against-Poaching/136539993034008) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/idahoCAP). We also have three trailers displaying poached fish and wildlife that are used at many public venues.
Looking forward to seeing everybody this summer. Take care.
Chris Wright
Assistant Chief - Law Enforcement
P.O. Box 25
Boise Idaho 83707
1-208-287-2759 - Office
1-208-559-8845 - Cell
cwright@idfg.idaho.gov
Montana
First, I would like to apologize for not being able to attend last year's IANRC convention, restraints made it impossible for out of state travel, I understand I missed a good one. Hopefully I will be permitted to travel this year and look forward to seeing familiar faces, you all do a great job representing our natural resources. Here it is January 2011 and Montana still has damage hunts going on in several areas of the state for deer, elk and antelope. It seems as if there is always a season in progress throughout the year, sometimes making it difficult for the public to decipher activities that are legal vs. illegal. Not to mention activities such as shed hunting (no license required). Deer are beginning to shed their antlers and the anticipation of elk dropping theirs creates potential violations, mainly trespassing issues, in some areas this is becoming a problem. To sum it up the calls continue to come in daily.
Last year TIP-MONT began tracking illegal activities through an Illegal Activity box used on our ALX, ALS (Automated License System). The box allows outside vendors selling Montana licenses (Wall- Mart, Sportsman's Warehouse, Montana Sports, etc.) to flag the account if the vendor suspects illegal activity, for example someone trying to buy a resident license by using an out of state Drivers License for ID. Once the vendor has checked this box, TIP-MONT is automatically notified via electronically generated report in real time. After the report is generated our office staff will assign the tip to the appropriate officer. Last year the ALS program generated approximately 120 tips, resulting in many violations. This is a tool I highly recommend other states use.
Montana's TIP-MONT program continues to grow yet another year; I keep thinking we have peaked out however, the numbers suggest we are not there yet. From 1985-2005 the yearly average was approximately 1300 calls, TIP-MONT calls from 2008-2010 average over 2000 calls annually. The overall quality of the calls has improved as the general public has become more educated resulting in better information. With 2000 calls pouring in you can imagine the convictions being handed out.
Montana is currently looking into the possibility of using new technology with cell phones. As many of you are already aware of there is a program called Tip411. This technology allows the reporting party to text a tip directly to our office without calling the hotline, keeping the RP completely anonymous. I am aware of only a few states using this program to report wildlife violations and am very interested to hear from any of you that are, what better venue than IANRC. If your state is currently signed up for this service and you have any feedback from this program please contact me, I have many questions to address before I take on a program such as this.
In closing I want to thank everyone for the support given to Montana over the past year. IANRC is truly a great resource.
Brian Shinn
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks
TIP-MONT/License Fraud Coordinator
406-227-7490
bshinn@mt.gov
New Mexico
LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF GAME & FISH
- Investigates suspected crimes, conducts undercover operations, provides expert testimony, serves arrest and search warrants and conducts patrols.
- Manages license revocations and property forfeitures.
- Manages the Operation Game Thief program that pays rewards for information of wildlife crimes.
- Provides specialized law enforcement training to Department staff.
- Provides information on state and federal regulations, special use permits and enforcement programs.
- Maintains a database on violation reports, citations, license revocations, case reports and violation rates.
- Issues special use permits.
- Registers guides and outfitters.
The Department has approximately 90 conservation officers who are certified peace officers. Of those, approximately 60 work full-time in the field, patrolling the state's vast areas of public and private lands, checking hunters and anglers for compliance with fish and wildlife laws, and working with landowners and others who deal with wildlife issues.
The division continually monitors the success of wildlife law enforcement to best-meet public expectations and enforcement challenges, including commercial-scale violations.
Citations - Conservation Officers made more than 57,868 contacts in the field, checking licenses and patrolling public lands, streams, and lakes. Officers logged approximately 35,754 hours in the field and issued 2,100 citations or criminal complaints for various wildlife-related violations, including 577 penalty assessments and 269 Court citations for fishing without a license.
Revocations - The Department collected $34,100 in fines from 577 penalty assessments, and $2,100 in Parental Responsibility Act reinstatement fees. The State Game Commission revoked the hunting, fishing and/or trapping privileges of 947 violators who accumulated 20 or more violation points (including failure to pay penalty assessments), and 227 people who failed to comply with the Parental Responsibility Act. The Commission suspended five outfitters for failing to carry the required $500,000 of commercial liability insurance.
Operation Game Thief - Tips from the public led to 183 new poaching investigations during fiscal year 2009-2010. Those tips resulted in 130 completed cases, 64 charges filed, 28 convictions and $4,180 in fines. The Department paid $7,000 in rewards and the program received $16,243 in donations.
Special Use Permits - The Department issued 541 permits and received $34,903 in revenue from people receiving special use permits. Permits were issued for wildlife importation, Class A lakes, Class A parks, falconry, field trials, fur dealers, game bird propagation, group fishing, protected mammal permits, shooting preserves, wildlife rehabilitation centers and zoos.
Outfitter and Guide Registration - From July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010, 276 outfitters generated approximately $139,000 in registration fees; almost a 4% increase from the prior year. Guide registration totaled 1290 individuals which generated approximately $90,000; almost a 9% increase from the prior year. The increase in both outfitter and guide registration were due to new applicants. Renewing guide applications was on a significant decline this year but the amount of new guide applications was the largest increase ever. Approximately $229,000 in registration fees were added to the Department's Game Protection fund.
Utah
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources UTiP Hotline has seen significant change in the past 12 months. Some of the change has been positive and some not.
Some of you may be aware that we contracted call-taking responsibility to a private vendor in 2008. We had established a strong relationship with the vendor, and the quality of service was very good. However, in 2010 we were compelled by our state purchasing entity to put the contract out to competitive bid. In short, we are again in training mode and struggling to meet our quality of service expectations. Another major update with our UTiP program has been the implementation of a web-based computer aided dispatch (CAD) application. The software designates a prioritized call-down list for dispatchers, based upon the violation location. Call details are piped into mobile computers in patrol vehicles. As an administrator, I appreciate the fact that it also requires that a report be filed on each TiP call before the incident can be cleared from the CAD screen……but I obviously appreciate that function more than the patrol staff.
Lastly, we are now fully staffed for the first time in my career. This won't be the case for long as we are under a soft hiring freeze, but we'll enjoy the situation while we can. I haven't had much time to focus on our TiP program this past year, but look forward to giving it some much needed attention now that we have positions filled and a more manageable workload.
I hope to see everyone in Maine.
Best Wishes,
Tony Wood
Utah Department of Natural Resources
Division of Wildlife Resources
1594 W. North Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Email: tonywood@utah.gov
Wyoming
Most of our 2010 statistics are not yet available.
During 2009 a change in phone systems at our dispatch system caused tracking problems with the number of stop poaching calls received. Statistically the number of stop poaching cases appears to be down in 2009 but on the other hand the fines paid were the 6th highest since the 1980 program inception and rewards paid were the 10th highest.
Our web submission portion of the program is in its 5th year and the number of submissions, although still small at 77, has more than tripled since the first year. Relocating the Stop Poaching link to the WGFD home page, including the URL on all regulations (along with the phone number), and using the URL on some of our promotional items have all helped with increasing the number of web submissions.
We are in the process of publishing a small paperback of interesting and high profile adjudicated cases. These books have been very popular in the past. They are only published every 5-10 years.
We are in the FY12 budgeting process and budgets remain tight. The budget target set for this year is a zero percent increase over last year. Despite that, I have asked for both a membership to IANRC and to add a text option to our program.
Carol Havlik
Wildlife Law Enforcement Coordinator
3030 Energy Lane
Casper, WY 82604
307.233.6413
Carol.Havlik@wgf.state.wy.us
Regional Director - Southeast States
Mike England - Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Mike England - Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Greetings from the South,
Georgia DNR is celebrating it's 100 year anniversary this year and it is amazing looking back at what we started with in 1911. Georgia Game & Fish was the first state law enforcement agency. We had 148 wardens that made $3 a day plus 75% of all fine money they collected. Our TIP's program in Georgia was not formed until the late 1980's. Even with TIP's, we have made progress in promoting our program and catching poachers. Make sure your agency keeps up with technology and new ideas. Attend the IANRC conference and be a part of the "Network".
We are excited to travel back to Maine this year for the International Association of Natural Resource Crimestoppers annual conference. This is a great time for the Southeastern States to attend this conference in July, to escape the heat of south. In 2006, Maine hosted the IANRC in Portland. We learned a lot about the New England states and Maine has a great OGT program with a very nice Wall of Shame Trailer. I know several SE states are working on trailers and this is a great place to get information.
Each state is experiencing budget cuts and especially restrictions for out of state travel. Some states are looking to their TIP or OGT boards to pay travel expenses in order to attend the annual conference. It is well worth their investment to send a representative to be a part of IANRC. Remember to advise your local TIP's program they can join IANRC as an associate member. Georgia TIP's Inc. is an associate member and I encourage you to promote your states organizations that fight against poaching.
The IANRC conference is a great place to share information and learn new ideas to promote your Turn In Poachers program. I know with turnovers all across the nation, we have new faces working in their TIP or OGT offices. We are all fighting poaching issues in our states and it seems the economy has not slowed it down.
It is important to network with your bordering states to develop that working relationship. I will be contacting all the Southeastern States and encouraging them to attend this year's conference. I can promise you that everyone has something to contribute and you will learn something new.
Remember there is no need to re-invent the wheel, come and see what other states are doing to promote their program, exchange new ideas and network.
For more information about the International Association of Natural Resources Crimestoppers, visit our website at, www.ianrc.org
Let's get geared up now and get ready for Bar Harbor this July.
See you in Maine.
Captain Mike England
Georgia DNR Law Enforcement
2065 US Hwy 278, SE
Social Circle, GA 30025
IANRC Financial Report
Candy Henderson, Executive Secretary
Candy Henderson, Executive Secretary
Despite the economy, the Association's membership increased to 40 states and provinces and 3 associate members in 2010. This is the largest membership in the Association's history. In 2011, the good state of Vermont is joining the Association for the first time. Welcome Vermont! The support of our associate members is also greatly appreciated. They include: Eyes in the Woods Association, Inc, (Washington); Turn In Poachers, Inc. (Georgia); the U.S. Humane Society; and Citizens Against Poaching, Inc. (Idaho).
Jim Solomon formed the Poacher Chronicles ten years ago in Arizona, through the cooperation of Rob Young (Ret.) the Operation Game Thief Director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Jim has developed a website, www.poacherchronicles.com to allow wildlife law enforcement agencies (at no cost to them) the opportunity to log on to and EXPOSE poachers on the site along with pictures, solved and unsolved cases, website address, emails, and poacher hotline numbers.
Poacher Chronicles outerwear can be purchased through two different stores, one located on the www.xplortheoutdoors.com site or the www.poacherchronicles.com site. A portion of the sales of the outerwear will go to purchasing body armor for wildlife law enforcement officers through the International Association of Natural Resource Crimestopper's Organization. Thank you Jim for this awesome opportunity to give back to our conservation officers!
IANRC conferences provide an excellent opportunity to exchange information with other anti-poaching and law enforcement program managers across North America. I encourage all non-participating states and provinces to check us out and I hope to see you in Bar Harbor, Maine in July.
Candy Henderson, IANRC Executive Secretary
Chief of Operations
Georgia Dept of Natural Resources
Historic Preservation Division
254 Washington Street, SW
Atlanta, GA 30334
Work: (404) 651-5180
Blackberry: (404) 276-0287
candy.henderson@dnr.state.ga.us