75th Celebration: 1980- Make the Call

It all started in 1980 when Idaho Fish and Game's director, Jerry Conley, contacted a few active sportsmen about something he'd seen in another state - a citizen's group organized to combat the poaching of wildlife. The concept was simple. Create a toll free number for concerned citizens to report fish and wildlife crimes. This information would be directed to conservation officers to investigate. The call could be anonymous and callers might receive a reward if a citation was issued. The sportsmen took this idea and created what is now known as Citizens Against Poaching. Citizen's Against Poaching's toll free phone line receives approximately 650 violation calls per year, which have led to approximately 175 citations being issued and $20,000 in rewards paid annually. These numbers add up over time. Since CAP was established nearly 21,500 violation calls have come in, 5800 citations have been served and $660,000 in rewards paid out. Citizen's Against Poaching is a small organization that is making a difference. You can help, so please Make the Call!! 1-800-632-5999 To learn more about Citizens Against Poaching and other 75th Celebration stories, go to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/75th