Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I recently submitted my controlled hunt applications for this fall. As the vendor was typing in my applications she asked if I would like $1.00 from each application to go to the CAP program. What is the CAP program, and what is the $1.00 used for?" Answer: The CAP, or Citizens Against Poaching, program is a non-profit corporation organized by sportsmen from around the state under the guidance of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The CAP program jointly with the Department helps with violation reports, routing information to conservation officers in the field, and paying rewards for information sufficient to issue a citation. Patterned after the New Mexico's "Operation Game Thief," Idaho's "Citizens Against Poaching" program was implemented in 1980. One method used to financially support the CAP Board's goals, in addition to donations from individuals, is the $1.00 check-off from the controlled hunt applications. Individuals applying for controlled hunts may allow $1.00 of their controlled hunt application to be ear-marked for the CAP program. The $1.00 donation is not an additional fee; it is subtracted from the original application fee. The controlled hunt fee check-off has been a major source of revenue for the CAP program over the years. In addition to rewards for information about fish and wildlife crimes, the CAP Board has also funded Citizen Against Poaching trailers attending many county fairs around the state. Each trailer highlights many local fish and wildlife poaching cases. The trailers also contain video, actual trophy mounts, and evidence confiscated from poachers during wildlife investigations. The CAP trailers on display at many county fairs have been popular attractions. If any sportsmen would like to report any suspicious fish and wildlife activity or a poaching incident, please call the CAP reporting number at 1-800-632-5999. If you have any further questions you may call the Magic Valley Regional Office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at (208)324-4350 or e-mail us at the Fish and Game web site at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.