Hunters can help stop a game thief by designating a dollar to Idaho’s Citizens Against Poaching (CAP) program when applying for controlled hunts this spring.
When hunters agree to designate $1 to CAP, they’ll simply redirect that dollar and their application fee remains the same.
CAP does not receive any funding from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, so a one dollar donation is critical to the CAP poaching hotline.
CAP is a non-profit citizen organization, managed by a volunteer board, who work in cooperation with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. CAP has a 24-hour hotline where citizens can report wildlife crimes, and remain anonymous if they choose. Callers may also receive a reward.
The CAP hotline received 1,236 calls from citizens reporting suspected Fish and Game violations in 2017. These concerned citizens were paid $31,300 in reward money.
“Donations provide funding for rewards,” said Chris Wright, Fish and Game assistant enforcement chief. “You will simply be directing that dollar to be used by Citizens Against Poaching, but your controlled hunt application fee will remain the same.”
CAP calls are vital to helping Fish and Game's Conservation Officers catch poachers, as was the case in a recent conviction of two men who illegally killed several elk.
Citizens who witness fish and game violations are encouraged to call the CAP hotline number at 1-800-632-5999, call any law enforcement authority, or report online at https://idfg.idaho.gov/poacher.