AGFC encourages to talk or text, just turn poachers in

Since the passage of Arkansas Amendment 75, the 1/8 cent conservation sales tax to take care of and maintain projects within the state park system, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission says they make it a priority to increase the amount of enforcement in every county of the Natural State. During hunting season AGFC says they utilize those resources to catch illegal poachers, however they still rely on the public’s help.Anyone who witnesses a wildlife violation is encouraged to call the AGFC via telephone at 800-482-9262 to turn the violator in. If someone doesn’t want to talk over the phone, they still can report a violation anonymously, using the AGFC’s Text a Tip service. To send the anonymous tip via text message, text “AGFC,” followed by the tip to TIP411 (847411).

CitizenObserver, the TIP411 provider, uses technology to remove all identifying information before the AGFC receives the text so the AGFC cannot identify the sender.

Each county has at least two officers assigned to patrol its woods and waters, and officers work together to target heavily used areas during certain times of the year. But with all the added men and women, the AGFC has only 180 wildlife officers when at full staff.

With only 180 wildlife officers to cover more than 3.4 million acres of hunting and fishing area in Arkansas, the deck may seem stacked in favor of poachers. With the help of concerned sportsmen and sportswomen who care about Arkansas’s natural resources, the AGFC continues to make a strong statement to people who try to skirt the law and ignore wildlife regulations.

The AGFC’s radio room is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to receive calls about poaching. Tipsters can inform a local officer, who will get back in touch with the contact.

Sources can remain anonymous and rewards of up to $1,000 are offered for information leading to the arrest of some violators.

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