Operation Game Thief

By Jeff Berti
With falling temperatures and shorter days, many animals become active around this time of year. Unfortunately, many poachers also become active. Most people don’t realize that poachers are thieves and can be dangerous. In Missouri, as well as other states, poaching is a serious problem. Poaching is a generic term used to identify all wildlife violators. Whether it is failing to tag a deer, shooting from the road or taking an over-limit of wildlife, it is all considered poaching. Although it is my primary responsibility, I cannot catch every wildlife violator in the county. That is why the Operation Game Thief program was developed.
Operation Game Thief is financed by the Conservation Federation of Missouri in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Conservation. It is a nonprofit organization aimed at protecting all wildlife in Missouri, including the rare and endangered species. The goal of the program is to expose and catch poachers by providing a statewide, toll free hotline and cash rewards.
If you see or hear of a violation, gather as much information as you can safely obtain. Remember, most poachers are armed with high powered firearms and may be under the influence of alcohol. So, many times, a confrontation is not the best strategy. All that is needed is a license plate number and a description of the violation. Any other information is helpful, but don’t put yourself in harm’s way in order to obtain it. After you gather the information, call your local conservation agent or the Operation Game Thief hotline as soon as possible. Please don’t wait to call. The longer you wait, the better the chances are for the poacher to get away with the crime. In Grundy County, you can call me at 660-654-2677 or the statewide hotline at 1-800-392-1111.
As an agent, I have come to realize that many people are afraid to “rat” on another person because they fear retaliation. They think that poachers will return to their property and cause more harm if they find out who turned them in. With the Operation Game Thief hotline, the caller can remain completely anonymous and still receive a reward if an arrest is made from the information. Believe it or not, we have had wives turn in husbands and mothers turn in sons, without their poaching relatives ever knowing. The system is effective and reliable.
I know that many of you may have friends and relatives that violate the wildlife code. You get mad when they do it, but most of you turn your backs and decide not to “make waves.” You think that it is better to ignore the violation and keep peace within the family. If you are one of these people, then you are not much better than the poachers. Although it is not a punishable crime to turn your back, it is almost as bad. If you continue to ignore the violations, then they will continue to violate. Take advantage of the system, and put an end to the poaching once and for all.
Another twist was added to the fight against poaching. The Department of Conservation recognized that most hunters and motorists carry cellular phones with them. To make it easier for concerned hunters and citizens to turn in poachers, the Operation Game Thief hotline can be speed dialed using cellular phones by dialing *OGT.
Without cooperation from concerned citizens, my job would be several times more difficult. However, as long as there are people out there that enjoy wildlife and want to protect it, then I will have help catching poachers. Just remember, poaching will not stop until violators are afraid to trust anyone with their secret. Please, give us a call!