If you witness or suspect a wildlife violation in the state of New Jersey, you can report it 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling the NJ OPERATION GAME THIEF (NJ-OGT) HOTLINE at 855-OGT-TIPS (855-648-8477). This is the main number to use in New Jersey for reporting hunting, fishing and trapping violations.
NJ-OGT is sponsored by New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs in cooperation with New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and is closely patterned after a highly successful program started in New Mexico in 1977. New Mexico’s OGT program was modeled after the original crime stoppers program initiated by the Albuquerque, NM Police Department. Some form of the OGT program has been adopted in 49 of 50 states.
Report violations promptly…the quicker the information is received the better the chances for an arrest. When you call provide all information that you can, including:
- Description of violation.
- Violation date and time.
- Location of violation; as exact as you can.
- Names, addresses, ages of suspected individuals along with height, hair color and clothing.
- Number of suspects.
- Vehicle/Boat description with license and/or registration number.
- Where contraband is stored.
- How contraband was transported.
The more information you can provide and the more specific you can be, the better the chances for an apprehension. As a participant of NJ-OGT, your identity is fully protected and you can remain anonymous. Anonymous callers will be assigned a unique reference number and will be instructed how to call back for updates on the investigation. If you leave your name and call back information, a Conservation Officer will be able to update you with the results of the investigation.
In Delaware, anglers are encouraged to report fish, wildlife, and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580 or through the DENRP Tip app on a smartphone, which can be downloaded free of charge by searching “DENRP Tip” via the Google Play Store or the iTunes App Store.
Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030, going online to www.de.gov/ogt, or using the DENRP Tip app. Verizon customers can connect to Operation Game Theft directly by dialing #OGT.
