If you witness or suspect a wildlife violation, call the NJ Operation Game Thief Hotline (NJ-OGT) at 855-OGT-TIPS.
The hotline is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week for reporting hunting, fishing and trapping violations in the state of New Jersey. Those calling the number to report a possible violation may remain anonymous, but may also be considered for a reward.
Poaching is described by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) as “the illegal taking of wildlife, game or fish, trespassing while taking wildlife, littering or the employment of any means to gain an unfair advantage over other users of the state’s precious wildlife resources.” The DFW also notes, “Poaching can take a toll on fish and wildlife resources and poses problems for outdoor sportsmen and conservationists.”
NJ-OGT is sponsored by New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs in cooperation with DFW, and is closely patterned after a highly successful program started in New Mexico in 1977. Some form of the OGT program has been adopted in 49 of 50 states.
Save the 855-OGT-TIPS in your cellphone in case of emergency; should you witness a possible violation for hunting or violation, provide all the 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 was contraband transported.
- Number of Shots heard.
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.
To contact a DFW law enforcement office, or for other wildlife-related information or questions, refer to the Contact Us page at njfishandwildlife.org.
