Georgia game wardens need help to stop poachers

SOCIAL CIRCLE, GA — Now that firearms season for deer is underway, the Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division is requesting additional help from the public to stop poaching and other illegal hunting activities this season by utilizing the Ranger Hotline.

The daily focus of Georgia’s Game Wardens is to make sure everyone is hunting safely and legally, and who better to assist in this effort than Georgia citizens, who appreciate the state’s natural resources and want to stop those that illegally take wildlife.

Every year, a very small percentage of observed hunting violations are reported. DNR Law Enforcement wants that to change.

“We are enlisting all the citizens of Georgia with the Ranger Hotline Program,” says GA DNR Law Enforcement Director Col. Eddie Henderson. “If you see a poacher or any illegal hunting activity in progress, call the hotline number or send an email and report it. You can remain anonymous and if your tip leads to an arrest, you get a cash reward for certain violations. It’s as simple as that.”

The program is housed at The Georgia Natural Resources Foundation, which is a 501c3 organization. Therefore, anyone who would like to make a tax-deductible donation to support this worthwhile program can visit http:// gadnrle.org/ranger-hotline or send an email to the Ranger Hotline address.

Poaching is essentially stealing wildlife that belongs to all citizens and taking away their recreational opportunities, like hunting, fishing or wildlife watching.

For In-Progress Violations, call Ranger Hotline at 1-800-241-4113 or email RangerHotline@dnr.ga.gov.

For non In-Progress Violation tips, call your Region Office, Region I for Northwest GA at 770-529-2424.