MADISON – Citizens, hunters and anglers are important partners in protecting our natural resources. They help by assisting Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources conservation wardens learn of and investigate wildlife law violations. However, there are things a person should and shouldn’t do at a potential crime scene to assure personal safety and to avoid hindering an investigation.
“The most important bit of advice we can give is to pay attention to your personal safety,” said Conservation Warden Tim Lawhern, DNR hunter education administrator. “Observe and report but don’t confront the violator. Confronting suspected violators in the backcountry could be dangerous. Also, once warned, the violator is likely to leave the scene, making it more difficult to find them for any follow-up investigation.”
Lawhern says that any easily identifiable information is useful such as back tag numbers, clothing or equipment descriptions, or vehicle make, color, model and license plate numbers for instance. Or, if there is an ATV, snowmobile or watercraft involved, a registration number from the equipment. If you are leaving the site of the violation, clear directions or -- even better -- GPS coordinates marking the scene of the violation are all valuable.
“The best approach is to observe and note what you can but avoid contact with a violator and avoid disturbing anything,” advises Lawhern. “Leave the scene and call the hotline, 1-800-TIP-WDNR as soon as possible with the details. Taking notes, writing things down as soon as possible will help with accuracy.”
The Tip Line, 1-800-TIP-WDNR is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Individuals witnessing or suspecting a violation should call as soon as possible. Violations can also be reported to the DNR’s information line 1-888-936-7463 between 7a.m. and 10p.m. any day of the week.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Lawhern, hunter safety administrator, 608-266-1317
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