AZGFD's Operation Game Thief program Issued 76 Citations In 2017

AZGFD's Operation Game Thief program says "Poachers are criminals." If you talk to any of the Arizona Game And Fish Department's wildlife managers, you're likely to hear that phrase repeated as they go about their work as part biologist, part law enforcement officer.

As part of their duties, the department's 97 wildlife managers work to investigate potential poaching cases to ensure that the state's most precious natural resource - its wildlife - is effectively managed so that future generations can enjoy the more than 800 species found in Arizona.

At the heart of the effort to eliminate and investigate poaching is the Arizona Game And Fish Department's Operation Game Thief program, a silent witness initiative that encourages the public to report information or suspicious activity.

Last year, more than 1,000 calls came into the Operation Game Thief hotline (1-800-352-0700) as well as 75 submissions via the online form. Those reports contributed to 76 citations being issued statewide for wildlife issues including the illegal take of big game, fishing violations and the unlawful killing of raptors.

"Poachers are thieves. They do not represent the hunting community, and the majority of the reports come from hunters and anglers who are out in the field and witness suspicious activity," said Scott Fischer, program manager for Operation Game Thief.

"The hunting community does a great job of policing itself. If you see something, say something. Together we can make a difference for Arizona's wildlife."

2017's top five reported violations were -

• 356 for the illegal take of big game (resulting in 55 of the 76 citations)

• 63 for fishing violations

• 59 for feeding wildlife

• 52 for the illegal take of raptors

• 52 for possession of restricted live wildlife