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Help Stop Poaching - Operation Game Thief

Poaching is a serious, costly crime which harms legitimate sportspersons, wildlife viewers, small business owners and taxpayers. If convicted, a person charged with poaching violations could face heavy fines and suspension of hunting and fishing licenses.
CPW officer with orphaned bear cub
Orphaned bear cub hangs on a fence at Wet Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation in Wetmore. The cub was orphaned in a suspected poaching incident.

What is Poaching?

Poaching is the illegal taking or possession of any game, fish or nongame wildlife. Poachers are criminals and should be dealt with as such. Poachers kill for the thrill of killing, to lash out at wildlife laws, or for profit. They kill wildlife any way, time and place they can. Poaching rings can be well organized and extremely profitable.

Signs of Poaching

  • Hunting out of season
  • Hunting at night using spotlights
  • Taking more than the legal limit.
  • The purchase of resident licenses by non-residents constitutes another violation that impacts wildlife management.

Help Stop Poaching

Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers two reward programs for individuals who report poaching. The reporting parties may not receive both a Turn In Poacher reward and a cash Operation Game Thief reward for the same incident. 

2,400

reports of poaching since 1981

700

convictions from reports

$600,000

in fines from convictions

$130,000

in rewards have been paid to citizens who reported suspected illegal activity

Report Poaching

    Turn in Poachers

    Turn In Poachers Program

    The Turn in Poachers program allows people who turn in poachers to receive preference points or even licenses in some cases. This program is only for reports of illegal take or possession or willful destruction of bear, deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, pronghorn or turkey.

    Rewards

    In order to be eligible for the license or point rewards, the reporting party must be willing to testify. In all cases the reporting party must otherwise be eligible to receive the license, including meeting hunter education requirements and not being under suspension.  

    • If a person reports a violation which results in a charge of illegal take or possession, they may receive preference points or an over the counter license.   
    • If a person reports a violation which results in a charge of willful destruction or the illegal take involves an animal that meets the trophy requirements of 33-6-109(3.4) (The Samson Law) then the person can receive a limited license for the same unit and species as the reported violation.  
    • If the case is dismissed, fine is paid or the suspect pleads guilty but the reporting party was willing to testify if necessary then they will still be eligible for the reward.
    Operation Game Thief

    Anonymously Report Poaching through Operation Game Thief

    Operation Game Thief is a Colorado Parks and Wildlife program that pays rewards to citizens who turn in poachers. Report poaching anonymously to Operation Game Thief. Callers do not have to reveal their names or testify in court.

    Rewards

    If a poacher is arrested or issued a citation on the basis of information provided by a caller, a reward is authorized. Rewards will be paid only if the informant states that a reward is desired prior to any investigation.

    • $500 is offered for information on cases involving big game or endangered species
    • $250 is offered for information on turkey
    • $100 for fishing and small game cases
    • The Board may approve rewards of up to $1,000 for flagrant cases.

    A Citizens Committee administers the reward fund, which is maintained by private contributions. Rewards can be paid in cash and the pay-off is arranged to protect the anonymity of the caller.

    Make a Report

    Make a Report

    ​You can help stop poaching. If you see a poaching incident, report it. Please specify which type of reward you are interested in (Operation Game Thief or Turn In Poachers). The reporting parties may not receive both a Turn in Poachers reward and a cash Operation Game Thief reward for the same incident. 

    Report by Phone

    Call us toll-free within Colorado at 1-877-COLO-OGT (Verizon cell phone users can dial #OGT)

    Report by Email

    [email protected]​​

    What to Include in Your Report

    Remember, try to get the information to us as soon as possible. When reporting a poaching incident, provide as much information as you can. Essential information includes:

    • The​ violation date and time
    • Location of the incident (as exact as possible) 
    • A description of the violation: number of shots heard, type of weapon, etc.
    • The number of suspects
    • Names and/or identifying features such as age, height, hair color, clothes, etc.
    • Vehicle description including type, year, color and license number 
    • ​If you know how a poached animal is being transported, or where it is being stored, tell us. 

    Support Operation Game Thief

    Operation Game Thief is successful, in part, because people like you get involved in the effort to protect wildlife. You can help by reporting poaching or by donating to the cause. Donations to help fund the rewards that citizens receive when reporting suspected illegal activity. Contribute today and help stop the harmful and costly practice of poaching in Colorado.

    Donate Today