September 22, 2014

The Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) issued during August over $5200 in Operation GameWatch Rewards to Alabama residents who provided the critical information that led to the arrest and conviction of multiple poachers in Alabama.
 
Thanks to the informants and anonymous tips, conservation enforcement officers obtained convictions on more than 60 charges involving 22 different individuals. Combined, fines and court costs imposed through these convictions totaled over $30,000. Convictions were obtained for a variety of illegal activities including night hunting, hunting from a public road, hunting private property without permission, baiting, hunting from a vehicle and hunting during closed season.
 
“The hunting ranks are dominated by law abiding citizens that detest poachers. It is impressive when citizens step forward, most of them hunters themselves, and help put poachers and game law violators in their place.  Poachers are not hunters.” stated Tim L. Gothard, Executive Director of the Alabama Wildlife Federation.
 
In one case that yielded a $1,000 Operation GameWatch Reward, the informant not only provided the initial tip, they also signed witness statements even though he was known by the perpetrators.  Another $1,000 reward was issued to an informant that provided multiple tips that led to twenty-six (26) separate convictions, and $20,000 plus in fines.  In another night hunting case that yielded a $750 Operation GameWatch Reward, DNA testing of deer tissue was used to prosecute an individual for hunting without permission and hunting without a license. A $500 reward was issued for multiple tips that led to four (4) individuals being convicted of hunting without permission; hunting from a vehicle; night hunting and hunting during closed season. All of these Operation GameWatch Rewards were issued to citizen informants who had no knowledge that they would be considered for these rewards.  They provided the tips because it was the right thing to do.
 
Horace Horn, AWF President noted that, “August, 2014 proved to be rewarding for those informants willing to report violators, as well as a great month for hunters, anglers, private landowners, and conservation law enforcement.  The seven (7) different Operation GameWatch Rewards totaling over $5200 will help serve as an incentive for citizens to report violators and a deterrent to poaching and game law violations.”
 
Operation GameWatch is a program of the Alabama Wildlife Federation that sponsors a 24-hour toll free hotline (1-800-272-GAME) for reporting game law violations.  The hotline goes directly to the Law Enforcement Section of the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.  Citizens providing critical information that makes the difference in the arrest and conviction of poachers and game and fish law violators are eligible for rewards of up to $2,500.00 while remaining completely anonymous.
 
The Alabama Wildlife Federation, established by sportsmen in 1935, is the state’s oldest and largest citizens’ conservation organization.  The mission of the AWF, a 501(c) 3 non-profit group supported by membership dues and donations, is to promote conservation and wise use of Alabama’s wildlife and related natural resources as a basis for economic and social prosperity.  To learn more about AWF, including membership details, programs and projects, contact AWF at 1-800-822-WILD or visit www.alabamawildlife.org.