Colorado Operation Game Thief and TIP programs

elks96 · Dec 8, 2016

So in Colorado we have 2 programs. Operation Game Thief that will reward anonymous reporters with money for turning in illegal wildlife activities.

Then there is the TIP (Turn In Poachers) program which is separate program. In this program witnesses or tipsters are able to earn preference points or even a license in exchange for turning in illegal activity if you are willing to sign a witness statement and testify.

I put this out there as recently I helped on a case where I am currently being asked to provide witness statements and testimony if needed.

In all accounts I will have no issue doing either. I have already typed up my witness statement and am waiting on the official form and have clearly stated that I am willing to testify. I actually never knew anything about the TIP program and thought we only had the Operation Game Thief. Since being a witness to this particular issue, I have since learned about the TIP program and was curious if anyone else has went through the process?

It seems like a great incentive to make a very strong case for the officers. In all honesty I highly doubt there will be testimony involved as we all know they plea bargain alot.

In my case I never even considered any reward, was just pissed that someone else was not following the law and was in fact illegally harvesting game. I will share my story with all when everything is settled.

Has anyone else been in a similar case?

Chacoblue777 · Dec 8, 2016

Good information to be aware of. Thanks

Elkduds · Dec 9, 2016

96, it is absolutely the right thing to do. I have notified DWMs in the field of people violating game laws, never gave a thought to whether it would benefit me personally. If it did I wouldn't say no.

LEOs can't be everywhere in a big, busy hunting state like CO. They need us all to be eyes & ears. Every poaching arrest I read about includes the fact that LEOs got info from civilians that contributed to building the case. If a violation occurs on USFS or BLM, you can call the nearest agency office and they MAY enforce. USFS has asked me to take pics/videos of illegal offroad use, camping violations, etc, and I do.

Deerlove · Dec 9, 2016

LAST EDITED ON Dec-09-16 AT 12:43PM (MST)[p]96 Co sent me $500 this fall. I had a guy Californian build a rifle below me during the muzzy hunt. He pops a buck and dissembled his rifle. Long story short I turned him in. I could of gotten a muzzy tag, but I took the $.

elks96 · Dec 10, 2016

>LAST EDITED ON Dec-09-16
>AT 12:43?PM (MST)
>
>96 Co sent me $500
>this fall. I had
>a guy Californian build a
>rifle below me during the
>muzzy hunt. He pops a
>buck and dissembled his rifle.
> Long story short
>I turned him in. I
>could of gotten a muzzy
>tag, but I took the
>$.

Cool I am glad they caught the guy and you got a reward.

Deerlove · Dec 10, 2016

They wouldn't tell me how big a fine he got, but they took the deer, gun and meat. He just wrote a check on the spot.

ColoradoOak · Dec 10, 2016

The TIPS program also gives you the option of receiving a preference point for the species of your choice.

stalker · Dec 13, 2016

Elks,
I have participated in the TIPS program and did receive a license. As I recall it took over a year to actually get the tag. Great program in my opinion.

elks96 · Dec 13, 2016

>Elks,
>I have participated in the TIPS
>program and did receive a
>license. As I recall it
>took over a year to
>actually get the tag. Great
>program in my opinion.

I just spoke with the officer. They have to wait until the case is closed. Then once the case is closed they will process the paperwork etc.

stalker · Dec 14, 2016

Elks,
If this case is in Garfield county the CPW will have to get the lazy DA to take the case which in the past hasn't worked well. It almost seems like they don't care about game violations.
Best of luck to you and keep us informed.

elks96 · Dec 14, 2016

LAST EDITED ON Dec-14-16 AT 12:25PM (MST)[p]>Elks,
>If this case is in Garfield
>county the CPW will have
>to get the lazy DA
>to take the case which
>in the past hasn't worked
>well. It almost seems like
>they don't care about game
>violations.
>Best of luck to you and
>keep us informed.

HAHA! I hate the DA in Garfield County and am celebrating that she has been sent packing. I could go into many examples where she is a complete waste. But will refrain. Luckily this occurred in Moffat County. I do know that the Moffat County DA is typically pretty harsh on Wild Life Violations since it is "Elk Hunting Capital of the World".

I do wish they nailed the guys poaching the deer here by Rifle High School. We lost 2 really good bucks due to poaching.

WoodsD9 · Dec 15, 2016

Elks, was the case you helped out on the case that was in the craig paper just a few weeks ago? The big bull that got killed out of unit 2?

elks96 · Dec 15, 2016

>Elks, was the case you helped
>out on the case that
>was in the craig paper
>just a few weeks ago?
> The big bull that
>got killed out of unit
>2?

No I wished as I would love that tag as a reward. I just reported my case to the officers on the day after Thanksgiving. At least 2 tickets were written and odds are the person will just pay the fines and take the points.

dirtygrass · Dec 16, 2016

A couple years ago I saw a known bear poacher flying around in a helicopter and landing during 2nd rifle season. Thought it was suspicious so I called the DOW. Pretty sure they never even looked into it, when I followed up they wouldn't take my calls or return calls. Not a lot of faith anymore.

elks96 · Dec 16, 2016

Who exactly did you call? I never call anyone but the state patrol. I have called several times and always have had an officer call me back in 20 minutes and then they head my way as soon as they know where I am!

I find that calling the offices does not seem to work as well!

colorfulife · Dec 23, 2016

I am very proud of you guys.

Please don't get discouraged by anyone who takes game poaching not seriously.

Fubarracin · Jan 2, 2017

Always try to get the wardens direct phone number, I've not always been able to get there direct number but when that happens any Warden in the state will take the call and the local Warden will call you back very quickly.