OHIO WILDLIFE Hot lines open longer hours during deer seasons

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR
Ohioans seeking information about the upcoming white-tailed deer hunting season and those seeking to report violations of Ohio wildlife laws can take advantage of extended call center hours.
Staff will be available to answer 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) calls from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Ohioans are encouraged to help enforce state wildlife laws by reporting wildlife violations to the division's Turn-In-a-Poacher (TIP) hotline at 1-800-POACHER (762-2437). Established in 1982, the TIP program allows Ohioans to anonymously call toll free from anywhere in the state to report wildlife violations. You may also submit TIPS online.
When open
The 1-800-POACHER hotline will open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. through the final day of the deer season Sunday.
Callers or may be eligible to receive a cash award for information and are encouraged to leave a message during closed hours with as much information about the suspected violation as can be provided.
Wildlife violations and illegal activities may also be reported online.
Those who observe wildlife violations should record the information on the TIP form available at www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/Contact/TIPform.htm, and then submit it electronically via e-mail.
TIP information can also be mailed to: TIP Headquarters, Division of Wildlife, 1840 Belcher Drive, Columbus, Ohio, 43224-1300.
DOW officials stressed that all information used in the TIP program remains confidential. Every effort is made to protect the informant's privacy no matter what method is use to contact the state.