Doug Leier: The importance of reporting all poachers

Doug Leier’s column argues that the public should report poaching rather than simply urge a game warden to “talk to them about it.” He recounts a call he received as a game warden from an elderly woman who saw a driver run over squirrels on purpose, illustrating how small-seeming incidents can be part of broader patterns involving misdemeanors and felonies over decades. Leier emphasizes that reporting is a way for concerned citizens, hunters, and anglers to stop future violations and keep enforcement effective. He cautions readers not to put themselves in harm’s way, and says not to delay reporting until the next contact with a warden. He cites North Dakota’s Game and Fish website (gf.nd.gov) and describes what information to include, including violation type, location, suspect details, vehicle information, date/time, and witnesses. The RAP program encourages tips and offers rewards ranging from $100 to $1,000 for convictions, allowing anonymous callers via a special code.