Oregon Increases Cash Rewards for Turning in Poachers; Now Includes Illegally Snagging Fish, Releasing Invasive Species, and Others
From Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:
Salem, Ore. Feb. 4, 2025 — Rewards doubled to $400 for people who report certain illegal fishing offenses which lead to an arrest or citation in Oregon.
The Oregon Hunters Association (OHA), Coastal Conservation Association of Oregon (CCA Oregon), and The Association of Northwest Steelheaders (ANWS) partnered to fund the cash reward increase. Cash rewards encourage people to participate in the conservation of Oregon fish and wildlife by calling the Turn In Poachers (TIP) Line if they suspect poaching. Reporting parties may remain anonymous.
The nonprofits expanded the reward program to include violations like snagging or attempting to snag. Snagging is intentionally hooking the fish anywhere other than the inside of the mouth, rather than allowing the fish to take the lure or hook on their own. Other violations include illegal take methods; releasing non-native species into waterways; retention of protected species; and exceeding the bag limit for fish or shellfish.
The move reinforces conservation efforts across the state, according to CCA Oregon Executive Director, Pat Hoglund.
“As one of the leading conservation organizations in the state, CCA Oregon is committed to the fair and legal take of our state’s gamefish,” Hoglund said, “It’s important that anglers know that laws are in place for a reason, and when it comes to sportfishing we feel it’s vital that those rules are followed to ensure proper escapement while at the same time providing an opportunity for all anglers to participate in our fisheries.”
The reward program for reporting fishing violations compliments robust reporting incentives programs for illegal take of big game, and other wildlife species, and illegal guide activities.
In 2024, OHA awarded nearly $32,000 to reporting parties who gave information that led to a citation or arrest in cases involving fish and wildlife, including $1,000 on behalf of the Oregon Outdoor Guide Association (OOGA) for information on illegal guides or guide activities.
Some reporting parties opted for hunter preference points instead of cash and ODFW awarded 139 hunter preference points for fish and wildlife crime reports that led to a citation or arrest.
The Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) awarded $1,000 for reports about illegally killed raptors and other birds.
The TIP rewards program reflects OHA’s commitment to wildlife conservation, according to President, Steve Hagan.
“OHA supports the vigorous enforcement of laws designed to protect wildlife, habitat, private property and hunter’s rights,” Hagan said.
Hoglund agrees.
“I would ask anyone who considers poaching acceptable, or turns a blind eye to it, to look at the big picture. It’s not defensible, nor is it something that CCA Oregon condones,” Hoglund said, “We ask anyone who fishes to think seriously of the consequences and the irreparable damage that happens when you decide to knowingly break the law.”
How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or *OSP (*677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx
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