Louisiana Operation Game Thief, Inc. (LOGT), a Louisiana wildlife crime-stoppers program, awarded $16,200 to diligent citizens statewide in 2014.
The LOGT board reviewed a total of 40 cases in 2014. A total of 67 subjects were apprehended and a total of 218 offenses were written in regards to the reviewed cases. The LOGT has paid out a total of $358,900 since inception in 1984.
The cases reviewed and awarded money to the public for their assistance consisted of 17 deer cases, 10 migratory game bird cases, six turkey cases, three fish cases and two alligator cases.
Anyone wishing to report wildlife or fisheries violations should anonymously call LDWF’s 24-hour toll free Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-442-2511 or utilize LDWF's new tip411 program. To use the tip411 program, tipsters can text LADWF and their tip to 847411 or download the "LADWF Tips" iPhone and Android apps from the iTunes or Google Play store free of charge. Texting or downloading the app enables the public to send anonymous tips to LDWF and lets LDWF respond back, creating a two-way anonymous “chat”.
Users of the app or texters can also send in photos to help support their claim and be used as evidence. CitizenObserver, the tip411 provider, uses technology that removes all identifying information before LDWF receives the text so that LDWF cannot identify the sender.
LOGT was instituted in 1984 and provides cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of violators of fish and wildlife regulations. Funds are raised through private donations, court directed contributions and through contributions from cooperative endeavor agreements with organizations such as the National Wild Turkey Federation and Quality Deer Management Association.
To make a donation to the LOGT that can be used for cash rewards, please contact Lt. Will Roberts at wroberts@wlf.la.gov.