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Calls on the Operation Game Thief hotline (toll-free within Colorado at 1-877-COLO-OGT or Verizon cell phone users can dial #OGT) , or via e-mail -- Operation Game Thief -- are taken in the Denver DOW headquarters. All information about the poaching incident is taken and the caller is assigned a code number;

The information is evaluated by the law enforcement personnel. Investigations are begun immediately and must follow the same rules and constitutional guidelines as any law enforcement investigation;

If a poacher is arrested or issued a citation on the basis of information provided by a caller, a reward is authorized;

Rewards can be paid in cash and the pay-off is arranged to protect the anonymity of the caller;

Rewards will be paid only if the informant states that a reward is desired prior to any investigation. Actually, most wildlife enthusiasts don't want a reward -- they just want the criminals stopped!

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Poaching is the illegal taking or possession of any game, fish or nongame wildlife;

Hunting out of season or at night using spotlights or taking more than their legal limit are obvious signs of poaching. Non-residents buying resident licenses is a violation that also impacts wildlife management;

Provide all the information you can. We need the violation date and time; as exact a location as possible; a description of the violation; number of shots heard; type of weapon, etc; the number of suspects; names and/or identifying features such as age, height, hair color, clothes, etc; a vehicle description including type, year, color and license number. Include any other information you think may be pertinent to the case;

If you know how a poached animal is being transported, or where it is being stored, tell us about it.

Remember, try to get the information to us as soon as possible. Any delay may mean we might not catch the bad guys!

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You can help stop poaching. If you see a poaching incident, report it. Look at it this way: if you saw someone breaking into your neighbor's house, would you just stand by and watch? Of course not; you would report it. Poaching is a crime against you, your neighbor, and everyone else in the state of Colorado. Call 1-877-COLO-OGT toll-free or Verizon cell phone users can just dial #OGT. If you'd like, you can e-mail us at game.thief@state.co.us.

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You can also help by contributing to the reward fund which makes the program possible. Make checks out to Operation Game Thief and send your tax deductible contribution to: Operation Game Thief, c/o Division of Wildlife, 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216. Remember, the reward fund depends on your contributions. With your help, something can and will be done about poaching.

People who turn in poachers may receive preference points or even licenses in some cases. Find out more from the Turn in Poachers (TIP) program.