AmmoLand.com

Hunters Asked To Report Suspicious Activity While Out On Wild Lands

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI – Wisconsin’s 600,000 deer hunters provide land managers and law enforcement officials with something no amount of survey or police work can replace, more than a million additional eyes pushing out into remote areas of the state.

In recent months, law enforcement officials have cleaned up marijuana growing areas or drug making operations hidden in several remote areas on public lands across the state. Some of these illegal activities were discovered and reported by hunters.

“Hunters should be alert, and if they see something that doesn’t look right, they should leave the area the way they came in, record their observations and report the find to local law enforcement authorities,” said Randy Stark, chief conservation warden for the Department of Natural Resources.

Some things to look for include signs of summer habitation such as huts, tents or other makeshift structures; equipment; watering jugs; chemical containers; or signs of disturbed vegetation including abnormal cuttings or clearing of small areas.

If problems are found on private land, notify local law enforcement authorities. If hunters are on public land, “We operate a 24/7 confidential tip line for reporting suspected or observed illegal activity. The number is easy to remember, 1-800-tip-wdnr (1-800-847-9367 or cell #367),” Stark says.

“Under no circumstances should anyone put themselves in danger in a suspected illegal situation,” adds Stark. “First leave the way you came in the area and then record any easily obtainable information that you observed such as vehicle descriptions, license or registration numbers from vehicles, GPS coordinates if you have a unit with you and back tag numbers if a person is wearing one. It is not recommended that you make contact with people who you believe are violating the law, instead report what you observed to law enforcement authorities.“

DNR works closely with local authorities to keep drugs and illegal activities off our state’s recreational lands to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for outdoor recreation.

“Our public lands are heavily used, and we are grateful that law abiding citizens care enough about their public lands to be aware and report problems,” says Stark. “We want everyone to be safe and enjoy Wisconsin’s outdoors and traditions, and we want to work with the public to ensure that public lands are used for their intended purpose.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Engfer – Conservation Warden, (608) 266-0859

Leave a Comment