Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife

NEW Report Violations On-Line!

What is "Operation Game Theft"?

The Operation Game Theft Fund was established by the 130th Delaware General Assembly to assist in the apprehension and conviction of game law violators. The fund is comprised of all the fines levied for violation of game laws in Delaware as well as donations from various sources. The Legislature delegated the authority to the Division of Fish and Wildlife to designate offenses for which rewards will be paid and the amount of the reward.

What types of offenses are covered under the Operation Game Theft Program?

Up to $1,000.00 can be rewarded for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a person or persons involved in:

Class 1 - Rewards of $100.00 - $1,000.00

1. Commercialization of wildlife.
2. Killing of an endangered/threatened species.
3. Any violation where a Fish and Wildlife Agent is assaulted.
4. Fleeing to avoid prosecution of a wildlife violation.

Class 2 - Rewards of $100.00 - $500.00

1. Illegally hunting black ducks, canvasbacks, turkeys or Canada geese.
2. Poisoning wildlife.
3. Destruction of state wildlife areas or equipment.
4. Gross over-limits of wildlife.
5. Illegally hunting waterfowl or deer on state game refuges.
6. Willful obstruction of lawful hunting.
7. Illegally hunting/trapping out of season or at night.
8. Hunting during license revocation.
9. Possession, tending or setting killer traps with a jaw spread in excess of 5 inches.

Class 3 - Rewards up to $100.00

1. Fraudulent use of hunting license and/or fraudulently obtaining a hunting license.
2. Illegally hunting with a rifle.
3. Dumping on state wildlife areas.

NOTE: An additional $100.00 reward will be given by the Delaware Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone illegally killing a wild turkey in Delaware.

How do I get Paid?

You will be paid in cash by the agent to whom you gave your name.

Will my identity be Confidential?

Yes!

Will I get paid for ANY information that I Provide?

No....Only information which leads to the arrest and conviction of a violator. * (Specific offenses covered)

Contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife Operation Game Theft Hotline at 1-800-292-3030, anytime, 24 hours per day. You will be given an Operation Game Theft Case Number. You do not need to give your name at this time. From this phone call, a Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Agent can be dispatched or can return your call.

Wildlife offenses need to be investigated immediately by Enforcement Agents if there is to be a chance of making an arrest. The longer the delay in getting information to the agent, the smaller the chances of obtaining an arrest and conviction.

Thank you for your interest in the Operation Game Theft Program.