Do I Report It?

JuniorPre 360 said:

I know it's a bigger deal if there's a trophy elk or deer poached and left. I could see something like a swan or a pile of ducks and geese too. But last night I went to one of my spots in Ogden Bay and someone had shot a Grebe and left it. Is something like that supposed to be reported?

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If you saw someone shoot it yes, if you just saw a dead grebe and had no knowledge if it died naturally or was shot, no. Just my opinion.

LostLouisianian said:

If you saw someone shoot it yes, if you just saw a dead grebe and had no knowledge if it died naturally or was shot, no. Just my opinion.

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It's funny, as soon as I got to the spot, some kid popped around the corner to see what I was doing and watched me. The cold water should make the dead bird stiff if it were killed the day before, but it wasn't. Although I know it didn't land where I found it, it was laying on top of 2 empty shotgun shells. I had a feeling he knew what I had found. But like you said, I didn't see anything so I just left it and went on with my hunt.

Have you ever tried to report a wildlife violation? Let me tell you from my experiences that it is not an easy process. The people on the other end always seem more interested in getting my information then they do about the incident involved. The response time is usually very long and the offenders have time to leave the area. I understand the CO's are busy and can't be everywhere at one time, and there are usually other hunting/fishing activities taking place across the state. You sure see a lot of CO's on opening weekend at the WMA's then never see another one all year.

The other problem is most of the CO's never leave their vehicles to walk the dikes. I know they would have a bigger presence if people could see them and know they are watching. They could do more than sit in a parking lot waiting for hunters to get back in so they can check licenses and plugs.

Fowlmouth said:

Have you ever tried to report a wildlife violation? Let me tell you from my experiences that it is not an easy process. The people on the other end always seem more interested in getting my information then they do about the incident involved. The response time is usually very long and the offenders have time to leave the area. I understand the CO's are busy and can't be everywhere at one time, and there are usually other hunting/fishing activities taking place across the state. You sure see a lot of CO's on opening weekend at the WMA's then never see another one all year.

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Thats because the investigating officer is usually someone else, and its that person that needs to contact you to get the story.

Going through that right now with local police and a dog that killed my livestock. Animal Control officer was out of town so I'm finding myself giving all the same info out over and over as the complaint gets handed off to different cops.

Do whatcha can, if they dont follow up you can go on with a clear conscience.

-DallanC

I found a coot that had been left to rot. An open and shut case of wanton waste if you ask me! but did the division show up to investigate??? nope!

I'm thinking unless it's a pelican, bald eagle, or a helicopter, I'll just leave it be. I couldn't see a CO chasing someone for a tiny grebe. I just wanted to see if it's my duty as the greatest waterfowler to ever walk the planet to report such shenanigans in my marsh. :mrgreen:

I found a bull canvasback Sunday afternoon. Lying in open water with a pellet to the dome.