Tips for Reporting Violations

When you see or become aware of a violation, try to observe or gather as many facts as possible. If you won't be able to report the information immediately, write it down as soon as practical to keep the information fresh and accurate.

Today's Date and Time

• The date and time of your report will be our case reference. Please make a note of it should you wish to recontact us. This is our way of allowing you to remain anonymous if you have more information in the future, or if you want to inquire about a possible reward for this case.

What is the violation?

• What fish, wildlife, heritage site, state park or other resources were involved? What happened to them? Where are they now?

Where and what time did it happen?

• Be as specific as possible. Note the date, time and consult a map, if possible.

What is the vehicle or vessel description?

• If there was a vehicle, boat, canoe, OHV, or any other identifiable mode of travel involved or near the scene, please provide as much information as possible. Describe the violator's vehicle or vessel, most importantly try to get a license plate number, or boat hull numbers.

The above technique is also useful in describing a specific vehicle, even if you don't know or recognize vehicle makes and model years. To describe a vehicle as a "red pickup with a gun rack in the back window" doesn't narrow the field much here in Montana… but to notice a dent in the door, or a chrome roll bar, or a broken antenna or tail light will help identify that vehicle from others that would otherwise match the same description. Bumper and window stickers are another common but unique identifying marker.

Who is the violator?

• Do you know or can you reasonably get their name, address and telephone number? Don't put your safety at risk!

What is their physical description?

• If possible, note the violator's weight, height, hair color, eye color, age, and description of clothing.

It may be helpful to think "what makes this person unique, or different from someone else that would match the same general description?" Maybe the person has a particularly short, thick neck, rather than just "heavyset"; or a thin, sparse moustache, rather than just "moustache;" or tinted, wire frame glasses, rather than just "glasses".

Is there any other physical evidence?

• What and where is it? Will it be moved soon? If so, when and where to?

Unless there is imminent danger that physical evidence will be irrecoverably lost or destroyed, DO NOT attempt to move, collect, touch or even get near it. Doing so may "taint" the evidence making it inadmissible in court, or destroy other significant evidence that a trained investigator will know to look for.

Were there other witnesses or persons who may have additional information?

• Give their names, addresses, phone numbers or any additional information, as described above that can help identify or locate them.

Above all, stay calm and don't worry - when you call TIP-MONT, a trained operator will ask you the questions necessary to get all the facts you gathered.

You may also call your nearest Montana Game Warden at any time. In many cases, an investigation can be initiated much faster if information is given directly to the nearest warden, who will usually have important first-hand knowledge of local people and places.

Whether you call TIP-MONT or the nearest warden, unless you state otherwise you can be assured of complete confidentiality or anonymity.

If you are out of Montana and witness a resource law violation, call 1-800-TIP-MONT and we will forward the information to the appropriate law enforcement agency in that state. 1-800-TIP-MONT can be used throughout North America--U.S., Canada and Mexico.