The TIP-MONT program’s Board of Directors awarded $5,800 to 10 individuals who offered tips in 2000 that led to the apprehension of violators. Cases for which rewards were paid varied from out of season hunting of wildlife to exceeding limits and baiting, said Shelly Hiron, TIP-MONT coordinator for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena.The cases involved a variety of species with furbearers, fish and big game animals being killed unlawfully. A record number of calls came into Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ 1-800-TIP-MONT hotline in 2000. "We logged over 1,000 calls last year, the most calls in the 16-year history of the hotline," said Hiron.In 1996, TIP-Mont calls numbered 770.In 1999, 870 reports came into the hotline and additional 150 calls were for information only.Hiron said many TIP-MONT callers this year specifically stated that they did not seek rewards. Hiron said the increase in wildlife- and recreation-violation tips appears to be related to a Montana public that is less tolerant of both fish and wildlife poachers and of vandals who destroy public property."People want to protect Montana fish, wildlife, parks and forest lands.We hear it almost every day and not just during the hunting season.We are now answering a lot more calls that report violations at fishing access sites, at our state parks, and even in our national forests," she said. The Montana Legislature authorized FWP to establish a toll-free fish and game violation hotline1-800-TIP-MONTand to offer rewards to those who call in tips.Since 1985, use of the line to report known or suspected violations of fish and wildlife laws has grown markedly.In 1997, the legislature expanded the authority of FWP to offer rewards for tips on violations that occur in state parks. Each 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668) caller may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. "It is so important to the solving of these crimes that callers contact us immediately when they witness a violation and provide as much specific information as they possibly can.The faster we can begin working on a crime, the better our success in solving it," Hiron said. Over the years, thousands of tips about suspected violations have been received over the hotline -- the number for which is 1-800-847-6668.These calls have come from both inside and outside of Montana.The line is open 24 hours a day and callers can remain anonymous, do not have to testify in court and may receive a reward for their tip that helps to protect Montana’s fish, wildlife and parks resources.
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