Crimes involving the state’s fish, wildlife and State Parks resources occur year round.
“Calls to TIP-MONT are always in season. Whether it’s hunting season, fishing season, or year-round recreation, we get reports of violations,” said Debbie Bingham, TIP-MONT coordinator.
Montana’s popular TIP-MONT Program and hotline (1-800-847-6668) enlists outdoorsmen and women in reporting crimes they observe, including those on U.S. Forest Service lands or involving forest service facilities.
Bingham said callers to 1-800-TIP-MONT who report vandalism in State Parks or on U.S. Forest Service lands are as committed to stopping crime as the callers who report fish and wildlife violations.
“I’d like all of our callers to know we appreciate their calls and that they do make a big difference, especially when they take the time to observe and write down as many details as possible about the situation,” Bingham said. All callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for awards.
Vandalism in particular is a difficult crime to follow-up on without a witness, Bingham said. The tips from callers with specific information and first-hand observations help wardens apprehend vandals and stop these costly crimes.
“Montanans are beginning to make tax-deductible contributions to expand TIP-MONT’S rewards,” said Bingham.
Contributions are made to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Foundation, the not for profit organization that accepts contributions on behalf of TIP-MONT.
Individuals and organizations may mail their contributions to:
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Foundation Attn: TIP-MONT P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701
The MFWP Foundation will earmark these tax-deductive contributions for the TIP-MONT Program.
For more information on the MFWP Foundation, go to the FWP Foundation web page.
