Report All Poaching (RAP)
Call or text: 800-292-7800
24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Or

Use the online reporting form

What is Poaching?

Poaching is the illegal shooting, trapping, or taking of game, fish or other natural resources from private or public property. A poacher is someone who hunts, traps, or fishes illegally. This also includes someone who possesses or commercializes in wildlife resources contrary to Michigan or federal law.

Reporting a violation

If you witness a natural resource violation, report it immediately. You can do this by texting or calling 800-292-7800, phone lines are open 24/7. You can also use the online poaching complaint form (for complaints within Michigan only). Please note, if you use the form there may be a delay between when your complaint is submitted and when it is received. In urgent cases, please call or text instead. You may remain anonymous!

Please give as much detail as possible:

• What was the violation?
• When and where did it occur?
• What weapons or equipment were used?
• What vehicles or crafts were used? Registration numbers and descriptions are important!
• How many people were involved?
• Describe the people, including their physical description and clothing.
• What evidence is still at the scene?
• Did the violator(s) take evidence of the crime with them?
• Which way or where did they go and how?

What happens when I report a violation?

The report comes directly into the DNR law enforcement's communications center. The dispatchers receive calls and quickly relay information to a conservation officer in the field, in the same manner as a 9-1-1 dispatch center relays information to local police.

Do I get a reward?

You may qualify for a reward if you supply information that leads to the prosecution of a poacher(s). Assistance in applying for a reward will be provided by the conservation officer handling your complaint.

Is this only for Michigan?

The Michigan DNR Law Enforcement Division is a member of the International Wildlife Crimestoppers. We and the other member states and provinces recognize the harm done to our natural resources by incidents of poaching of fish, game and endangered species, wherever they occur. If you have information regarding poaching in any state or Canadian province you may report it to us (via text or phone call only) and we will forward it to the appropriate agency.

Interested in joining our team?

For more information about becoming an emergency dispatcher for the RAP hotline, email a RAP recruiter:

Jean Burk, BurkJ@michigan.gov

Anthony Rendi, RendiA1@michigan.gov

Amy Schultz, SchultzA14@michigan.gov