OGT Results for January 1 through December 31, 2010

2010 was yet another successful year for the Operation Game Thief (OGT) program. A total of 358 complaints of poaching were reported representing a 2.9% increase over 2009. You may be interested to know just how concerned citizens contacted OGT - 252 complaints were received on our 800 line and 106 complaints came through our website.

Of the 358 complaints, 37 resulted in game wardens taking enforcement action with 62 summonses being issued. There still remain approximately 75 cases that are open and still being investigated so more summonses may be issued.

As one might guess, the fall hunting months generate the most complaints but concerned citizens reported poaching incidents in all twelve months. What were some of the apprehensions made? Wardens issued summonses for ice fishing in closed waters, over-the-limit of trout, hunting turkeys in closed season, dogs chasing deer, smelting in closed waters, fishing in closed waters, having goldfish in a pond, numerous cases of baiting deer, Sunday hunting, false registration of deer, night hunting, possession of moose, exceeding the bag limit on deer and numerous other fish and wildlife violations.

The point taken is that our fish and wildlife do not stand a chance with the mentality of poachers. We need concerned citizens to continue contacting Operation Game Thief in whatever channel is most comfortable for them - either 1-800-ALERT-US or by our website, www.maineogt.org. Our wardens are dedicated to protecting the resources and serving the people of Maine. They just need the eyes and ears of the public and their willingness to report acts of poaching. Maine game wardens will do the rest!

The Board of Directors thank all of Maine's concerned citizens for their continued support and for a great 2010.

Through the fundraising efforts of the Board of Directors of Operation Game Thief, Maine's OGT program now has the "Wall of Shame" trailer whose purpose is to increase the public's awareness of the disastrous effects that poaching has on our fish and wildlife resources. This 36 foot trailer, full of mounted fish and wildlife poached by thieves, allow Maine game wardens a means of communicating this message to far more people than ever before. 

What's in the Wall of Shame? Mounts of illegally poached fish, deer, moose, turkey and furbearers are a major part of the Wall of Shame. You will also find illegal implements such as gill nets, snares, jacklights and illegal firearms that were all used to poach our fish and wildlife. You will read interesting stories about these poaching incidents and how the poachers were apprehended by our Maine game wardens. We are sure that you will feel, as all concerned citizens, sportsmen and women feel about these thieves - they need to be caught and Maine Operation Game Thief is just one tool that wardens have to help catch poachers. The Wall of Shame is an effective way to get this message out to the public.

If you would like to have the trailer at one of your fish and game club functions, a civic group function, school or any other event that will allow for the greatest opportunity to increase the public's awareness of the work of poachers, then please call the Maine Warden Service in Augusta at 287-2766. We will make every effort to have a game warden and the Wall of Shame at your event.