Unleashed: New app allows citizens to report suspicious activity in the woods

Not only do the woods have eyes and ears, they also now have an app.

Through Louisiana Operation Game Thief (LOGT), citizens can report wildlife endangerment and other suspicious activity to receive cash rewards for tips that lead to convictions.

“We depend on Operation Game Thief and these public tips to help break a lot of cases that might have otherwise gone unsolved,” says Louisiana Department Wildlife Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement LOGT Coordinator Sgt. Will Roberts.

In the past, tips from the public have led to the conviction of individuals who have shot a bald eagle or killed a black bear.

In 2015, the LOGT board has reviewed a total of 21 cases that resulted from tips provided by 23 citizens including 13 deer cases, four turkey cases and illegal cutting of trees. A total of 31 people were apprehended and a total of 236 offenses were recorded.

Last week at its quarterly meeting, the Louisiana wildlife crime-stoppers program awarded $9,500 to observant individuals from across the state. For the last two years, the total annual award to individuals has hovered around $18,000. So, this year’s first quarter figures reflect an increase in activity.

Since its inception in 1984, the LOGT has paid out a total of $368,400. The reward money comes from private donations, court directed contributions and cooperative endeavor agreements with organizations such as the National Wild Turkey Federation and Quality Deer Management Association.

In 2011, the LOGT introduced an iPhone app and added Android capability in 2013.

Upon witnessing a violation of wildlife or hunting regulations, LDWF encourages citizens to remain at a safe distance, take photos and be as descriptive as possible by including time, exact location, license plate numbers and description of activity. Those details help support a claim and allow its use as evidence.

With that information in hand, it’s easy to text or download an app to send photo evidence and tips to LDWF and engage in a silent, anonymous, real-time, live chat with a field agent.

“We’re proud to make this technology available to our citizens free of charge,” says LDWF Col. Winton Vidrine, head of the Enforcement Division. “Tip411 help[s] our citizens play an active role in enforc[ing] current conservation rules and regulations. [It] engages younger folks in the process and save our agency time and resources.“

To report hunting violations, a threat to public safety or protected wildlife endangerment, Louisianans text LADWF at 847411, or use the LADWF Tips iPhone app, a free download from the Apple iTunes store.

Tip411 removes all identifying information before the text reaches the state agency, so the sender’s identity remains unknown.

Less tech-savvy observers can still call LOGT’s toll free hotline at 1-800-442-2511. Both the hotline and tip411 program are monitored 24 hours a day.

If you’re looking for something (or someone) a little more tame, APAWS has plenty of cuddly cats and canines.

Creature Feature

Buddy is a young Australian shepherd/lab mix with a dark black coat and gorgeous light brown eyes. He is laid-back and sweet. Buddy is looking for a family who can love him unconditionally and give him all the training and time he deserves. It would be even better if there’s a nice sized, fenced-in yard, where he can run and play.

Susan is a 7-year-old gray-and-white shorthair. She is a little shy and tentative in a new environment. However, once acclimated, Susan loves to snuggle and is very playful.

Reginald is a 3-year-old Chihuahua mix who was found scared, emaciated, hungry and full of fleas and ticks. He has completely recovered from his ordeal to become a happy, healthy boy. Weighing at 8 pounds, this little boy loves other dogs so much that he can’t stand to be away from the other fosters in his current home. Besides going to a home in which his humans cherish him, Reginald would enjoy the companionship of a canine friend.

Gabby is a gorgeous medium-haired brown-and-white tabby mix with jade green eyes. This sweet cat was relinquished to rescue due to owner allergies. Shy at first, Gabby quickly grows into a fabulous feline companion.

Coco Bean is a 6-month-old Shih Tzu/Chinese crested mix. When his former family decided they no longer had time for him, he was tied up outside most of the day. Fortunately, he came into rescue. He loves all people and gets along great with other dogs.

Ariel is an adult tuxedo cat. She is very active with a very outgoing personality. Ariel would be a great cat for people who enjoy cats with her energy level and playfulness. She would be a great companion for another cat who likes to roughhouse and needs a playmate. She is best suited to a home without small children.

These pets have all been microchipped, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, heartworm and FeLeuk/FIV tested. Many other adoptable cats, kittens, puppies and dogs are available at the Animal Protection and Welfare Society.