Wildlife Agents Back Operation Game Thief

The Louisiana Wildlife Agents’ Association (LWAA) has presented Louisiana Operation Game Thief (OGT), Incorporated, with checks totaling $1,600.00 in contributions to the reward fund. The presentation was made at OGT’s annual meeting held at the Wildlife and Fisheries Headquarters, 2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

LWAA, a fraternal organization of Wildlife Law Enforcement Agents, presented the checks as part of an on-going agreement between the two organizations. According to LWAA President, Sgt. Alan Bankston, the Agents’ Association views OGT as a key element in conservation law enforcement.

"The ability to pay cash rewards for information about fish and wildlife violators is vital to us and our roll in wildlife protection. By helping OGT, we are helping ourselves and our profession", President Bankston said. "We contribute $1,000.00 annually to OGT, plus $25.00 more for each case in which OGT paid a reward the previous year", he added.

OGT President Sidney Joffrion of Marksville expressed appreciation on behalf of OGT and presented a plaque in recognition of LWAA’s continued support. Joffrion also urged other outdoor and wildlife-oriented groups and organizations to support OGT, which is Louisiana’s grassroots anti-poaching organization. "If every organization or individual in the state with an interest in protecting wildlife would make a small contribution to OGT, we would have more than enough money to pay rewards and could invest funds to provide reward money for years to come", he said.

OGT paid $6,900.00 in cash rewards for information which led to the arrests of wildlife violators in 24 separate cases in 1998. Rewards are based on a scale, with a $100.00 minimum on small game and fish violations, and a $300.00 minimum on big game cases. The maximum reward is $1,000.00.

Anyone with information about fish or wildlife violations is urged to contact the Law Enforcement Division of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries via the Operation Game Thief (OGT) 24 hour toll-free Hotline at 1-800-442-2511. Callers may remain anonymous.

Contributions to OGT are tax deductible and anyone filing state income tax in Louisiana may check off OGT as the recipient of all or part of the state tax refund on the Louisiana State Income Tax Form.

For more information on OGT contact Major Keith LaCaze at the Baton Rouge Headquarters at 225-765-2469.