[Tweeters] Reporting illegal actions re: wildlife- all kinds

[Martha Jordan]

Over the past few weeks I have been getting calls, and personally
experienced, not only bad behavior by a small number of hunters, but also
illegal and unsafe behavior/actions.

    Here is what WDFW Enforcement recommends you do if you encounter these
types of situations:  If there is illegal hunting/poaching/unsafe behavior
(like shooting directly over the parking lot and having pellets land on
your vehicle) actively happening:
Dial 911    when the operator answers tell them it is not an emergency and
you really need to talk with a WDFW enforcement person ASAP. Explain it is
illegal action in progress, unsafe or whatever you have encountered.
Insist on WDFW enforcement. Wildcom will get the call and they can handle
it much more swiftly than using any other method including the poaching
hotline.
    I know many folks who hesitate to dial 911 first when the issue is
actually happening. BUT, that is what you need to do to make it a higher
priority.
    My recent encounter at the Jensen access area was an educational
opportunity for me. I am grateful the shot snow goose landed 20 ft from my
vehicle instead of on it. The pellets that hit my car did not appear to do
any damage.
     Another safety tip: if you encounter hunters or poachers or badly
behaving people harassing birds:  stay in your car, take photos with your
phone, dial 911 and by all means, do not confront the people doing the
activity.  Safety above all else.  Leave the area to dial 911 if you need
to do so to be safe.

Be aware, stay aware of your surroundings and what is happening in the
field.    AND and above all Happy and safe birding out there.

Martha Jordan
Everett, WA
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman11.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/attachments/20211206/605c6815/attachment.html>