BISMARCK, N.D. – The Report All Poachers (RAP) program, established in 1983, serves as a vital tool for enforcing game and fish regulations across North Dakota. This cooperative effort brings together the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the North Dakota Wildlife Federation, and State Radio Communications to involve the public in protecting the state's natural resources.
According to Corey Erck, a district game warden, the program significantly enhances the reach of law enforcement. Erck noted that there are only about 30 field wardens responsible for covering the entire state, meaning each warden oversees a very large area. By offering rewards for reporting violations, the RAP program effectively puts more "eyes and ears out there," providing crucial assistance to wardens in the field.
The RAP program receives approximately 100 calls each year that lead to investigations by game wardens. While many reported violations might be minor or even inadvertent, Erck stated that the primary goal of the RAP program is to intercept and address more serious offenses.
Should an individual witness a game and fish violation, Erck advises specific actions to gather information while prioritizing personal safety. It is important to obtain as many details as possible for wardens, including vehicle license plates and boat registration numbers. Descriptions of vehicles and the individuals involved are also valuable. As most people now carry phones, these devices can be used to take photos, providing crucial evidence for investigators.
However, Erck strongly cautions against confronting anyone suspected of an ongoing violation. Instead, the collected information should be immediately passed on to state radio communications, allowing game wardens to conduct the investigation safely and effectively.
The Report All Poachers program is uniquely funded by the very individuals who violate game laws, according to Erck. Equipment such as firearms, bows, or other gear used in hunting and fishing violations is seized by authorities during enforcement actions. Once these items are legally forfeited by a court, they are given to the North Dakota Wildlife Federation. This federation then holds an auction every several years, once a sufficient amount of equipment has accumulated. All proceeds generated from these auctions are specifically allocated to pay out rewards to individuals who report violations and to fund the ongoing operations of the RAP program.
The most important action for residents, even if they are uncertain whether a violation is truly occurring, is to call the program. The RAP number is 328-9921. Contacting this number allows wardens to investigate and determine the nature of the situation, contributing to the preservation of North Dakota's wildlife and fishing resources for all residents.
