Report A Poacher
Poaching is a growing problem in Alberta, but it is one that you can help prevent. As a community-based program, Report A Poacher relies on Alberta's hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to report suspected illegal activities.
There is a responsible outdoor recreation community that respects and follows the Alberta Hunting and Fishing Regulations - poachers do not. By reporting suspected poaching activities in your area, you can help prevent human threats to Alberta's fish, wildlife and habitat.
See the latest unsolved poaching cases. You may know something that could help Alberta's fish and wildlife.
Help stop poachers by watching for these illegal activities
- Hunting or fishing out of season or without a license
- Night hunting
- Hunting on private land without permission (Use Respect – Ask First)
- Exceeding bag limits
- Selling wildlife or fish illegally
- Hunting in manners hazardous to the public: while intoxicated, too close to occupied buildings or shooting off main highways
- Using illegal hunting / fishing devices or baits
Poaching is a crime with severe penalties. If convicted, poachers may be fined up to $100,000 and / or be sentenced to six months in jail.
How to Report A Poacher
Please help keep wildlife in our future and report a poacher. Call the Report A Poacher (RAP) hotline toll-free at 1-800-642-3800.
Fish & Wildlife Officers with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (ASRD) are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Report A Poacher hotline can also be used to provide after-hours service for other emergencies involving wildlife.
What kind of information will I need to provide?
Be prepared to give the fullest possible account of the incident, including:
- Details of the violation
- Date, time and location of offense
- License plate number of vehicle
- Vehicle description, including any identifying features, dents, stickers, etc.
- Description of the person(s) involved
- Description of any evidence left at the scene, or evidence of the crime the violators took with them
All information about the caller is kept completely confidential. A caller can remain anonymous and still qualify for a reward. If the information you provide leads to an arrest, you may qualify for a reward.
Program administration
The Report A Poacher program is delivered in partnership with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD). Alberta Conservation Association is responsible for the program’s promotion and communications to the public. SRD provides the program’s administration and enforcement.
Program history
Created in 1990 as a community-based program, the Report A Poacher (RAP) program provides Albertans with an opportunity to help protect Alberta’s wildlife, fisheries and the habitat in which they live by reporting suspected illegal activity through a toll-free phone number (1-800-642-3800) in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Report A Poacher program acknowledges the value and importance of conserving Alberta’s wildlife and fish as well as a positive public image of resource users.
On average, RAP receives 4000 calls per year and rewards anyone whose information leads to an arrest.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Alberta Conservation Association at 1-877-969-9091 or email us at RAP@ab-conservation.com.
If you’re having a problem with an animal and it's not an emergency, please call your nearest Fish and Wildlife Office during regular business hours.