HARRISBURG, Pa. — As Pennsylvania’s firearms deer season begins, the Game Commission is urging hunters and residents to remain vigilant against poaching, which tends to spike during this time of year.
The commission announced Wednesday that hundreds of thousands of licensed hunters have taken to the state’s forests and fields, but illegal poachers are also active. Officials emphasized the critical role of public reporting in curbing wildlife crimes and protecting the integrity of hunting regulations.
“Poachers are thieves,” the commission stated in a social media post, reminding residents that Operation Game Thief (OGT) serves as the first line of defense against illegal hunting activity. The toll-free hotline, 1-888-PGC-8001, allows citizens to confidentially report suspected violations, as does the commission’s secure online form.
Calls to the hotline are answered by a secure recording device, and while providing contact information for follow-up questions is encouraged, all reports remain confidential.