Law Enforcement

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement officers have a wide variety of duties and responsibilities. Officers help visitors understand and obey wildlife protection laws. They work closely with state and local government offices to enforce federal, state and refuge hunting regulations that protect migratory birds and other game species from illegal take and preserve legitimate hunting opportunities. Some other duties include patrolling closed areas or Wilderness areas, maintaining relationships with neighboring landowners, maintaining refuge boundaries and participating in public events related to refuge issues. 

Law enforcement issues should be referred to the deputy refuge manager or refuge manager.  

The National Wildlife Refuge System TIPs hotline is also an effective means of reporting refuge violations occurring on your local National Wildlife Refuge. 

The TIPs line consists of a dedicated phone line and email address for reporting refuge violations. 

  • The hotline and email are monitored Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., but can be used 24/7. 
  • By phone: 1-844-NWR-TIPS (697-8477) 
  • By email: nwr_tips@fws.gov 

To report violations in Oklahoma not on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge see the Operation Game Thief page of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. 

For injured wildlife, please contact a qualified wildlife rehabilitation facility near you.