HARRISBURG -- Stopping poachers is a prime duty for wildlife conservation officers, also known as game wardens.

There are 136 game wardens in Pennsylvania, but Snyder County has just one.

Tipsters needed

People who witness illegal hunting activity can contact the game commission in three ways:

by calling (814) 643-1831; through the toll-free TIP line at 1 (888) PGC-8001; or online at www.pgc.state.pa.us and move to the "Turn in Poachers" link.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has established a "Turn-In-a-Poacher" program to strengthen the commonwealth's efforts to apprehend people suspected of killing threatened or endangered species or multiple big-game animals.

The program encourages citizen involvement by offering a reward to callers who provide tips that lead to the prosecution of those who kill endangered or threatened species or unlawfully take multiple big-game animals (white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey and elk).

Tipsters get $100

The TIP program was authorized by the General Assembly as part of a legislative package to deter crimes against wildlife.

The act authorizes the game commission to increase by $200 fines against individuals convicted of killing threatened or endangered species or unlawfully taking multiple big-game animals. That money is then placed in a special fund from which $100 will be used to pay the individual providing the tip.

Penalty

The current fine for illegally killing a deer is $300 to $800 with no chance of imprisonment.

Increased penalties under consideration

Legislation pending in Harrisburg would boost the penalty for illegally killing a deer to $1,500 to $3,000 and up to six months imprisonment. Poaching three or more big animals at night with a light, over the limit, or out of season, will result in a third-degree felony charge that would carry 12 to 36 months imprisonment and $10,000 to $15,000 in fines.

In addition the legislation extends the "look back" period for chronic offenders from two to 10 years and provides for the application of the felony offense for the third big-game animal killed at night with a light, over the bag limit, or out of season.