How To Report Poaching & Wildlife Violations In British Columbia

Protecting British Columbia’s fish, wildlife and natural spaces is everyone’s responsibility. While most hunters and anglers follow the rules, poaching and other illegal activities still threaten the province’s resources. Ethical outdoorspeople play a critical role in spotting and reporting violations – but doing so safely and effectively is key.

How To Report

The Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line is the primary channel for reporting violations in BC:

• Toll-free, 24/7 hotline: 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP)
• Online form: available on the BC government website for non-emergency reports
• For salmon fisheries violations: contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada at 1-800-465-4336 (Greater Vancouver: 604-607-4186)

If there’s an immediate risk to public safety, call 911 first, then report to RAPP when safe.

 

What To Record Before You Call

Accurate details help conservation officers respond quickly and effectively. As soon as it’s safe, make notes on:

• People involved: number, physical descriptions, clothing, accents or distinctive features
• What happened: time, date, location (GPS coordinates or landmarks), specific actions and equipment used
• Vehicles: licence plates, make, model, colour, identifying marks or decals
• Witnesses: names and contact information (with their permission)

Photos and video can strengthen a report – but only if taken from a safe distance without confronting suspects.

 

What Violations To Watch For

Hunters, anglers and outdoor users are often the first to notice suspicious activity. Common violations include:

• Hunting or fishing out of season or in closed areas
• Exceeding daily or possession limits
• Illegal methods or equipment such as spotlighting, shooting from a vehicle or using prohibited traps and tackle
• Waste of wildlife, such as abandoning edible portions of game
• Unauthorized sale or trade of wildlife or parts
• Damage to habitat, including dumping or polluting waterways
• Feeding or intentionally attracting dangerous wildlife, such as bears

If something seems unusual or unsafe, report it. Officers can determine whether it’s a violation.

Staying Safe While Reporting

Your safety always comes first. Keep these points in mind:

• Never confront or detain suspects. Your role is to observe and report.
• Maintain distance. Use binoculars or optics instead of approaching armed individuals.
• Don’t jeopardize yourself for evidence. If it feels unsafe, call RAPP with the details you do have.
• Avoid social media posts. Publicizing incidents online can compromise investigations.
• Mark the location. GPS pins, kilometre markers or landmarks are valuable for officers trying to locate the site.

 

What Happens Next

Reports are routed through RAPP to the nearest available conservation officer. Timely, detailed information helps reduce response time and increases the chances of catching offenders.

 

Penalties under the Wildlife Act can include heavy fines, jail time and licence suspensions of up to 30 years. Equipment and even vehicles used in violations can be seized.

 

The BC Wildlife Federation also offers rewards of up to $2,000 for information leading to convictions.

 

Quick Reference

• RAPP Hotline (24/7): 1-877-952-7277
• RAPP Online Form: BC government website
• DFO Salmon Violations: 1-800-465-4336 (604-607-4186 in Greater Vancouver)

 

Final Word

Hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts are the eyes and ears of conservation in British Columbia. By reporting violations safely and accurately, you help protect wildlife, uphold ethical hunting and fishing and ensure future generations can enjoy the province’s natural heritage.