Report an Illegal Shooting

Report an Illegal Shooting

Left: Mississippi Kite with gunshot injury

Swallow-tailed Kites, other raptors, Whooping Cranes, herons, egrets, ibis and other migratory birds are protected by state and federal laws. Be prepared if you are suddenly presented with information about a shooting incidence. The shooting location and the location of the injured/dead bird are crime scenes and should be treated as such. Leave the carcass where you found it and call enforcement immediately.

Right: Fractures from gunshot injury

Report any illegal migratory bird shootings using the toll free Louisiana Operation Game Thief hotline: 1-800-442-2511 or use LDWF’s tip411 program. To use the tip411 program, residents can text LADWF and their tip to 847411 or download the “LADWF Tips” iPhone and Android app from the Apple App Store or Google Play free of charge. The hotline and the tip411 are monitored 24 hours a day. Upon request, informants can remain anonymous. Anyone caught violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act can be charged with penalties of up to $15,000 and six months imprisonment. Selling or trading in migratory birds is a felony, bringing fines of up to $500,000 and two years in jail.