Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Protecting resources and people on our refuges is the fundamental responsibility of federal wildlife officers. Their mission is to support the administration of the National Wildlife Refuge System through the management and protection of natural, historic and cultural resources, property and people on lands and waters of our national wildlife refuges.

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. Enforcement of these regulations protect migratory birds and other game species from illegal take and preserve legitimate hunting opportunities. Some other duties include patrolling closed areas and 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 at 618-998-5904.

In case of emergency please call 911.

To report a violation on the refuge:

• Call or email the National Wildlife Refuge TIPs Line at 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477) or fws_tips@fws.gov
• Call the State of Illinois’ TIP hotline at 1-877-236-7529
• Call 618-998-5950

Please provide the following information: what happened, where it happened, who was involved (including descriptions/names of person involved, vehicle information, names of other witnesses) and when it happened.