Law Enforcement
Protecting resources and people on our refuges is the fundamental responsibility of federal wildlife officers. Officers support the administration of the National Wildlife Refuge System through the management and protection of natural, historic and cultural resources, property and people on the lands and waters of 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 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 refuge manager at 618-997-3344. In case of emergency please call 911.
To report violations:
- 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
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.