Law Enforcement
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement officers have a variety of duties and responsibilities. Officers help visitors understand and obey wildlife protection laws. They also work to ensure that visitors have safe experiences on national wildlife refuges. Federal wildlife officers work closely with state and local government officers 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 refuges for violations, maintaining relationships with neighboring landowners, protecting refuge boundaries and participating in public events related to refuge issues.
Law enforcement issues should be referred to the refuge’s federal wildlife officer or refuge manager.
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex – Headquarters for San Luis NWR, Merced NWR, and San Joaquin River NWR: 209-826-3508. Monday - Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., closed federal holidays.
Other wildlife violation reporting resources available 24 hours a day:
State of California Hotline for Poaching and Polluting: 1-888-334-CalTIP (888-334-2258)
Anyone with a cell phone may send an anonymous tip by texting "CALTIP", followed by a space and the message, to 847411 (tip411).) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Federal Nationwide Hotline for Reporting Prohibited Activities on National Wildlife Refuges (Refuges ONLY): 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477) or email FWS_TIPS@FWS.GOV 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Please be prepared to provide specific incident details (who, what, where, when, why, how) including but not limited to date, time, location, description of the witnessed violation, description of people involved, vehicle, and license plate.