Law Enforcement
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.
You may also report violations to agents with the Missouri Department of Conservation for Chariton County, as they also provide law enforcement support for the refuge. You can
Refuge law enforcement is provided by a Refuge Officer at Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge in Columbia, Missouri. Law enforcement issues should be referred to the refuge manager at 573-441-2954.
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 Missouri’s TIP hotline at 1-800-392-1111
- Contact County Missouri Department of Conservation Agent Chris Chesher at 660-414-0415.
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.