You’ve probably heard of Crimestoppers, which is a way to get tips to police about shootings or other criminal activity. You may not have known that there’s a way you can turn in people who are committing a criminal act having to do with the outdoors.

It’s 1-800-TIP-IDNR.

“A 12-year-old boy from Valparaiso, he witnessed a fish and wildlife violation happening. So, he documented it and even reported it right away,” said Conservation Officer Tyler Brock, “which led us to start an investigation which ultimately led the identity of the suspect and led to charges being filed.”

His name was Bridger Strickland and he turned in a poacher, someone who is hunting or fishing illegally. Strickland, of Porter County, was given a $500 reward May 21.

Broack said if you see a violation, and you have a way to document it, with video or photos, that helps, as does speed.

“The sooner we find out about something, the sooner we can get information,” said Broack.

He said that sometimes people see some serious violations happening.

“It’s the turn in a poacher line and it’s also the turn in a polluter line,” he said. “If there’s someone polluting our waterways or our wetland areas, anything like that, that information can be called in to our tip line and we’ll look into it.”

He said whether it’s the Department of Natural Resources law enforcement that looks into it, or they forward the tip to another agency, it will be looked into.