New TIP Hotline Access

[Hossienda]

I just thought I would pass along a news release from the TIP HSOforum about a new way to call the hotline from your cell phones.

TIP Hotline expanded to cell phones

March, 2006

Minnesota cell phone users can now report natural resources violations by dialing #T-I-P or *T-I-P

Cell phone companies Cingular, Verizon, Sprint, Unicel and Midwest Wireless have joined with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Turn-In-Poachers (TIP) in calling a halt to natural resources violations in Minnesota.

Cingular and Verizon customers can now report violations 24 hours a day by keying #T-I-P on their cell phone keypad. Sprint, Unicel and Midwest Wireless customers can do the same by dialing *T-I-P.

“This is another example of using the latest technology to provide information to conservation officers about a violation,” said Minnesota’s Chief Conservation Officer, Colonel Mike Hamm. “Conservation officers need the eyes and ears of every outdoor enthusiast when conducting an investigation. The cell phone user can provide those eyes and ears.”

For example, if a man hunting in remote northeast Minnesota witnesses a deer poaching incident he can use his cellular telephone and immediately be in touch with TIP. At the same time a woman fishing on the Mississippi River sees a fishing violation. She picks up her cellular telephone and dials either #T-I-P or *T-I-P as did the man in northeast Minnesota. TIP then relays the message to a conservation officer.

“#TIP and *TIP could be the greatest asset to natural resources protection ever developed,” Hamm said. The colonel went on to say “The key to this program is the cellular phone.” Hamm also said the TIP hotline, 1-800-652-9093, has been highly successful, but cell phones have the advantage of being mobile, plus it seems that everybody has one. Hamm encourages those who participate in outdoor recreation to take their cell phones with them to the fields, woods, and on the water. If they see a violation key #T-I-P or *T-I-P on their cell phone keypad to report it.

-Hossienda

[Deitz Dittrich]

Thanks Hoss... that is very cool.

[vern]

Cool! That's great news.

[Tyler Holm]

Thanks,

I've got it entered in the cell phone. Also a reminder, the South Dakota TIP # is (800) 592-5522

[The_Duckslayer]

In my best Eore (From Whinnie the Poo) voice, "Oh well, they did not do T-Mobile... nobody cares about me anyway" Actually, I already have all the DNR numbers including that one programmend into my phone. Have a good one././Jimbo

[senkoskipper]

WILL USING THE TIP HOTLINE BE USING UP MY ANYTIME MINUTES OR MY UNLIMITED NIGHT AND WEEKEND MINUTES IF I CALL AFTER 7PM?

[Hossienda]

I believe the way the number is set up, it will be a free call.

-Hossienda

[schweady]

Quote:

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WILL USING THE TIP HOTLINE BE USING UP MY ANYTIME MINUTES OR MY UNLIMITED NIGHT AND WEEKEND MINUTES IF I CALL AFTER 7PM?

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sensko:

Did I see you in those commercials during the NCAAs, playing the 'March Sadness' guy?

[deepportage01]

Thanks man I still had the old # on speed dial I will change it now.

[Corey Bechtold]

Is there a way to e-mail TIP about possible violations?

Thanks for the update,

Corey Bechtold

[vern]

You can e:mail them here: [email protected]

I'm not sure if there's a better address for reporting violations though.