Some new tricks for TIP

[Shawnny B]

I don't know if this is where I should post this or not, but everyone is saying program the TIP number into your phones, I have done that but something I saw the other day was that you can just do #TIP and hit call and it calls them. Just a Heads up for those who care

Shawnny B

[Jeremy airjer W]

I saw that to but I believe only a couple of providers are in on this plan. I want to say cingular and verizon. All I remember for sure is my service provider was not listed.

[DEADhead]

per DNR News Release:

Minnesota cell phone users can now report natural resources violations by dialing #TIP (2006-05-09)

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

Customers of these cell phone companies can now report natural resources violations 24 hours a day by keying #TIP.

"#TIP is the wildlife version of 911 and a great example of the public and private sectors using the latest technology to provide information to conservation officers about a natural resources violation," said Minnesota's chief conservation officer, Col. Mike Hamm. "Conservation officers need the eyes and ears of every outdoor enthusiast to help detect violations and protect our natural resources."

For example, if a man hunting in remote northeast Minnesota witnesses a deer poaching incident he can use his cell phone to dial #TIP and immediately be in touch with Turn-In-Poachers. At the same time, a woman fishing on the Mississippi River sees a fishing violation. She picks up her cell phone and dials #TIP where her message is relayed to a conservation officer.

The current TIP hotline number, 1-800-652-9093, is still accessible by cell or landline callers who want to report natural resources violations. Cell callers now have the advantage of an easy-to-remember shortcut in #TIP.

Hamm said the TIP Hotline, like 911, is a system to report violations and is not intended to be used as a general DNR information line. Callers using the hotline are able to remain anonymous and provide information on violations. Callers inquiring about general DNR information should call the DNR information Center at (651) 296-6157, toll free at 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367) or a local DNR office.

"#TIP provides another asset to natural resources protection," Hamm said. "The key to this program is the easy to remember calling sequence and cellular phone." 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 #TIP on their cell phone keypad to report it.

TIP is a non-profit, privately funded organization whose mission the last 25 years has been to halt the illegal poaching of game and fish in Minnesota. "TIP and the DNR are also installing TIP Hotline signs on wildlife management areas and public boat accesses this year to increase awareness of the TIP hotline," said TIP Executive Director Al Thomas.

[Ebiz]

The TIP number is also on the back of your fishing license.