Reporting Poaching in Ontario:

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Last Updated: September 21 2026

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Question:How do I report suspected poaching in Ontario without naming myself?

Answer:You can report suspected poaching or other fish and wildlife violations to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources using the MNR TIPS line at 1-(877) 847-7667; every call is reviewed by a Conservation Officer   if you want to stay anonymous, use Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)   when you call, share what you observed, including where, when, and any identifying details like vehicle licence plates or a description, since you do not need to know the exact offence code for your tip   for related questions about how reporting may affect you, discuss options with the paralegals at DefendCharges.ca™ by phone at (647) 559-3377.

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Reporting Poaching in Ontario

Suspected poaching and other natural resource violations can be reported to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources through the MNR TIPS line at 1-(877) 847-7667.  Poaching generally refers to illegally hunting, taking, possessing, or dealing with wildlife contrary to applicable fish and wildlife laws.

Note: Please contact DefendCharges.ca™ by phone at: (647) 559-3377 to discuss any specific questions that you may have.

The MNR TIPS line is used for suspected illegal hunting, fishing, wildlife activity, and other natural resource violations.  People who wish to remain anonymous can report information through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

This resource explains what can be reported, what information can help Conservation Officers investigate a suspected violation, how anonymous reporting works, when the TIPS line should not be used, and where to find Ontario's official natural resource violation reporting information.

How Do You Report Suspected Poaching in Ontario?

Call the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources TIPS line at 1-(877) 847-7667 to report a suspected natural resource violation or provide information about one.

The Ministry accepts information involving suspected illegal activity affecting Ontario's:

• Fish and wildlife;
• Species at risk;
• Forests;
• Shore lands;
• Provincial parks and conservation reserves;
• Public lands;
• Aggregate resources;
• Petroleum resources; and
• Other natural resources within the Ministry's enforcement responsibility.

Every call made to the MNR TIPS line is reviewed by a Conservation Officer.

What Is the MNR TIPS Line?

The MNR TIPS line is Ontario's telephone reporting service for suspected natural resource violations.

The telephone number is:

1-(877) 847-7667

The service allows members of the public to provide information that may help Conservation Officers investigate illegal hunting, fishing, wildlife activity, and other resource violations.

View Ontario's official natural resource violation reporting page.

What Types of Hunting Violations Can Be Reported?

The MNR TIPS line can be used to report suspected illegal hunting and other wildlife violations.  Ontario identifies examples including:

• Poaching large or small game;
• Hunting wildlife during a closed season;
• Unlawful night hunting;
• Shooting from a roadway;
• Taking more game than legally permitted;
• Illegal possession or handling of wildlife;
• Illegal sale of wildlife or animal parts;
• Illegal activity involving species at risk; and
• Other suspected violations of Ontario's fish and wildlife laws.

The person providing the information does not need to determine the exact offence section before contacting the Ministry.  The useful information is what was observed, where and when it occurred, and any identifying details that may assist the investigation.

Can You Report Hunting Out of Season?

Yes.  Ontario specifically identifies hunting or fishing out of season as a type of natural resource violation that can be reported.

An open season is the period during which hunting a particular species is legally permitted under the applicable rules.  A closed season is the period when that hunting activity is not permitted.

Because hunting seasons can depend on the species, Wildlife Management Unit, date, firearm class, and other conditions, the Conservation Officer investigating the information can determine which legal rules apply.

Can You Report Illegal Night Hunting or Road Hunting?

Yes.  Ontario specifically lists unlawful night hunting and shooting from a roadway among the natural resource violations that can be reported.

Useful information can include the location, time, vehicle information, direction of travel, description of the people involved, and any other details observed during the incident.

Can You Report Illegal Wildlife Sales?

Yes.  Suspected illegal sale of wildlife, species at risk, or animal parts can be reported through the MNR TIPS line.

Ontario wildlife laws regulate the buying, selling, possessing, transporting, and other commercial handling of wildlife in various circumstances.  The applicable legal rule depends on the species and activity involved.

Information about online advertisements, sellers, locations, dates, wildlife involved, or other identifying details can potentially assist an investigation.

Can You Report Someone Taking Too Many Animals?

Yes.  Ontario identifies taking more fish or game than allowed as a reportable natural resource violation.

Hunting limits can include daily bag limits, possession limits, tag limits, or other species specific restrictions.  The applicable limit depends on the wildlife and governing legislation.

What Other Natural Resource Violations Can Be Reported?

The MNR TIPS line is not limited to hunting and poaching.  Ontario also identifies examples such as:

• Illegal fishing;
• Taking more fish than permitted;
• Illegal activities involving species at risk;
• Dumping waste on Crown land;
• Illegally removing sand, gravel, or wood from public lands;
• Having fires in restricted fire zones or without a required permit; and
• Illegal activities in provincial parks and other protected areas.

The Ministry's reporting system therefore covers a broad range of suspected natural resource abuse.

What Information Should You Provide?

Specific information can help Conservation Officers investigate a suspected violation.  When calling the MNR TIPS line, Ontario says you may be asked to provide:

• Your name and contact information;
• Details about the suspected activity;
• The date of the incident;
• The approximate time of day;
• The location;
• Nearby roads, lakes, addresses, or landmarks;
• A description of the people involved;
• Vehicle licence plate numbers;
• Vehicle make, model, and colour; and
• An occurrence number if you are providing information about a violation already identified by the Ministry.

The usefulness of a tip can depend on the circumstances, but accurate information about the location, date, people, vehicles, and activity can help identify what occurred.

Do You Need to Know the Exact Location?

Provide as much accurate location information as you reasonably have.

Ontario identifies information such as roads, lakes, street addresses, and landmarks as useful location details.

Depending on the situation, location can be important because hunting rules can change across Wildlife Management Unit boundaries, private and public land boundaries, parks, protected areas, or other geographic areas.

Should You Provide Vehicle Information?

Vehicle information can be useful where a vehicle was connected with the suspected activity.

Ontario specifically identifies the following as useful information:

• Licence plate number;
• Vehicle make;
• Vehicle model; and
• Vehicle colour.

Other details already observed, such as the direction the vehicle travelled or distinguishing characteristics, may also help identify the vehicle involved.

Will You Be Asked for Your Name?

The MNR TIPS line may ask for your name and contact information.

Ontario lists a caller's name and contact information among the information that may be requested when a tip is provided directly to the Ministry.

If remaining anonymous is important, Ontario directs people to use Crime Stoppers instead.

Can You Report Poaching Anonymously?

Yes.  Ontario directs people who wish to remain anonymous to Crime Stoppers.

The Crime Stoppers telephone number is:

1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

Crime Stoppers provides a separate anonymous reporting option from the Ministry's direct MNR TIPS line.

View Ontario's official reporting options.

Who Reviews an MNR TIPS Report?

Ontario states that every call to the MNR TIPS line is reviewed by a Conservation Officer.

A Conservation Officer is an enforcement officer responsible for enforcing Ontario's natural resource laws, including fish and wildlife legislation.

Conservation Officers investigate suspected offences using information from the public together with officer observations, physical evidence, records, statements, and other investigative information where applicable.

Will the Ministry Follow Up on a Tip?

Ontario states that the Ministry will follow up where a call requires action.

The response will depend on the information provided and the circumstances of the reported activity.  Not every tip will necessarily result in a charge or other enforcement action.

The purpose of the TIPS system is to provide information to Conservation Officers so the Ministry can determine whether further investigation or action is appropriate.

Why Are Public Tips Important?

Natural resource violations can be difficult to investigate because they frequently occur in remote locations with few witnesses.

Ontario says Conservation Officers rely on:

• Tips from the public;
• Physical evidence; and
• Community support

to help investigate and solve natural resource cases.

The Ministry reports that Conservation Officers make more than 170,000 contacts with members of the public in the field each year.

Is the MNR TIPS Line an Emergency Number?

No.  The MNR TIPS line is not an emergency response number.

If the situation involves an immediate matter of public safety, Ontario directs people to:

Call 911 or contact the police.

The MNR TIPS line should be used for natural resource violation reporting rather than as a substitute for emergency police, fire, or medical services.

When Should You Call 911 Instead?

Use 911 when the matter requires an emergency public-safety response.

Ontario specifically distinguishes the MNR TIPS line from emergency services.  Situations involving immediate danger to people or another urgent public-safety concern should be reported to 911 or police rather than relying on the natural-resource reporting line.

Can You Report Trespassing While Hunting?

Suspected unlawful hunting involving trespassing can be reported where it falls within Ontario's natural resource enforcement responsibilities.

Ontario's Conservation Officer information specifically identifies unlawful hunting, including trespassing for the purpose of hunting, as conduct that can be reported through the TIPS violation reporting line.

Property access issues can also involve other laws or police responsibilities depending on the circumstances.

Can You Report Illegal Activity in a Provincial Park?

Yes.  Ontario includes illegal activities in provincial parks and protected areas among the natural resource violations that can be reported.

Hunting, possession of wildlife, firearm use, camping, fires, resource removal, and other activities can be subject to additional restrictions in protected areas.

Can You Report Illegal Activity Involving Species at Risk?

Yes.  Suspected illegal activity involving species at risk can be reported to the Ministry.

This can include unauthorized activity involving protected animals, plants, or habitat where Ontario's natural-resource legislation applies.

The MNR TIPS line for suspected illegal activity is:

1-(877) 847-7667

Is Reporting a Violation the Same as Reporting a Wildlife Sighting?

No.  A suspected legal violation and an ordinary wildlife sighting are different types of reports.

The MNR TIPS line is intended for suspected illegal natural-resource activity.  Ontario uses other programs and reporting systems for matters such as invasive-species sightings, species observations, and other wildlife information that does not involve suspected illegal conduct.

Is Reporting Poaching the Same as Making a Complaint About a Conservation Officer?

No.  These are separate processes.

The MNR TIPS line is used to report suspected natural-resource violations.  Ontario has a separate process for making a complaint or compliment concerning a Conservation Officer.

Make a complaint or compliment about a Conservation Officer.

Where Can You Read Ontario's Official Reporting Information?

Ontario maintains an official government page explaining how to report natural resource violations and provide tips.

View Ontario's Solve a Natural Resource Case page.

The page provides current information about:

• The MNR TIPS line;
• Crime Stoppers anonymous reporting;
• Common natural resource violations;
• Information that may be requested from callers;
• Conservation Officer review of reports; and
• Emergency reporting through 911 or police.

Ontario's current page was updated on January 22, 2026.

What Are the Current Reporting Numbers?

Ontario lists the following telephone numbers for reporting suspected natural resource violations.

• MNR TIPS line: 1-(877) 847-7667; and
• Crime Stoppers for anonymous reporting: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

For a public-safety emergency, call 911 or police.

Where Can You Find Conservation Officer Information?

Ontario maintains a separate government resource explaining the role and authority of Conservation Officers.

View Ontario Conservation Officer powers and authorities.

The resource explains that Conservation Officers enforce Ontario natural-resource laws and investigate matters involving fish, wildlife, forests, fires, public lands, and other regulated resources.

Why Can a Poaching Report Matter in a Legal Issue?

A public report can become the starting point for a Conservation Officer investigation.

Depending on the circumstances, information from a tip can lead officers to investigate locations, people, vehicles, wildlife, hunting activity, records, or other evidence.

A report itself should be distinguished from evidence establishing that an offence occurred.  Whether enforcement action is taken depends on the investigation and the applicable law.

How Can DefendCharges.ca™ Help?

DefendCharges.ca™ can help explain Ontario hunting and wildlife laws where a natural resource report, Conservation Officer investigation, or related legal issue is involved.  This can include identifying the legislation, regulation, hunting requirement, enforcement power, or other legal provision relevant to the circumstances.

Where a hunting ticket, summons, investigation, seizure, or court proceeding follows a natural resource report, DefendCharges.ca™ can review the applicable law and evidence, explain the legal issues and potential consequences, and help the person understand their options.

Key Takeaways

• Suspected poaching and other natural resource violations can be reported to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources;
• The MNR TIPS line is 1-(877) 847-7667;
• Ontario accepts reports involving illegal hunting, fishing, wildlife activity, species at risk, public lands, provincial parks, and other natural resources;
• Examples include poaching, unlawful night hunting, shooting from a roadway, hunting out of season, taking more game than allowed, and illegal wildlife sales;
• Useful information can include the date, time, location, people involved, vehicle information, and details about the suspected activity;
• Every call to the MNR TIPS line is reviewed by a Conservation Officer;
• People who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477);
• The MNR TIPS line is not an emergency response number;
• Public-safety emergencies should be reported to 911 or police;
• A report can lead to an investigation but does not itself establish that an offence occurred; and
• Ontario's Solve a Natural Resource Case page provides the current official reporting information.

Conclusion

Ontario's MNR TIPS line provides a direct way to report suspected poaching and other natural resource violations to the Ministry of Natural Resources.  Accurate information about the activity, date, location, people, and vehicles involved can assist Conservation Officers in reviewing and investigating a report.  The current MNR TIPS number is 1-(877) 847-7667, while people wishing to report anonymously can use Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).  For an immediate public-safety emergency, call 911 or police.