Call of the Outdoors · Pennsylvania Game Commission

Episode 21: Operation Game Thief Protects Pennsylvania Wildlife

September 29, 2021·1 hr 10 min·5 clips

Discover how Operation Game Thief protects Pennsylvania's wildlife from illegal activities in this episode.

This episode of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's podcast features host Matt and two guests from the Bureau of Wildlife Protection: Chief of the Special Permits Division Chad Eiler and Chief of Administration Brian Sheets. The conversation focuses on the Operation Game Thief program and the daily work of wildlife conservation officers, commonly known as game wardens. The guests are introduced as experienced professionals central to law enforcement and public outreach for the agency. The discussion details Operation Game Thief, a confidential tip line for reporting wildlife crimes like poaching. Chad Eiler explains the program's operation, including how tips are received and investigated. Brian Sheets outlines the legal framework and penalties for wildlife violations in Pennsylvania. They describe common violations wardens encounter, such as hunting out of season or exceeding bag limits. The episode covers the process from receiving a public tip to officers conducting field investigations. Specific examples of case resolutions are mentioned without revealing outcomes. The guests emphasize the program's reliance on cooperation from ethical hunters and the general public. A key insight is that the public's eyes and ears are considered the most valuable tool for wildlife protection. The guests clarify that not all calls result in violations, as many are misunderstandings they can help clarify. They stress that ethical hunters are their greatest allies and often the ones reporting crimes. An interesting point is the explanation of how technology, like cell phones, has changed both illegal activity and reporting methods. The conversation reveals the extensive training and diverse responsibilities of a game warden beyond law enforcement. The hosts and guests share a moment of humor regarding Chad Eiler's Stetson hat and Brian Sheets' serious demeanor. The tone is conversational and educational, blending informal banter with official information. The style is interview-based, with the host guiding the discussion to inform the listener. This episode would greatly interest Pennsylvania hunters, trappers, and outdoors enthusiasts seeking to understand wildlife law enforcement. Listeners curious about conservation efforts or how to report violations would find it valuable, while those seeking purely recreational hunting tips might skip it.

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