Upland bird seasons, waterfowl seasons and archery deer seasons are in full swing, and on Dec. 4 the Kansas firearms deer season will lure yet another group of hunters afield.

Nothing can spoil hunting more than poachers – people people who trespass, litter, take unsafe shots or vandalize.

While they represent a small percentage of the hunting community, they reflect poorly on all hunters.

This fall, all hunters – and everyone else – should be on the alert for wildlife violations and report them through Wildlife and Parks’ Operation Game Thief.

Anyone who observes a wildlife crime should contact their local conservation officer through the Operation Game Thief toll-free hotline, 1 877-426-3843.

With only a limited number of conservation officers to patrol the state, citizen involvement is essential in controlling wildlife violations.

Operation Game Thief calls have resulted in arrests and convictions on violations ranging from public lands vandalism to deer poaching.