HSC is pleased to announce the award of a $10,000 grant to the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Operation Game Thief.
Operation Game Thief (OGT) is one of the nation’s top wildlife crime-stopper programs. OGT provides a unique reporting and reward system to help curtail the unlawful harvest of Texas’ wildlife. In addition, OGT provides support for educational programs presented by game wardens and the expansion of technology and training. The HSC grant will be utilized to help fund OGT’s ongoing billboard marketing program, increasing the reach and awareness of OGT. The grant was provided through HSC’s affiliate organization, The American Conservation and Education Society (ACES).
Carter Smith, Executive Director, Texas Parks and Wildlife, explains, “The Operation Game Thief Program is a critically important element of our efforts to conserve Texas’ rich fish and wildlife heritage. We are most grateful to Houston Safari Club for their longstanding support of this successful conservation law enforcement program.”
“The support of anti-poaching and education efforts by Houston Safari Club is part of our mission,” states Joe Betar, HSC Executive Director. “Some people may not be aware that HSC is one of the original organizations that provided funding for the launch of Operation Game Thief. We are proud to continue to support their efforts.”
About Operation Game Thief
Operation Game Thief is Texas’ wildlife Crime-stoppers program, offering rewards of up to $1,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction for a wildlife crime. Begun in 1981 as a result of laws passed by the 67th Legislature to help curtail poaching, the program, a function of the law enforcement division of Texas Parks and Wildlife, is highly successful, having been responsible for the payment of over $200,000.00 in rewards. Privately funded, the program is dependent on financial support from the public through the purchase of OGT memberships and merchandise, donations, sponsorships, and gifts. For more information, please visit www.ogttx.com.
About Houston Safari Club
Houston Safari Club (HSC), established in 1972, is a volunteer non-profit conservation, education and sporting rights advocacy organization based in Houston, Texas. HSC works diligently to preserve the sporting heritage, support wildlife conservation and promote education, both locally and throughout the world. HSC proudly provides one of the largest scholarship programs of its kind, in conjunction with its charitable arm, the American Conservation and Education Society (ACES). Together, HSC and ACES have provided millions of dollars for conservation, education and sporting rights initiatives worldwide to ensure the longevity of the sport and the sustainability of sporting resources for generations to come. For more information, please visit our website at hscfdn.org or call 713.623.8844.
