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2026 REPORT A WATERCRAFT VIOLATION OR INCIDENT

Don Westereng | Published on 8/18/2026

REPORT A WATERCRAFT VIOLATION OR INCIDENT

As discussed at the RLPOA Annual Meeting, Wisconsin DNR provides a confidential way to report suspected boating, recreational, wildlife and environmental violations.

Call or Text: 1-800-847-9367

The DNR Violation Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not have to provide your name. If you do provide your contact information, the DNR states that your identity and information that may identify you will be protected under state statute. 

For an emergency, call 911.

Report Online:
Wisconsin DNR – Report a Violation.   https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/contact/Hotline.html

When possible, provide:

  • Who: Description of the person(s) involved.
  • Watercraft: Registration number (for example, WS 1234 AB), if visible.
  • What: Describe the suspected violation or unsafe activity.
  • Where: Lake, bay, shoreline area or other specific location.
  • When: Date and time of the incident, and whether it is happening right now.
  • Photos or video: If safely available, photos or video may be helpful to the DNR investigation.

Safety first — do not put yourself or others at risk to obtain a photo, video or registration number.