NEW ORLEANS - The state wildlife department says it paid out $16,800 in cash rewards for information leading to arrests for violations of fishing and hunting regulations.

The payments were made through a program called "Louisiana Operation Game Thief."

The program led to 72 arrests.

A Monday news release says rewards were paid in 27 deer hunting cases, three involving migratory game bird violations, seven turkey hunting violations, three commercial fishing cases and an alligator case.

The program has paid out $375,700 since it began in 1984.

It's funded through private donations and court directed contributions. It also gets money through cooperative endeavor agreements with organizations such as the National Wild Turkey Federation and Quality Deer Management Association.