Field operations weekly report, 2008 December 7-13

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report December 7-13, 2008
This report is a broad sampling of events that have taken place in the past week, but does not include all actions taken by the Law Enforcement Section.

Region I- Calhoun (Northwest)
CATOOSA COUNTY On December 12th, Ranger McConkey received a call about subjects hunting deer at night with a spotlight in Catoosa County. When the Ranger arrived on location, he observed a vehicle in a field shining a large light. After watching the vehicle for several minutes, it was stopped. It turned out to be a man and wife looking at the property for possible purchase of the land. The two subjects stated that the owner of the property told them that some areas would flood after a large rain. The area had received about 3 to 4 inches of rain in the past two days and they wanted to see what had flooded. No firearms were located in the vehicle.
PICKENS COUNTY On December the 9th and 10th, Cpl. James Keener and Ranger Cody Jones completed a two-night Hunter Education course, as well as the review and test for the on-line course, in Pickens County. Approximately 50 students were certified in Hunter Education from the two courses.
WALKER COUNTY On December 12th, Cpl. Gentry received information from Wildlife Tech Joshua Aldridge concerning an area reported as baited for deer. W/L Tech Aldridge, Ranger McConkey, and Cpl. Gentry later walked the property and found two baited stands. On December 13th, Ranger Roger McConkey and Cpl. Tommy Gentry returned to the area and issued two hunters citations for hunting big game over bait.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
FORSYTH COUNTY On December 12th, at approximately 7:00 p.m., RFC Mark Stephens was notified by the State Operations Center (SOC) that two hunters, hunting on Corps of Engineers property, boat had drifted away. The hunters were on an island on the Two Mile Island Chain. RFC Stephens notified Sgt. Mike Burgamy for assistance. The rangers found the hunters and after a short search were able to locate the boat that was adrift.
GWINNETT COUNTY On December 13th, RFC Mark Stephens conducted an Online Hunter Education Class at the Bass Pro Shop in Lawrenceville. A total of 25 students were certified during this class.
LUMPKIN COUNTY On December 12th, RFC Mitchell Crump completed the two weeks Maritime Law Enforcement Academy-Marine Patrol Officers Course for Instructor Development in Charleston, South Carolina.

ROCKDALE COUNTY On December 12th, Cpl. Sanders received a complaint about a raccoon in a cage inside a house on Hi-Rock Road. Cpl. Sanders arrived and spoke with the owner about the raccoon. The owner stated that he did have a raccoon and agreed to let Cpl. Sanders inside the house to get the raccoon. As Cpl. Sanders entered the bedroom he noticed a black box with a green leafy material inside. After Cpl. Sanders took the raccoon he questioned the owner about the black box and the owner stated that was his marijuana. The owner was cited for holding game animal without a permit and violation of Georgia's Controlled Substance Act possession of marijuana less than one ounce. The raccoon was turned over to Rockdale County Animal Control to be tested for rabies.
JACKSON COUNTY On December 12th, RFC Eric Isom was checking property off Hwy 129. RFC Isom found one subject hunting from a ground blind without fluorescent orange and hunting over bait. A second subject hunting in a climbing stand without fluorescent orange was also located. The subjects were asked why they did not have any fluorescent orange with them. They responded, "No one else hunts this property". The two subjects received citations and warnings for hunting big game over bait and hunting without fluorescent orange.
JACKSON COUNTY On December 13th, RFC Eric Isom was working a hunting deer at night complaint on Lyle Field Rd. The complainant informed RFC Isom that he had heard rifle shots at night from his hay field. RFC Isom witnessed a dark Ford pickup turn sideways in the road and headlight the hay field. RFC Isom was approximately 30 yards away from the pickup observing them with night vision. The driver and passenger both stepped out of the pickup with rifles and pointed them into the field. The driver of the pickup shot his 30.06 rifle at a deer in the hay field. Both subjects got back into the vehicle and tried to leave the scene. RFC Isom stopped the vehicle and seized both rifles and a Mag light. Both subjects were transported to the Jackson County Detention Center. Both subjects received citations for hunting deer at night, hunting big game from public road, and hunting from a vehicle.
RABUN COUNTY On December 12th, RFC Chad Chambers, Wildlife Tech IV Craig Nelson, and USFS Officers held a road check on Warwoman WMA. The officers cited two individuals for transporting loaded firearms in their vehicles on a WMA.

UNION COUNTY On December 12th, RFC Kevin Dyer received information from an informant about some possible stolen equipment that was at a residence in the Jones Creek area of the County. RFC Dyer notified investigators with the Union County Sheriff's Office and took them to the location the informant provided. The officers located 2 stolen enclosed utility trailers, tools, etc. RFC Dyer assisted the Sheriff's Office secure the scene and process the evidence located at the residence. The investigators are currently working the investigation and seeking arrest warrants for the suspects that were using the residence on Jones Creek.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
JOHNSON COUNTY On December 6th, Corporal Michael Crawley checked a dove field on the Johnson/Laurens county line. Upon checking the lower portion of the dove field Cpl. Crawley approached an individual wearing waders and carrying a shotgun. The individual claimed he was wearing waders while shooting doves because that was all he had to wear. After further investigation Cpl. Crawley and his K-9 Tar discovered 5 wood ducks hid in the woods next to the individual's vehicle. After further investigation Cpl. Crawley found there to be 3 people in all hunting ducks near the back of the dove field. The suspects were charged with hunting waterfowl with lead shot, hunting without license, hunting without GA waterfowl stamp, hunting without federal duck stamp, hunting with unplugged shotgun, and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The 5 wood ducks were confiscated.
JEFFERSON COUNTY On the evening of December 13th, while on patrol RFC Matherly checked two hunters on baited stands that had been found at an earlier time. Both subjects were Florida residents. The first subject was charged with hunting over bait, and warned for hunting deer with out florescent orange. The second subject was charged with hunting over bait, nonresident hunting big game with out non-resident big game license, hunting deer with out florescent orange, and warned with non-resident hunting with out non-resident license.
BURKE COUNTY On December 14th, RFC Jeff Billips received a deer dog complaint on Creek Road in Burke County. Upon arrival, RFC Billips obtained a collared deer dog on unpermitted property. RFC Billips went to Wimberly Lake Hunt Club and issued a citation for hunting deer with dogs on unpermitted property.
COLUMBIA COUNTY On December 13th, Cpl. Brian Hobbins checked a hunting club where baited deer stands had been previously located. Cpl. Hobbins located two adults and one juvenile hunting on the property. One of the subjects was hunting over bait. None of the three subjects were wearing their orange. Both adults were charged for hunting deer w/o fluorescent orange and one of the adults was cited for hunting big game over bait.

NEWTON/MORGAN COUNTY On December 9th, Cpl. David Allen responded to a complaint in Newton County concerning four guys dumping deer carcasses on a piece of property between a business and old motel. Upon arriving Cpl. Allen located two deer carcasses. He then went over to the old motel building in an attempt to find out who had dumped the deer. Cpl. Allen saw an open door and two males inside cutting up meat on the counter. Cpl. Allen knocked on the door and one of the males approached him. Further investigation revealed that the subject had shot one of the deer and was given the other by a hunting partner. Cpl. Allen determined that the suspect did not have any hunting license and that he was also a convicted felon. Cpl. Allen arrested and charged the suspect for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and hunting without a license.
MORGAN COUNTY On December 12th, Ranger Ricky Boles received a night hunting complaint concerning several shots being fired from the roadway. While going to the area, he contacted Sgt. Matt Garthright, who also responded. Shortly after Ranger Boles arrived at the complainant's house, he observed a pickup truck stop on the roadway. Ranger Boles ran back and got his truck. The pickup had turned down another road and pulled off into a small field. Ranger Boles conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. He observed two suspects in the pickup and another two dragging a deer up to the truck. In the bed of the truck were two other dead deer. Sgt. Garthright arrived at the scene and the two rangers conducted a night hunting investigation. There were no guns in the vehicle and none of the suspects admitted to anything. The rangers did find a spotlight hidden in a consol department. In the back floorboard were three spent .30-30 rounds. On the roadway were three different blood spots. The rangers got signed consent to search the driver's residence and vehicles in the yard. At the residence, the rangers observed a .30-30 rifle in plain view and an empty spotlight box in one of the vehicles. All four suspects were arrested and charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a motor vehicle, hunting from a public road, and possession of illegally taken wildlife. One of the four was also charged with possession of marijuana, violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act.
WILKES COUNTY On December 13th, Sergeant Brian Carter was working a complaint in reference to night hunting in Wilkes County. Just after dark he stopped a vehicle for spotlighting the field he was working. He issued 3 citations for blinding wildlife with lights.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
COWETA COUNTY On December 13th, Sgt. Russell Ramsey, RFC Travis Sweat, and Ranger Adam Jacobs set up a night hunting detail at two locations in Coweta County after receiving night hunting complaints. At one of the locations, the rangers were able to utilize a decoy deer. No citations were issued or arrests made.

MONROE COUNTY On the morning of December 12th, Cpl. Tony Wynne was checking boats and duck hunters at Dames Ferry access on Lake Juliette. One boat that Cpl. Wynne checked had no registration. When asked about the registration for the boat the owner said he had not applied for his registration yet. While checking the same boat for safety equipment the owner could not produce any personal flotation devices (PFDs). The boat owner's hunting partner was unable to produce any hunting licenses except for the federal waterfowl stamp. Charges were made for operating a vessel without PFDs and for hunting without license. Warnings were given for the boat registration and for not having the Georgia Waterfowl license.
BLECKLEY COUNTY On December 13th, Cpl. Robert Stillwell and Wildlife Technicians Randy Wood and Raye Jones checked several deer stands that had been previously documented as being baited. Two subjects were apprehended and charged with the offense of hunting big game over bait. Additionally, one of subjects was warned for hunting without a license.
PULASKI COUNTY On December 7th, while driving down the highway, RFC Tim Butler observed a deer hunter walking across a soybean field. Butler stopped at the subject's truck and observed corn in the back of the vehicle. Butler then tracked the subject into the woods behind the soybean field and found him hunting over a large amount of corn. The subject was charged for hunting big game over bait.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
LEE COUNTY On December 13th, Sgt. Danny Bishop, Cpl. Scott Carroll and Ranger Randy James conducted a patrol to address complaints of illegal hunting. At approximately 5:00 pm, a vehicle occupied by two people entered the complaint area and attempted to take a deer from the road. One individual was arrested and charged with hunting from a vehicle, hunting from the road and hunting without permission. A 14 year-old juvenile that was present in the truck was released to his mother.
BROOKS COUNTY On December 10th, RFC Jon Penuel, Ranger Keith McDonald, and Sgt. David Ruddell responded to a request for assistance from investigators with the Brooks and Lowndes County Sheriff's Offices. The investigators had discovered three alligators in a residence while serving a search warrant. The alligators were taken and released back into the wild. The homeowners were cited for illegal possession of the animals, the investigation is ongoing.

MITCHELL COUNTY On December 13th, RFC Randy Davis and RFC David Brady checked a group of dove hunters and found them shooting over a baited peanut field. The hunters were cited for hunting over bait and 138 doves were confiscated.
WEBSTER COUNTY On December 13th, Ranger Jack Stripling, RFC Bob Holley, RFC Jim Atchley, Cpl. Steve Robinson and Sgt. Butch Potter conducted a night deer hunting patrol in response to citizen's complaints. At approximately 10:30 pm, a vehicle was stopped after its occupants were observed hunting in the area. The two occupants were arrested and charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a motor vehicle, hunting from a public road and possession of marijuana.
At approximately 3:00 am, as RFC Atchley was returning from this patrol, he observed a subject pushing a disabled vehicle along the side of the highway. RFC Atchley stopped to render assistance and discovered three persons, including a handicapped woman in a wheel chair, in the vehicle. The officer contacted a wrecker to retrieve the vehicle, then transported the woman to Cuthbert to arrange motel lodging for her and the rest of her party.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
MONTGOMERY COUNTY On December 10th, RFC Danielle Partin received a complaint in reference to hunting turkey out of season and without permission. RFC Partin responded to the complaint area and interviewed the complainant. RFC Partin was able to locate the hen turkey and also the suspect, who was issued citations for hunting from a public road, hunting from a vehicle, hunting without permission, hunting out of season, and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
BERRIEN COUNTY On December 13th, RFC Tim Hutto checked several subjects who were hunting dove. Three citations and two warnings were issued for hunting without a license and hunting with an unplugged shotgun.
ATKINSON COUNTY On December 13th, RFC Tim Hutto and Sgt. David Nugent patrolled for deer dogging violations. Numerous citations and warnings were issued for hunting with unmarked dogs, hunting without a deer dog license, hunting without a license, hunting without a big game license, littering, and hunting big game from a public road.

LANIER COUNTY On December 10th, RFC Tim Hutto and RGR Keith McDonald completed a night hunting complaint investigation. The investigation resulted in two subjects being arrested and charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle, hunting big game from a public road, possession of illegally taken wildlife and littering. The subject's ten-point buck and firearm were seized as well. An accomplice was also issued citations for littering and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The buck was donated to the hunters for the hungry program.
PIERCE COUNTY On December 7th, around 5:00 am, Cpl. Damon Winters received a call from the Pierce County Sheriff's Office about a house that had been shot with a hunting rifle. The deputies on the scene suspected night hunters were in the area. Cpl. Winters was headed to the location when a deputy called and said he was out with four hunters. Cpl. Winters arrived at the location and secured a loaded hunting rifle, spotlight, ammunition, and four people. All four were arrested and transported to the Pierce County Jail. Hunting deer at night and hunting from a motor vehicle charges were made on all four people. Two of them were also charged with hunting under the influence. Additional charges from the Pierce County Sheriff's office are pending.
ECHOLS COUNTY On December 13th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree was patrolling hunting leases east of Statenville for deer dogging activity when a hunter participating in a dog-deer drive was observed without any fluorescent orange outer garments. The hunter placed his shotgun into his vehicle and began putting on an orange vest as Sgt. Dupree pulled up to the hunter's truck. The hunter was warned for the infraction.
On December 13th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree and RFC Brad Cox participated in Echols County's Sesquicentennial Celebration in Statenville. The rangers operated the laser-shot shooting simulator, monitored the large taxidermy display, announced the winner of the big buck contest and donated bear/wild pork sausage for the wild game-food sampling. Approximately 1000 people attended the event.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
LIBERTY COUNTY On December 13th, Ranger Randy Tinley, Sgt. James Shelton, and Cpl. Cindy Miller were on patrol and saw a boat trawling in closed waters in Liberty County. As the Rangers approached the boat, the boat attempted to leave the area. Cpl. Miller dropped Ranger Tinley off in the subjects boat and went to the area the subjects left from and found a shrimp net just under the water. Sgt. Shelton came and helped Cpl. Miller pull the shrimp net into the patrol boat. Three subjects were cited for using power drawn nets in closed waters. Approximately 90lbs. of shrimp and a 30' shrimp net was confiscated.

On December 13th, Cpl. Cindy Miller checked two subjects hunting in south Liberty. One subject was cited for hunting big game over bait and for not wearing fluorescent orange. The other subject was cited for hunting without a big game license and hunting without a license.
MCINTOSH COUNTY On December 7th, Cpl. Jimmy Finn and Ranger Rebekah Fuller responded to Sapelo Sound in reference to an illegal shrimping complaint. Once in the sound the Rangers located the suspected shrimp boat and boarded it. The Rangers then gathered information so they could secure warrants for the shrimp boats crew for various commercial fishing violations.
On December 12th, while patrolling McIntosh County, Sgt. John Harwell cited two hunters for running dogs on unpermitted property.
WAYNE COUNTY On December 9th, after several days of investigation Cpl. Bobby White secured arrest warrants on a subject for hunting without permission. The incident occurred off the mid slough area on NeSmith property.
GLYNN COUNTY On December 12th, RFC Mark Carson, RFC Craig Smith, Cpl. Jesse Cook, and Cpl. Ron Harris were conducting a boarding detail/saltwater patrol in St. Andrew Sound and St. Simons Sound. The when the officers boarded the shrimp trawlers, they located TED (turtle excluder devices) violations and commercial license violations. Officers cited the offenders for the violations.
CAMDEN COUNTY On December 10th, RFC Mark Carson and Cpl. Chris Hodge were working a crabbing complaint near the southern end of Cumberland Island. The two officers observed a boat pulling crab pots. They went to the boat and asked to see the subject's commercial crabbing license, commercial boat license, and regular commercial fishing license. The two crabbers were from Florida and did not possess a Georgia commercial fishing license. They were cited for commercial crabbing without a crabbing license and commercial fishing without a commercial license and commercial fishing without a commercial boat license.
On December 12th, RFC Mark Carson and RFC Craig Smith were set up working a night hunting compliant in Camden County. At approximately 11:30 p.m. a vehicle drove down the road they were on and started shining a spotlight out of the passenger window. The officers stopped the vehicle and there were 3 people in the vehicle. All three persons were cited for hunting deer at night, hunting big game from a public road, hunting from a motor vehicle, and possession of marijuana.