Field operations weekly report, January 27-February 2, 2008

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report January 27-February 2, 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)
CARROLL COUNTY On Sunday, January 27th, Cpl. Eric Brown responded to an in-progress night hunting complaint on Northeast Hickory Level Road. Cpl. Brown arrived and with the assistance of the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, two subjects were apprehended as they returned to the field to retrieve a deer. Both subjects were arrested and charged with hunting deer at night.
CATOOSA COUNTY On January 27th, Ranger McConkey responded to an in-progress hunting without permission complaint in Catoosa County. As the landowner was showing Ranger McConkey the property, they encountered three ATVs and two trucks. The operators of each ATV and truck fled when they saw the landowner's vehicle. The subjects were followed as far as possible by vehicle. They then drove the ATV's and trucks through the woods running over whatever was in their path. Ranger McConkey exited the vehicle and pursued the subjects on foot catching up with one of the vehicles. Next, Ranger McConkey followed the tracks of the other vehicles to a residence just down the road from the property. Ranger McConkey was unable to make contact with anyone at this residence. Ranger McConkey was able to get the names of two other suspects from the driver of the truck apprehended earlier. Ranger McConkey requested assistance from the Catoosa County Sheriff's Department. The two officers were able to locate a second suspect, which had parked his vehicle and unloaded his ATV at the above-mentioned residence. The Catoosa County deputy charged each suspect with criminal trespassing.
DADE COUNTY On February 2nd, Ranger Roger McConkey conducted a Hunter Development Program at an Outdoor-Day event in Dade County. Cpl. Gentry and Wildlife Technician Josh Aldridge assisted Ranger McConkey. The officers had approximately 50 people participate in the Department's Laser Shot Program. This program allows participants to hunt different types of game animals using a computer program, firearms equipped with lasers, and a projected hunting scenario on a projection screen.
GILMER COUNTY On January 28th, Gilmer County detectives took arrest warrants for a suspect in connection with a shooting, which occurred on January 7th. The warrants included: one count of aggravated assault with intent of murder, one count of aggravated batter, one count of burglary, one count of cruelty to children, two counts of influencing a witness, one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and multiple counts of making a false statement. The suspect was already incarcerated at the Gilmer County Detention Center on unrelated charges brought by Sgt. John VanLandingham of the Department of Natural Resources. These charges included: hunting upon or discharging weapons across a public road, hunting from a motor vehicle, hunting with illegal ammunition, and making false statements.

MURRAY COUNTY On February 1st and 2nd, DNR Law Enforcement Conservation Rangers teamed up with Game Management Wildlife Technicians and US Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers to conduct a detail on Cohutta Wildlife Management Area. Over the two-day detail there were eight citations issued for various offenses including, hunting from a public road, hunting from a motor vehicle, hunting feral hogs without wearing fluorescent orange clothing, and driving on a suspended license.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
FRANKLIN COUNTY On January 29, 30, and 31 RFC Chris Moore assisted the Franklin County Sheriffs Office teach the C.H.A.M.P.S program in the fifth grade. Chris taught the firearms safety portion of the class. The program is similar to D.A.R.E but includes safety issues such as firearms safety, water safety, and A.T.V. safety. RFC Moore also instructs these sections throughout the year.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
WALTON COUNTY On January 20, 2008 at 3:18 a.m., RFC Nick Jenkins was notified by the State Operations Center to contact a Walton County Deputy. The deputy had stopped a person suspected of DUI and found numerous waterfowl in the vehicle. RFC Jenkins responded to the scene and found the person to be in possession of 6 wood ducks, 2 mergansers and 2 geese. The person told RFC Jenkins that he did have the proper hunting licenses but did not have them with him. RFC Jenkins issued the person a citation for possessing over the daily bag limit and advised him that he would check on the status of his hunting license.
RFC Jenkins went out of town the following day and returned on January 29th to learn that the individual has not had a valid hunting license since 2005. RFC Jenkins met with this person on February 2, 2008 and issued a citation for hunting without a Georgia waterfowl license, a warning for hunting without a license and a warning for hunting without an H.I.P. license.
NEWTON COUNTY On February 2, 2008 RFC Larry Mills was investigating an ongoing complaint when he found a truck parked on the side of the road with trapping equipment. RFC Mills located the person and observed him checking his traps. RFC Mills approached the person and asked for his license. The person produced a valid trapping license but was found to be in violation of several other trapping laws. After talking with the person, it was learned that he had been recently caught for trapping without a license. RFC Mills issued a citation for failure to tag traps and warnings for failure to carry a weapon of .22 caliber rimfire and choke stick while tending traps.

Region IV- Macon (West Central)
BALDWIN COUNTY On January 27, 2008 Sgt. Bo Kelly was checking a group of waterfowl hunters in Baldwin County and found that one of the hunters checked did not have a Georgia waterfowl license. The subject was issued a warning for this violation.
TROUP COUNTY On January 27, 2008 Cpl. Brent Railey and Cpl. Keith Waddell were checking waterfowl hunters in Troup County and found that one of the hunters checked did not have a Georgia waterfowl license. Subject was issued a warning for this violation.
CRAWFORD COUNTY On January 27, Ranger Kevin Joyce apprehended four subjects hunting ducks well after legal sunset. Two of the subjects were found to be hunting with lead shot ammunition; one subject did not possess a hunting license, Georgia waterfowl license, or Federal duck stamp. All four were issued citations for the offense of hunting migratory game birds after legal hours. Additionally, the two subjects who were hunting with lead shot were cited for hunting with illegal ammunition. Courtesy warnings were given for the license infractions.
On the afternoon of January 28, Rangers Kevin Joyce and Josh Swain apprehended two juveniles hunting ducks after the close of season. Due to the ages of the offenders no charges were filed. However, warnings for the offense of hunting out of season were issued.
TWIGGS COUNTY On the afternoon of February 2, Corporal Robert Stillwell encountered two intoxicated subjects at a local boat ramp on the Ocmulgee River. The subjects, who had been target practicing near the ramp, were interviewed the officer and upon further investigation found to be in possession of marijuana. Both subjects were taken into custody and turned over to the Twiggs County Sheriff's Office.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
GRADY COUNTY On Sunday January 27, 2008 Cpl. Terri Jones and RFC Mike Binion apprehended four adults and one juvenile shooting a duck roost in north Grady County. The adults were charged with hunting waterfowl after legal hours and one received a warning for hunting without a Federal Duck Stamp, three ducks were also confiscated.
On Tuesday, January 29, 2008 Sgt. Rick Sellars and RFC Mike Binion answered a complaint of a subject fishing without permission in north Grady County. The subject was located on the complainant's property and issued a citation for fishing without permission.

DECATUR COUNTY On Sunday, January 27, 2008 RFC Jeff Phillips responded to a complaint of shots being fired near Smith's Landing. After arriving in the complaint area, RFC Phillips observed a vessel being operated without lights, further investigation also revealed the operator to be over the limit of ducks. The subject was charged with hunting after legal hours and possessing over the limit of wood ducks, he also received a warning for operating a vessel without lights during hours of darkness.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
COOK COUNTY On January 28, 2008 Cpl. Greg Moody and Cpl. Morty Wood conducted a Hunter Development Program using the DNR Laser Shot System at the Lenox Baptist Church Annual Wild Game Supper in Cook County. Approximately 500 people attended the event including over 100 kids. Several youth guns and other hunting and fishing related prizes were awarded through a raffle.
BERRIEN COUNTY On January 27, 2008, Cpl. Morty Wood was patrolling for after hour duck shoots in Berrien County. At approximately 6:18 P.M. (16 minutes after the end of legal shooting hours), he heard what appeared to be a duck roost shoot. Upon arriving at the area he was able to hear individuals talking and continuing to shoot as ducks flew into the roost. Cpl. Wood subsequently observed three individuals come out of a wooded area and walk to a nearby residence. Upon confronting the individuals, two were cited for hunting waterfowl after hours and for hunting without a federal waterfowl stamp. Seven other violations were addressed with written warnings. Three wood ducks were confiscated. The third individual was a juvenile female. Verbal guidance was given for her involvement.
LANIER COUNTY Following a morning waterfowl patrol January 26, 2008 in Lanier County, Sgt. David Nugent and Cpl. Greg Moody received a call from USFWS Agent Jim Shelton concerning a possible baited duck pond located east of Banks Lake NWR. The officers had checked this pond previously that morning and found no hunters but they did locate a boat with a few pieces of cracked corn embedded in carpet in the bow. On Sunday, January 27, 2008, Sgt. Nugent, Cpl. Moody and Cpl. Morty Wood heard shooting on the pond and kept watch from 6 a.m. until approximately 10 a.m. The hunters were allowed to finish hunting and return to a boat launch site where the officers made their presence known. All eight individuals were in compliance with all applicable licenses, limits and other laws and regulations. No corn was found in any of the boats and none could be found near the edges of the pond or in other areas of the pond that the Rangers checked. It is the conclusion of the officers involved that the pond was likely baited, but due to the immense size of the pond/swamp, the bait was probably sparsely scattered in areas only accessible by a "go devil boat" and could not be located by dip net or rake drag. No citations were issued. A lengthy explanation of unlawful baiting practices was discussed with all hunters.

On the morning of January 29, 2007, RFC Tim Hutto received an anonymous tip that a buck was illegally killed in Lanier County that night. After a preliminary investigation, he placed a look out on the vehicle that the suspects were driving and requested that Lanier County Sheriff's Deputies stop and hold the vehicle in question if they came in contact with it. While RFC Hutto was in route to the suspect's home he received a call from a Lanier County deputy informing him that they had the suspect stopped and that the buck was still in the truck. The subject was transported to the Lanier County Sheriff's Office for further questioning. After a brief interview, the subject confessed to killing the buck the night before near his residence. The suspect was charged with hunting deer at night and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The deer was confiscated and the rifle used was seized as evidence.
ECHOLS COUNTY On January 30, RFC Brad Cox assisted Game Management Biologist Greg Nelms and Wildlife Technician III Allan Mills in conducting a fox pen inspection in Echols County. The inspection was completed with no major violations noted.
WARE COUNTY On February 2, RFC Cox conducted a hunter development program at Haywood Church's Wild Game Supper. All enjoyed the Laser Shot Hunting Simulator and there were small group presentations on safe firearms handling. A crowd of approximately 250 men and boys were in attendance.
TELFAIR COUNTY On Saturday February 2, 2008, RFC James McLaughlin received a call about a possible vehicle in the Ocmulgee River at Boney's Landing. Sgt. Keith Byers and Cpl. Johnny Ashe were called in to assist and a search began. Through the use of side scan sonar equipment, it was revealed that there was a vehicle in the river and a Tactical Rescue Diver was called in to help with the recovery. Cpl. Larry Dean and RFC Horne were also called to assist, and a search began for the missing 16-year-old driver. The search efforts still continue and the incident is still under investigation.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
WAYNE COUNTY Cpl.. Bobby White nominated Ricky Stringer for volunteer Hunter Safety Instructor for the state.
02/01/08, RFC Randy Aspinwall, Sgt. Doug Lewis, and Sgt. D.V. Grantham attended the National Wild Turkey Federation Banquet in Jesup, Ga. They answered questions from the people attending the banquet. There were around 200 people in attendance.

BRANTLEY COUNTY On 02/02/08, Cpl. Billy Reed and Sgt D.V. Grantham worked a night hunting complaint on Tiger Bay Road in Brantley County. A small car traveling very slowly drove through the seed orchard around 1 a.m. The occupants of the vehicle began shining spotlights out of both sides of the vehicle through the seed orchard located on both sides of Tiger Bay Road. They were stopped at the end of the seed orchard. Cpl. Reed had previously arrested one of the subjects for night hunting about a year ago. Multiple complaints had been received about the other subject. Both subjects were charged with hunting deer at night and hunting from a vehicle. They were given warnings for hunting from a public road. They were in possession of a Remington 30-06, 2 spotlights, and a hand held radio scanner.
BRYAN COUNTY On 02/02/08, RFC Isaac Strickland and Cpl. Cindy Miller participated in a Career Fair at the Carver Elementary School in Richmond Hill. During the morning, the two Rangers presented programs in the classroom using the Conservation Ranger power point presentation. After lunch, the Rangers set up a display in the auditorium and answered questions for approximately 750 students.
On 02/03/08 RFC Isaac Strickland and Cpl. Cindy Miller were on saltwater patrol in the Medway River. The Rangers noticed a boat pulled up next to the bank and saw three people in the marsh picking oysters. The Rangers checked the individuals who were on a commercial picking area. There were three citations issued for no commercial boat license, no commercial fishing license, and no pickers permit.
On 01/27/08, Cpl. Phillip Scott received a hunting without permission complaint from a local landowner. Upon further investigation he learned that several people were shooting ducks in flooded timber along the Canochee River, on the Warnell property in North Bryan County. Cpl. Scott was able to locate these people at the Canochee River landing. Five warnings were issued for hunting on lands of another without permission.
MCINTOSH COUNTY On 02/02/08 Cpl. Chris Ridley was on a low water shellfish patrol in McIntosh County when he encountered two subjects picking oysters in a closed area in the Mud River. He issued two warnings and the bushel of oysters was returned to the water.
On 02/02/08 Cpl. Ron Harris and Cpl. Jimmy Finn were checking small game hunters on Altamaha WMA. Several subjects were checked and two warning were issues, one for an unplugged gun, and one for not having a HIP permit. Through the course of the day they also checked multiple fisherman and one subject was issued a warning for possession of undersize crabs.

GLYNN COUNTY 01/31/08, Sgt. Bob Lynn, Cpl. Jesse Cook, Cpl. Chris Ridley, and RFC Mark Carson responded to a stolen boat complaint at McKay River Boat Ramp. A diligent search of the area was made by water and the Rangers were unable to locate the stolen vessel. Glynn County Police Department is continuing to conduct the investigation.
GRAY'S REEF NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY/ JOINT ENFORCEMENT AGREEMENT 02/02/08, Cpl. Jesse Cook and RFC Mark Carson were patrolling Gray's Reef National Sanctuary. While checking vessels fishing in the Sanctuary, the two Rangers located a vessel anchored within the Sanctuary boundaries. A case package is being completed and the Rangers will be turning the incident over to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Law Enforcement for Federal Prosecution.