Field operations weekly report, 2009 May 24-30

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report May 24-30, 2009
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)
BARTOW COUNTY On May 25th, RFC Bart Hendrix and RFC Byron Young were patrolling Lake Allatoona near Illinois Creek. They witnessed a ski boat come out of the creek on the wrong side of the channel in violation of rules of the road. They stopped the vessel and also checked their safety equipment. RFC Hendrix noticed that the operator, a twenty year old male, was unsteady on his feet, had slurred speech, and glassy eyes. When asked if he had any alcohol, the operator replied that he had none. There were eight other people on board and they were heavily intoxicated. RFC Hendrix and RFC Young had the operator complete a series of exercises to determine his level of intoxication. The 20 year old was arrested for boating under the influence and transported to the Bartow County jail.
On May 25th, Cpl. Chip Cox, RFC Brooks Varnell and his K-9 "Rock" were patrolling Lake Allatoona by boat. They stopped a boat near Park Marine that had a child on board. The child was under ten and did not have the required life jacket on while riding in a moving vessel. The operator of the boat was cited.
On May 26th, Cpl. Chip Cox and RFC Byron Young responded to an emergency call of a boat on fire near Bethany Bridge. The pleasure boat had filled up with gas before arriving at the lake. The operator did not turn on the blower to remove any gas fumes. A spark ignited the gas fumes. A sixteen-year-old boy received burns on his side and under his arms. The boat burned to the waterline before Cpl. Cox and RFC Young could arrive at the scene. It is estimated that the boat took about three minutes to burn to the water line.
FANNIN COUNTY On May 24th, Cpl. James Keener and Ranger Cody Jones were patrolling Horseshoe Bend Park along the Toccoa River in Fannin Co. The officers issued two warnings for fishing without a license and arrested one subject for Violation of Georgia's Controlled Substance Act, felony possession of prescription medication, fishing without a license and fishing without a trout license.
On May 24h, Sgt. John VanLandingham and US Forest Service Officer Mike Tipton issued citations to three fishermen on Noontootla Creek for possession of unlawful bait in an artificial only stream, and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
On May 25th, Sgt. John VanLandingham and US Forest Service Officer Mike Tipton responded to a call of a lost person on Noontootla Creek. After the lost person was located the officers patrolled the area and issued two citations for possession of marijuana less than one ounce and one for violation of Georgia's open container law.

On May 25th, Cpl. James Keener and Ranger Cody Jones patrolled Lake Blue Ridge. The officers issued three citations and eight warnings for boating violations.
On May 30th, Sgt. John VanLandingham and Cpl. James Keener responded to a complaint of a bear shot off Skeenah Gap Road. The officers seized the suspected firearm from the residence of a convicted felon. The investigation is ongoing.

PICKENS COUNTY On May 28-30th, DNR Law Enforcement and Game Management personnel held a three-
day kids fishing event on Long Swamp Creek.

WALKER COUNTY On May 30th, RFC McConkey and Cpl. Gentry performed Hunter Development programs at Oakwood Baptist Church. The church held a Wild Game Expo to introduce the public to the outdoors. The Expo had many activities such as a wild game cook off, archery and BB guns provided by DNR, taxidermist, professional anglers and hunters. Chris McDaniel formerly of Confederate Railroad, performed music and professional bass fisherman and big game hunter Hank Parker gave a speech. The Expo sold around 1500 tickets to all ages and backgrounds. Rangers instructed both kids and parents on archery, gun safety, and making an ethical shot.

Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)

GWINNETT COUNTY On May 25th, RFC Pamela Shelton answered a complaint at Freeman's Lake. The
complaint was several subjects fishing with a seine. Once at the lake RFC Shelton found
one subject fishing with a seine. The subject was cited for fishing without permission.

HALL COUNTY On May 25th, RFC Mark Stephens and RFC Eric Isom were patrolling Lake Lanier.
During the course of the day the rangers checked numerous vessels. During one of the
vessel stops a subject was arrested for boating under the influence and other violations.

LUMPKIN COUNTY On May 28th, Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC Mitchell Crump presented an information and
education program to Third Grade students at Lumpkin County Elementary School. The
rangers talked about animal habitats, bears and duties of a ranger.

RABUN

COUNTY

On May 30th, Corporal Derek Dillard and Rabun County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Nichols

were patrolling Lake Burton by boat, they stopped a boat which had two underage males

in it that were in possession of several Budlight beers. Both subjects admitted to drinking

the beer earlier. After screening the boat operator, Cpl. Dillard arrested him for operating

a vessel under the influence and both were charged with underage possession of alcohol.

TOWNS

COUNTY

On May 25th, RFC David Webb was checking fishermen on Lake Chatuge. During this

patrol he arrested one male for fishing without a license.

Region III- Thomson (East Central)

LAKE OCONEE DNR Rangers patrolled Lake Oconee during the Memorial Day Holidays in full force. The weekend resulted in a safe turnout for boaters using the waterway. Cpl. Derrell Worth and RFC Ricky Boles both arrested boat operators for driving under the influence of alcohol. The Lake Oconee work section focused its attention toward safety violations during the weekend and documented several violations including but not limited to: operating PWC's without wearing a PFD, allowing underage children to ride in a moving vessel without wearing a PFD, and towing skier without an observer.

MCDUFFIE COUNTY On May 30th, Cpl. Brian Hobbins and RFC Leroy Ficklin apprehended a subject for
operation of a vessel while under the influence of alcohol near Raysville Boat Club.

LINCOLN COUNTY On May 30th, Cpl Ryan Swain assisted with the medical evacuation of a white female
who had injured her leg while on Soap Creek WMA off of Clarks Hill Lake.

COLUMBIA COUNTY On May 31st, Cpl Ryan Swain issued citations to two subjects operating PWCs in a
reckless manner at Lake Springs on Clarks Hill Lake.

ELBERT COUNTY On May 30th, Corporal Julian Wilkins received a call in reference to a lost/stranded
boater on Lake Russell. Corporal Wilkins found the vessel and occupants, and got them
safely to shore.

WALTON COUNTY On May 30th, Ranger Nikki Spencer and Corporal Julian Wilkins conducted a Boater
Safety Education Course in Walton County.

Region IV- Macon (West Central)

Region V- Albany (Southwest)

SEMINOLE COUNTY On May 25th, RFC Jeff Phillips noticed a fire burning near a residence and while
investigating found a male subject burning roofing shingles. The subject was charged
with unlawful burning of waste.

EARLY COUNTY On May 27th, Sgt. Rick Sellars, RFC Tony Cox, Cpl. B.J. Foster, and Ranger Jack Stripling responded to a missing person complaint on the Chattahoochee River. The missing individual's fishing gear was found in an area of the river that he routinely fished. After several hours of searching the body was recovered by the officers.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
APPLING COUNTY On June 29th, Ranger Altman did a boating safety patrol at Lake Mayers, which resulted in one violation for operating a vessel within 100 ft. of shore/object in water above idle speed being detected. While checking creeks in Appling County, Ranger Altman detected one violation for fishing w/o a license.
On June 30th, Ranger Altman patrolled Lake Mayers and Carters Bight Landing for boating violations. Two violations were observed for towing a skier w/o observer onboard, one for operating a vessel during hours of darkness w/o lights, one for operating a vessel w/o a throwable device, and one for operating a vessel with improper PFD's.
TOOMBS COUNTY On May 30th, RFC Clint Jarriel and CPL Jon Barnard worked Grays Landing and patrolled the Altamaha River from #1 Bridge to Dead River. They issued two citations for operating a vessel w/o registration.
LOWNDES COUNTY On May 24th, Ranger Keith McDonald patrolled the Withlacoochee River resulting in citations issued for operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's and written warnings for fishing without a license.
COOK COUNTY On May 27th, Cpl. Greg Moody met with alligator trapper Donnie Bartow and escorted him to two different land owner's properties for catching and relocating alligators
On May 30th, Cpl. Moody and Sgt. David Nugent patrolled Paradise PFA. Several fishing violations were cited with warnings and verbal guidance.
On May 31st, Cpl. Greg Moody patrolled Reed Bingham State Park Lake. Minor safety violations were detected on boats resulting in verbal guidance and warning citations issued. Several handbooks of Georgia Boating Laws and Responsibilities were handed out to boat owners and operators. One small vessel turned over on the lake and Cpl. Tommy Daughtrey assisted Cpl. Moody in transporting the occupants to the bank. The boat was salvaged and no damage or injuries occurred. Later, Cpl. Moody was called by 911 in reference to an alligator in a resident's yard. The 4 foot gator was caught and transported to a more suitable habitat.

ATKINSON COUNTY On May 25th, Sgt. David Nugent and RFC Tim Hutto checked for boating and fishing activity on the Little Satilla River. The officers issued a citation for littering after observing an individual throw beer cans into the river.
On May 26th, RFC Tim Hutto secured a search warrant for a home in Atkinson County believed to be in possession of alligator parts. Ranger Keith McDonald, GSP Trooper Brian Stone, and the Atkinson County Sheriff's Department were called to assist in the search. The search was closure to a two-week long investigation by RFC Hutto. Later that night two subjects were arrested with warrants and charged with hunting alligators out of season.
On May 27th, RFC Tim Hutto performed a traffic stop on a vehicle for failure to maintain lane. A license check on the driver through the Tri-County 911 revealed active warrants for his arrest and revoked license. He was subsequently arrested and turned over to the Atkinson County Sheriff's Department.
LANIER COUNTY On May 25th, RFC Tim Hutto patrolled for boating and fishing activity at Banks Lake and on the Alapaha River in Lakeland. Three subjects were issued citations for fishing without a license.
BULLOCH COUNTY On May 28th, Cpl. Eddie Akins received a call from Bulloch County animal control about a large lizard that was caught in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Statesboro. Cpl. Akins met with officers from animal control and obtained details about the lizard and photographed the lizard. Cpl. Akins emailed the photos to the biologist at the DNR special permit office for identification of the lizard. The lizard was identified as probably being a Nile monitor lizard. Since no special permits were needed, the lizard was turned over to the biology department at Georgia Southern University for study.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On Saturday May 30th, Cpl. Eddie Akins and Ranger Debbie Brannen patrolled the Savannah River from Abercorn Landing to Tuckasseeking Landing. Their efforts resulted in twenty-five boats being checked and fifty licenses being checked. Two violations were recorded. One for expired fishing license and one for no fire extinguisher.
EVANS COUNTY On May 25th, RFC Debbie Brannen checked activity at Evans Public Fishing Area. Violations were written for non-residents fishing without licenses and non-residents fishing without a W.M.A. license on a P.F.A., residents fishing on P.F.A. without W.M.A. licenses and possession of over the limit. Non-residents were transported to the local sheriffs office to post bond and each individual was given a copy of the fishing regulations and the regulations were explained in detail.

SCREVEN COUNTY On May 24th, RFC Debbie Brannen and Cpl. Shamus McNeely patrolled the Savannah River for boating and fishing activity. Several boats were checked resulting in one violation for fishing without a license being documented.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
WAYNE COUNTY On May 26th and 27th, Cpl. Billy Reed and Cpl. Bobby White presented Information and Education programs on boating safety and boating tips to Auther Williams Middle School on the Altamaha river. This is an annual event in which the students spend a day learning about the history of the Altamaha River.
On May 29th, Cpl. Billy Reed, Sgt. Bob Lynn, and Sgt. D.V. Grantham attended career day at the Long County Middle School in Ludowici. They gave instruction on the hiring process of the Department of Natural Resources Law enforcement section. They also gave information on the benefits, and job duties of a Conservation Ranger.
BRYAN COUNTY On May 29th, Cpl. Cindy Miller patrolled the Morgan's Bridge Boat Ramp area. Cpl. Miller cited an individual for open container at a Department Boat Ramp. The subject was wanted out of Chatham County and Cpl. Miller turned him over to the Chatham County Sheriff's Department.
LIBERTY COUNTY On May 30th, Cpl. Miller patrolled the salt waters of Liberty County. Cpl. Miller cited an individual for towing a tuber on a jet ski without an observer.
GLYNN COUNTY On May 26th, 27th, and 28th, RFC Mark Carson assisted the US Customs and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement with multi-agency detail. The officers targeted and boarded boats coming in to Georgia from offshore. They were looking for wildlife and customs violations.