Field operations weekly report, 2010 October 17-23

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report October 17-23, 2010
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 October 16th, Major Stephen Adams and Cpl. Eric Brown were patrolling Carroll County and cited 2 hunters for hunting over bait and one without hunting or big game license, and without fluorescent orange.
DOUGLAS COUNTY October 16th, Major Stephen Adams and Cpl. Eric Brown were patrolling Douglas County and cited 2 hunters for hunting over bait, hunting without a license, and hunting without a big game license. Later that evening another was cited for hunting without a license and hunting without a big game license.
FLOYD COUNTY On October 16th, while checking a baited stand, Cpl. Elmore received a call from Floyd Co 911 about a Floyd Co PD officer that had located a 4-wheeler parked on private property. While on the phone with RFC McConkey, a Kingston man walked out to the 4wheeler.and was arrested by the Floyd Co officer for Criminal Trespass. After checking some other baited areas, the two officers went to the Floyd Co. jail to interview the suspect. It was found that he was hunting on two separate properties in which have signed affidavits with DNR. He did not have hunting license because he had not taken hunter education, and he did not have fluorescent orange on per the Floyd Co officer. The Kingston man was charged with two counts of hunting without permission, hunting without orange, hunting without license, hunting without big game license, and hunting without hunter safety.
On October 17th, Cpl. Elmore checked bait on Barker Rd and located a Rome man hunting without orange and hunting over bait. He was issued citations for both violations
GORDON COUNTY On October 10th, at approximately 1:30 am, Cpl. Shawn Elmore was patrolling Covington Bridge Rd near Fairmount when he noticed a vehicle coming off of Spring Creek Hunting Club at Possum Hollow Rd. Cpl. Elmore approached the vehicle and smelled a strong odor of marijuana. A Fairmount man was issued a citation for VGCSA-Possession of Less than 1 oz of marijuana.
On October 16th, Cpl. Elmore and RFC Roger McConkey checked a baited area that Cpl. Elmore had located earlier in the week on Cash Rd. The officers located three Calhoun men hunting over bait. All three were issued citations for hunting big game over bait.

HARALSON COUNTY On October 17th, Sgt. Danny Crook located two subjects dragging a doe deer out of the woods. He checked their license and the hunters left to take the deer to a local deer cooler. Sgt. Crook told two other rangers about checking the hunters. Sgt. Crook, Cpl. Ricky Dempsey and RFC Chad Cox returned to the location where the hunters had been parked. The rangers located the area the deer and been killed. Both stands on the property had been baited. Both hunters were cited for hunting big game over and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
PAULDING COUNTY On October 15th, RFC Chad Cox checked an area baited for deer. RFC Cox located a subject hunting over bait. The hunter also was hunting with a rifle. He was cited for hunting out of season and hunting big game over bait.
On October 17th, RFC Chad Cox was checking an area baited for deer. The area was baited with whole corn. RFC Cox located two males and one female near the corn. Both men possessed loaded firearms. Both men were charged with hunting big game over bait. One hunter was cited for hunting without fluorescent orange and the female was cited for accompany a deer hunter without fluorescent orange.
On October 20th, RFC Chad Cox, along with a volunteer hunter safety instructor, conducted a program at the New Georgia Elementary School. The program was for 3rd to 5th grade and was about wildlife found in Paulding County.
PICKENS COUNTY On October 19th, Cpl. James Keener was patrolling an area on foot when he observed several marijuana plants growing in a remote wooded area. He contacted the local Drug Task Force agent about the marijuana grow and accompanied the agent back to the area where the plants were removed.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
DAWSON COUNTY On October 23rd, Cpl. Jason Roberson encountered a subject hunting deer over bait and not wearing the required fluorescent orange. The hunter was issued a citation and a written warning for the infractions.
Later in the day on October 23rd, Cpl. Roberson located a subject hunting deer on Dawson Forest WMA. Dawson Forest WMA was closed to deer hunting on this day. A written warning was issued for this infraction.
FORSYTH COUNTY On October 17th, Sgt. Lee Brown was patrolling GA Hwy 400 when he found a truck parked. Upon further investigation the hunter was found and wasn't wearing the required fluorescent orange. He was issued a written warning for the infraction.

FRANKLIN COUNTY On October 17th, Major Stephens Adams, Sgt. Stan Elrod, RFC Tim Vickery, Cpl. Craig Fulghum, RFC Josh Chambers, and RFC Shane Sartor assisted the Georgia State Patrol and the Franklin Springs Police Department with a road check. Two citations were issued to for failure to record deer harvest.
HABERSHAM COUNTY On October 17th, Corporal Adam Loudermilk got a call about a vehicle parked on private property and that they were possibly hunting there. Cpl. Loudermilk responded to the area and located someone hunting deer. The subject was charged for hunting without permission and hunting without hunter safety certification.
HALL COUNTY On October 21st, RFC Eric Isom responded to a call from Hall County Dispatch in reference to possible hunting deer at night. RFC Isom spoke to the complaint by phone and they stated that they witnessed a man driving a dark Dodge truck shoot a deer from a pasture during the hours of darkness. The subject worked for a woman who lived behind them and was still there at that residence. RFC Isom requested a Hall County Deputy to check the scene and get a tag number for the dark Dodge truck. The Hall County Deputy advised that the subject had already left the scene but he was able to secure the subjects name and address. RFC Isom arrived at the complainant's residence and collected witness statements. RFC Isom then traveled to the subject's residence and found fresh blood in the bed of the Dodge truck. After interviewing the subject, RFC Isom determined that the subject had taken the deer during legal hours. The subject received a citation and a warning for hunting without fluorescent orange, and failure to record deer harvest. The deer was confiscated and given to a processor for feed the hungry program.
TOWNS COUNTY On October 18th, Sgt. Stan Elrod and RFC Tim Vickery assisted RFC Anne Alexander and RFC Kevin Dyer in Towns County on the North Carolina line with a detail to check for possible illegal bear hunting. Elrod and Vickery walked into the Chattahoochee National Forests and located the Georgia- North Carolina line by using GPS and began to look for activity. The rangers saw a vehicle illegally entering the National Forests and observed it for about seven hours. When the occupants returned, it was determined that the men had been digging for ginseng. Both men were charged for Harvesting Ginseng without permission and one was also charged for littering. North Carolina Wildlife Division was involved in the detail also. Both men's ginseng was seized.

On October 18th, Sgt. Steve Seitz, Corporal Adam Loudermilk, Corporal Derek Dillard, and RFC Chad Chambers were working in the area of the Georgia/North Carolina state line for Bear Hunters from North Carolina, when Sgt. Seitz and Cpl. Loudermilk located a vehicle parked on some private property on the Georgia side of the line in the Tate City area. They waited on the subject to come out of the woods and questioned him about his hunting efforts. It was determined that the subject was illegally hunting and he was cited for illegally hunting bear with dogs, hunting without permission, and hunting bear with less than 500 square inches of fluorescent orange.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
COLUMBIA COUNTY On October 23rd, Cpl. Brian Hobbins checked a complaint of someone hunting on a state park. Cpl. Hobbins checked several hunters on the adjacent Corps of Engineers property but did not find anyone on the park. Cpl. Hobbins did cite two people for hunting without license.
GLASCOCK COUNTY On October 17th, RFC Brian Adams checked a hunting club where he had received a complaint of hunting over bait. He did not locate anyone hunting over bait but did find a subject hunting without orange. While dealing with the subject RFC Adams determined the subject was a convicted felon and was in possession of drugs. The subject was arrested and transported to jail. He was charged with hunting without orange, possession of firearm by convicted felon, and various drug charges.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY On October 17th, RFC Philip Nelson, Cpl. Greg Colson, and Cpl. Julian Wilkins responded to a complaint about hunting without permission in Oglethorpe County. The rangers responded and began searching for the subjects who were hunting on the property. After about 20 minutes of searching they found 2 subjects hunting the property. The subjects were asked if they had permission and they both stated that they did not have permission to be on the property. Both subjects were charged with hunting without permission and hunting without wearing fluorescent orange.
WALTON COUNTY On Sunday October 17th, RFC Niki Spencer responded to a hunting incident in Walton County. Two subjects were tracking a wounded deer. They found the deer and tried to put it down with a .22 caliber pistol. The pistol misfired 2 times and the subject laid the pistol down. When he picked it back up, it discharged and the bullet went through his hand.

Region IV- Macon (West Central)
BALDWIN COUNTY On October 23rd, Sgt. Bo Kelly checked a hunting club where eight baited deer stands had been located. Four hunters were charged with hunting deer over bait. All citations will be heard in Baldwin County State Court. Later that afternoon RFC Josh Copelan, Cpl. Stan Semmler and Sgt. Bo Kelly operated the fishing simulator at the annual Deep Roots festival in Milledgeville.
BLECKLEY COUNTY On October 16th, RFC Tim Butler checked several deer stand which he had previously found to be baited. One individual was cited for hunting big game over bait and warned for not wearing fluorescent orange.
On October 23rd, RFC Tim Butler located a man hunting deer in a food plot baited with corn and two feed blocks. The subject was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait.
HARRIS COUNTY On the morning of October 23rd, RFC Mitch Oliver checked a baited deer stand that he had been working for approximately 2 weeks. There was a hunter in the tree stand on this occasion and he was approximately 20 yards away from a corn feeder and salt lick. After checking the other hunters on the property, RFC Oliver located a 15 year old child that had not taken a hunter education course and was not within sight or hearing of a supervising adult. RFC Oliver located the child's father on the other side of the property and asked him to meet him back at camp. The hunter who was over bait was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait and the other hunter was issued a written warning for allowing an underage person to hunt unsupervised.
On the evening of October 23rd RFC Oliver presented an Information and Education program at the Pine Mountain First Baptist Fall Festival by having the Laser-Shot shot set up for all to enjoy.
HOUSTON COUNTY On the afternoon of October 18th Cpl. John Harkins and Sgt. Tony Fox checked a complaint regarding someone hunting without permission and over bait. Officers apprehended one subject and, in addition to the previously mentioned violations, found him to be hunting without fluorescent orange, hunting without a license, and hunting deer with an illegal weapon. The subject received a number of citations for the various offenses and was released at the scene.
JASPER COUNTY While working a deer decoy detail on Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge on October 16th, RFC Billy Bryant and Refuge Officer Tom Payne made cases against four people for hunting from a public road and hunting from a motor vehicle.

On October 17th, Sgt. Tim Kendrick, RFC Wil Smith, Refuge Officer Tom Payne, and RFC Billy Bryant assisted with a search and rescue operation in Jasper County for a missing man. After an eight hour search the man was located, alive and well, and returned to his home.
On October 23rd RFC Billy Bryant and Tech III Freddie Hays were patrolling Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. The two Rangers encountered a suspicious vehicle off Clybell Road. The officers followed the vehicle for a while and pulled alongside the vehicle on Shepherd Pond Road after the vehicle stopped. Upon walking up to the vehicle the officers noticed a loaded rifle on the seat of the truck. The suspects were asked to exit the vehicle. RFC Billy Bryant retrieved a set of night vision goggles from the passenger side of the vehicle. Tech III Hays noticed a bloody cooler in the back of the truck. After a brief investigation the two subjects confessed that they were hunting deer at night on the Wildlife Management Area with night vision goggles. Both subjects were charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road, and hunting from a motor vehicle.
LAMAR COUNTY On October 16th, RFC Page worked his way to a baited deer stand hours before daylight to wait on the hunter to come to the stand. Just after daylight a man came through the woods and climbed into the stand. RFC Page then approached the man and later charged him with hunting big game over bait. RFC Page had been checking this particular deer stand for two deer seasons.
On October 16th RFC Keith Page located a 12 year old boy who was hunting alone in a deer stand. The young man had never completed a hunter education class and was hunting from a baited stand. RFC Page decided to locate the boy's father who was hunting over 200 yards away. RFC Page located the boy's father who was found to be hunting without wearing an orange vest; however he was not hunting over any bait. RFC Page decided to charge the man with hunting deer without an orange vest during firearms season and give him a warning for allowing a juvenile to hunt, unsupervised, without a hunter education certification.
On October 17th, RFC Page located two men hunting over bait (protein pellets) on Rhama Church Road. The men assumed that all the bait would be gone before opening weekend of rifle season; however a substantial amount of the protein pellets remained. Both men were charged with hunting big game over bait.
MERIWETHER COUNTY On the morning of October 17th, Cpl. Keith Waddell was patrolling a hunting club near Pine Mountain where he had previously found corn in close proximity to deer stands. He subsequently apprehended three subjects hunting deer over bait. Cpl. Waddell noticed fresh areas of blood on the ground near the corn on two stands and upon further investigation he discovered that three deer had been harvested on the previously date at these areas. Several citations and warnings were issued to the hunters.

MUSCOGEE COUNTY On October 21st, RFC Jeremy Bolen conducted a Hunter Development program at a banquet dinner in Columbus. The dinner was put on by the staff from Piney Creek Plantation. RFC Bolen spoke about the legal ways of planting and preparing dove fields.
PEACH COUNTY On the afternoon of October 18th, Cpl. John Harkins and Sgt. Tony Fox checked two deer stands that had been previously documented as being baited with corn and salt. One hunter was found to be hunting from one of the stands and was cited for the offense.
PULASKI COUNTY On October 23rd, RFC Tim Butler located two men hunting deer over feed blocks and corn. Both hunters were issued citations for hunting big game over bait.
On the evening of October 23rd, RFC Tim Butler and Cpl. John Harkins worked a night detail inside a fenced hunting club; both rangers set up on foot in different locations inside the club. Shortly after the detail began Cpl. Harkins observed an ATV with two subjects shining both sides of a private road on the property. Harkins stopped the vehicle and found a loaded deer rifle and a light with a green lens. RFC Butler soon arrived at the scene to assist. One adult was cited for hunting deer at night and hunting from a vehicle. The second subject, a juvenile, was verbally warned for the infractions.
PUTNAM COUNTY On October 23rd, RFC Josh Copelan cited one hunter for hunting deer over bait behind his residence. RFC Copelan caught this individual after the hunter shot at and missed a deer. The hunter was given a court date for Putnam County State Court.
TALBOT COUNTY On the morning of October 16th, RFC Mitch Oliver along with RFC Jeremy Bolen and his K-9 Ruger entered a hunting club in Talbot County to check baited deer stands and apprehend a known convicted felon for hunting with a firearm. The officers checked a few of the stands before making their way down to where they believed the convicted felon would be hunting. The hunter's ATV was located as well as his boot tracks in the road leading away from the ATV. RFC Bolen and K-9 Ruger were put on this trail and after following the track approximately 100 yards the officers were standing at the base of the hunter's ladder stand. Because RFC Oliver had previously dealt with this hunter and was certain of the felon status, he was placed under arrest. After getting back to the individual's truck and camper, the Rangers received consent to search both and located suspected marijuana. RFC Oliver transported the subject to the Talbot County Jail where he was booked for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, hunting under the influence, possession of marijuana and hunting deer w/o wearing fluorescent orange.

On the evening of October 16th, RFC Jeremy Bolen and Sgt. Jim Bradfield checked a baited hunting club in Talbot County. K-9 Ruger was also utilized to help locate two hunters on this property which were found to be hunting deer over bait. These hunters were issued citations for hunting big game over bait. The Ranger's also located two additional hunters who were determined to be hunting under the influence of alcohol and one of these was also hunting deer over bait. Two hunters were transported to the Talbot County jail.
On October 18th, RFC Jeremy Bolen performed an Information and Education program for the Talbot County Lion's Club monthly meeting. RFC Bolen spoke about the DNR K-9 program and also answered general hunting questions.
On October 23rd, RFC Jeremy Bolen checked a baited hunting club where he apprehended one person hunting deer over bait - the hunter was issued a citation for the offense. Afterwards, K-9 Ruger was used to locate another hunter who was hunting approximately 70-80 yards over the property line. The hunter claimed he went in before daylight and set up his ground blind and wasn't sure where the property line was. RFC Bolen took the hunter's information down and will follow up with the adjoining property owners to see what measures should be taken.
UPSON COUNTY On October 11th, while on routine patrol in Upson County, Cpl. Susan Morris followed vehicle tracks leading into a hunting club. She observed a tractor parked with a 50 pound bag of corn sitting on the front bumper. She walked over the hunting club property and found several deer stands with feeders nearby, full of corn. On the morning of October 16th she and Cpl. Tony Wynne checked the stands and found a hunter sitting on top of his fluorescent orange vest in one of the baited stands. The hunter did not have a hunting license on his person and said he left it at his residence by mistake. Cpl. Morris allowed him to drive back to his residence and get his license. When he returned all he had was a fishing license. Another hunter, also hunting over bait, was located on the club property by Cpl. Tony Wynne. Both hunters were charged with hunting big game over bait and one hunter was charged with hunting without a license and hunting without fluorescent orange.
WILKINSON COUNTY On October 23rd, Cpl. Stan Semmler apprehended three hunters who were hunting deer over bait. The baited deer stands had been located earlier in the week. Cpl. Semmler also cited two hunters for hunting without a license.

Region V- Albany (Southwest)
SEMINOLE COUNTY On October 17th, Cpl. Mike Binion and RFC Tony Cox completed an investigation that began on October 7th, when a deer was shot from the road. Three suspects were interviewed and a total of 10 citations were issued to the trio for hunting from the road, hunting from a vehicle, hunting without permission, and hunting with an illegal weapon.
DECATUR COUNTY On October 17th, Cpl. Mike Binion and RFC Tony Cox patrolled Decatur County and issued 6 citations for hunting big game over bait and hunting deer without wearing fluorescent orange.
On October 22nd, RFC Tony Cox assisted the Southwest Ga. Traffic Enforcement Network with enforcement activities throughout Decatur County. The detail resulted in the recovery of a stolen firearm, along with numerous DUI and controlled substance charges.
MILLER COUNTY On October 17th, RFC Jeff Phillips patrolled Miller County issuing 2 citations for hunting big game over bait and hunting deer without wearing fluorescent orange.
RANDOLPH COUNTY On October 16th and 17th, RFC Bob Holley conducted patrols and cited 5 individuals for hunting big game over bait, 4 non-residents were cited for hunting without a license, 3 hunters were cited for hunting deer without fluorescent orange, 2 residents were cited for hunting without a big game license, 2 residents were cited for hunting without a license, 1 hunter was cited for hunting deer with an illegal weapon, 1 hunter was cited for hunting without completing hunter safety certification, 1 hunter was cited for failure to record deer harvest and 1 hunter was cited for taking an illegal antlered deer in a QDM / antler restricted county.
STEWART COUNTY On October 17th, Cpl. Steve Robinson conducted patrols which resulted in a total of 8 citations for non-resident hunting without license, non-resident hunting big game without big game license, hunting big game over bait and hunting deer without florescent orange. 2 deer (1 doe and 1 spike buck) were confiscated as a result of these violations.
On October 23rd, Cpl. Steve Robinson cited 5 persons for non-resident hunting without license, and hunting big game over bait.
WEBSTER COUNTY Sgt. Butch Potter cited two hunters for hunting big game over bait, one for hunting without fluorescent orange, and one for failure to record deer harvest.

CRISP COUNTY On the night of October 20th, RFC Clint Martin and RFC Harold Hill were checking creel limits and safety equipment on Lake Blackshear. While checking a vessel, RFC Martin detected signs of impairment from the operator who was arrested and charged for boating under the influence.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
BERRIEN COUNTY On October 11th, Cpl. Morty Wood was on patrol in Berrien County for hunting activity. He was on a large tract of property and had found several baited deer stands. He met a truck on the property driven by the land owner and learned that he was providing deer hunts to the public for a fee. Cpl. Wood then explained that all the stands located there were illegal and explained what would need to be done to make them legal for hunting. He then proceeded in the direction that the truck had come from and located a male hunter from Florida and his juvenile daughter. The daughter was carrying a muzzle loading rifle & neither hunter had on a fluorescent orange vest. Cpl. Wood found that neither the father nor the daughter had completely obtained the proper hunting licenses required for non-resident hunters & the stand they were headed to was also baited. The landowner was called and picked the two hunters up and Cpl. Wood again explained the laws to the landowner and also to the hunters. Verbal guidance was issued in an effort to educate all parties involved.
On Wednesday October 13th, Cpl. Morty Wood conducted 4 I&E's for area Pre-K students in Nashville at the Nashville City Hall. Topics covered included ranger's job duties, equipment used by rangers on the job, Hunter Education & safety while hunting.
On October 15th, Cpl. Morty Wood learned of a tree stand incident that had occurred on October 8th. He investigated the incident and learned that the hunter had fallen approximately 25 feet from a lock-on stand after a strap had broken. The hunter was not located until approximately 9:00 p.m. the next night by his father & brother. The hunter suffered a severe head injury from the fall. The hunter is currently improving in condition at a hospital & expected to make a full recovery.
On October 16th, Cpl. Morty Wood patrolled for hunters in the Alapaha & Enigma areas of Berrien County. He issued 11 cases & warnings for violations of hunting deer over bait, hunting deer without fluorescent orange, hunting deer without license, & hunting deer without a big game license.
On October 17th, Cpl. Morty Wood patrolled the Alapaha area in Berrien County. Two hunters were checked and found to be hunting deer over bait and one of the hunters was not wearing an orange vest. Citations were issued for the violations.
On October 21st, Cpl. Morty Wood operated the Fishing Simulator at the Berrien County Primary School Fall Festival. Approximately 200 kids participated in the event.

LOWNDES COUNTY On October 16th, RFC Keith McDonald patrolled areas in Lowndes County known to be baited for deer. During the patrol five licenses were checked, two citations for hunting big game over bait were issued, and one warning for hunting deer without fluorescent orange was written.
LANIER COUNTY On October 13th, RFC Tim Hutto and K9 Gauge worked a complaint of night deer hunting. At around 9:45 RFC Hutto observed a spotlight being shined from a vehicle into a cornfield. RFC Hutto stopped the vehicle and found a spotlight, two loaded deer rifles, and a loaded shotgun. The investigation resulted in two arrests, one truck being towed, the seizure of two guns and two sets of deer antlers, and the issuance of seven citations for hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle, hunting big game from a public road, and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
ATKINSON COUNTY On October 16th, RFC Tim Hutto and Sgt. David Nugent checked several areas that were baited for deer. The officers' patrol resulted in five citations for hunting big game over bait as well as citations for hunting deer without fluorescent orange and interference with the performance of a ranger's duties.
On October 23rd, RFC Tim Hutto and K9 Gauge checked several areas that were baited for deer. Two subjects were located hunting within 30 yards of shelled corn and charged with hunting big game over bait.
On October 24th, RFC Tim Hutto and K9 Gauge finished a complaint in which a subject had placed several baited deer stands on a property without permission. The subject was located hunting in a climbing stand on the property and taken to the Atkinson County Sheriff's Office for questioning. Further investigation revealed that the subject was wanted in Putnam and Lowndes Counties and was also a convicted felon. The subject was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, hunting without permission, hunting without fluorescent orange, hunting without a license, hunting without a big game license, and hunting big game over bait. The subject's rifle and hunting equipment was also seized as evidence.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On October 16th, RFC Brandon Pierce and Cpl. Eddie Akins patrolled the county for hunting activity due to the opening day of rifle season for deer. A total of ten hunting licenses were checked. Seven violations were documented as a result of the inspection. The violations consisted of hunting big game over bait, interference with travel on a public road, possession of illegally taken wildlife, hunting out of season, and operating a motor vehicle without permit number displayed. A gray fox was also confiscated.

On October 23rd, RFC Brandon Pierce patrolled for hunting activity. A total of fourteen hunting licenses were inspected. No violations were documented. Officer Pierce responded to a call in reference to a deer dog that was caught on a hunting club. One violation of failure to keep hunting dogs on permitted property was documented. Later that evening Officer Pierce along with Cpl. Eddie Akins responded to another deer dog being caught at a residence. One violation of failure to keep hunting dogs on permitted property was documented.
ECHOLS COUNTY On October 17th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree observed a dog-deer hunter standing on the shoulder of GA 94 west of Fargo with a loaded rifle in his hands. The hunter was cited for hunting big game from a public road.
On October 17th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree received a call from a commercial fox pen owner about a bear being inside the high-fenced enclosure. Sgt. Dupree met with the owner to inspect the fence & property inside for damage. No damage was discovered, but numerous bear tracks were observed inside the main gate. Due to the nature of fox & coyote hound activities that occurs during a hunt inside the pen it was decided the bear needed removing & relocating from the enclosure. RFC Jason Shipes and Wildlife Biologist Greg Nelms were contacted to assist. Professional bear hounds-men from Fargo were asked to utilize their bear dogs to tree the bear so it could be darted. The dogs treed the bear and Nelms was successful in darting the bear. Within a few minutes the bear was immobilized & cooled down with water. The young male bear was then transported from the fox pen & released several miles away in a secure area (see photo of tranquilized bear being cooled down with water.)
On October 20th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree responded to an in-progress night hunting complaint south of Howell. After arriving at the scene and speaking with the complainant it was determined that a single high-powered rifle shot was heard at a nearby field. Sgt. Dupree & Echols Deputy Josh Adcock remained parked in the field discussing the incident when a vehicle approached & stopped at the field. The passenger began to exit the vehicle but saw the two law enforcement vehicles and jumped back in as the driver pulled away. A traffic stop followed with both individuals admitting to night deer hunting

& coming back to look for the deer. A loaded .30-06 rifle and high-intensity LED spotlight were seized as evidence. Both individuals were cited for hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle & hunting big game from a public road. The deer or any sign of it being injured was not located. One of the individuals involved was charged a few years prior for hunting deer at night within three miles of this same location.
CLINCH COUNTY On October 23rd, Sgt. Patrick Dupree encountered an individual skinning a deer at a hunting camp at Headlight. The hunter had failed to record the doe deer on his harvest record. Sgt. Dupree issued a warning for the violation and allowed the hunter to retain possession of the deer.
WARE COUNTY On October 24th Cpl. Gary Simmons was checking stands. He located two people hunting big game over bait and issued two citations.
BULLOCH COUNTY On Saturday, October 23rd, Sgt. William Vickers patrolled Oliver Bridge WMA. One hunter was checked and no violations were detected.
EMANUEL COUNTY On October 23rd, Cpl. Jon Barnard answered a landowner complaint in the Garfield area about deer dogs running on his property. Cpl Barnard went to the area and found two dogs from an area hunting club running deer. The dogs were returned to their owners who were issued warnings for allowing hunting dogs off of permitted property.
EVANS COUNTY On October 23rd, RFC Debbie Brannen and Sgt. William Vickers patrolled for deer hunting activity. Violations were documented for hunting big game over bait, hunting without fluorescent orange clothing and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
COFFEE COUNTY On October 17th, while on patrol RFC Hilton encountered an individual hunting big game over bait, hunting deer without required fluorescent orange, hunting without big game license and hunting without a hunting license. The individual was cited for these violations.
TREUTLEN COUNTY On October 23rd, RFC Danielle Partin, RFC Clint Jarriel, Cpl. Jon Barnard, and Sgt. Don Dasher patrolled a club in Treutlen County for illegal hunting activity. Five hunters were checked and citations were written for hunting big game over bait, hunting deer without fluorescent orange, hunting without a big game license, hunting without a license, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRANTLEY COUNTY On October 23rd, Cpl. Billy Reed checked baited deer stands in the Humpback Bridge area. He located one juvenile hunter. Cpl. Reed gave a verbal warning to him for hunting without an orange vest and hunting without a license.
BRYAN COUNTY On October 16th, Cpl. Phillip Scott and Sgt. James Shelton received a complaint regarding a convicted felon carrying a firearm while riding an ATV on a private hunting club in northern Bryan County. After being located, the subject stated that he was using the .22 cal. firearm while checking his traps. A preliminary check indicated that the subject was a convicted felon. The firearm was seized and the man's info was taken down. A more thorough check at the Sheriff's Office revealed that the man was a convicted felon. Charges are pending.
On October 16th, RFC Isaac Strickland, Ranger Jack Thain, and Cpl. Jay Morgan were patrolling southern Bryan County when they received a call regarding a fire at the Richmond Hill WMA shooting range. The fire was burning about five acres behind and the backside of the range's berm. The range was shut down to allow Bryan Co. Fire Dept. and a Ga. Forestry fire plow to extinguish the fire. It is believed that a hot round or a tracer round ignited the brush on top of the berm.
On October 17th, Cpl. Phillip Scott and Cpl. Jay Morgan patrolled the St. Catherine's Sound area checking inshore and offshore fishermen. One fisherman was cited for possession of undersize black sea bass.
On October 20th, Cpl. Jay Morgan and Ranger Jack Thain patrolled the St. Catherine's Sound area. One fisherman was cited for possession of over the limit of red drum. Five spot-tail bass were confiscated.

On October 23rd, RFC Isaac Strickland and Ranger Jack Thain participated in Bryan County's public safety day. They both helped answer questions and handed out information on boating and hunting in the local area. They also had a safe boat and other equipment on display for the public to see.
CAMDEN COUNTY On October 17th, Cpl Jesse Cook and RFC Craig Smith were on saltwater patrol near the Dungeness area when officers observed dark plumes of smoke coming from Cumberland Island. Cpl Cook and RFC Smith docked up and after making their way to the location discovered it to be a residence on fire. There is very limited fire-fighting equipment on the island, but the rangers grabbed fire hoses and began attempting to extinguish the fire. The residence was destroyed, but no other structures were damaged. Rangers were assisted by National Park Service employees, members of the Camden County Fire Department and local residents. No one was at the residence at the time of the incident.
On October 18, Sgt Chris Hodge and RFC Craig Smith responded to a night deer hunting complaint in Kingsland. Officers met with Camden County Deputies at a residence where three subjects were in the process of cleaning a doe deer. After further investigation, officers learned that the three subjects had shot the deer earlier in the morning from the highway. Officers cited all three subjects for hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road, hunting from a vehicle, and hunting without permission. On October 19th, Sgt Chris Hodge used side scan sonar to assist the Camden County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue divers with locating a sunken vessel in the St Mary's River. The 18-foot airboat had sunk the previous week while a production company was filming a movie in the area.
On October 20th, Sgt Chris Hodge was at a residence near Crooked River State Park to meet with a couple to complete Hunter Education requirements. While at the residence, Sgt Hodge heard a rifle shot from the residence and proceeded outside to investigate. Sgt Hodge then noticed a vehicle pass the residence and followed to investigate further. Sgt Hodge then stopped the vehicle and learned that the driver had shot a fawn deer only of few hundred yards from the residence. The driver was cited for hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road, and hunting from a vehicle.
On October 23rd, in the early morning hours RFC Craig Smith and Deputy Chris Sears responded to a Search and Rescue where two people were lost in kayaks in the Crooked River area. The search area was eventually narrowed down. A shrimper who was in the area assisted the two officers. After a few hours the subjects were located uninjured and returned to Crooked River State Park boat ramp.
On October 23rd, RFC Craig Smith assisted with a Kids Fishing Event held at Waverly Plantation. The KFE is held by the Make a Difference and Captain Bob's Foundation and was assisted by over 30 volunteers. They event focuses on kids with special needs and disabilities. Trophies were handed out and all kids involved received prizes.

LIBERTY COUNTY On October 10th, RFC Isaac Strickland and Cpl. Jay Morgan conducted a saltwater patrol checking several boaters and fishermen. One fisherman was cited for possession of an illegal size spot-tail bass and another cited for possession of illegal size speckled trout.
On October 16th, RFC Strickland, Ranger Jack Thain, and Cpl. Morgan checked an area near Carr's Neck Creek and Hwy 38 where bait had been located earlier in the week. One deer hunter from Florida was found and cited for hunting over bait (corn) and for not wearing fluorescent orange. A second Florida hunter was located in a separate area and was cited for the same two charges after corn was found near his stand. Both hunters had previously been charged for the same violations four years ago at the same location. Later that morning, Ranger Thain and Cpl. Morgan cited a hunter for hunting from a public road while dogging deer on Barrington Ferry Rd.
On Oct. 23rd, RFC Isaac Strickland and Ranger Jack Thain checked baited deer stands in Liberty county area. One individual was cited for hunting big game over bait and hunting with orange vest.