Field operations weekly report, 2010 October 24-30

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report October 24-30, 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)
CHEROKEE COUNTY On October 25th, RFC Bart Hendrix checked hunters off Avery Rd in the evening. RFC Hendrix had recently located a baited stand and had been checking it for some time. RFC Hendrix first located a juvenile male hunting over bait and without orange and then located the father across the road also hunting of bait and without orange. The Canton man was cited for hunting big game over bait and hunting deer without fluorescent orange and given verbal guidance for his son's infractions.
GILMER COUNTY On October 27th, Sgt. John VanLandingham and RFC Cody Jones worked a complaint of subjects hunting without permission. The officers located an area where a deer had been killed, and trailed the deer back to a nearby residence. The shooter was identified at the residence and was charged for hunting on lands of another without permission, and failure to record deer harvest record. An eight point buck was seized.
On October 30th, RFC Cody Jones cited three hunters for hunting on lands of another without permission. The charges stemmed from an investigation started the prior week.
PICKENS COUNTY On October 30th, Cpl. James Keener was traveling on Hwy 136 when two hunters without fluorescent orange fled from him on foot. One of the two subjects was apprehended a short time after fleeing and charged with misdemeanor obstruction of an officer and hunting without fluorescent orange. While searching for the second subject who had fled, the man in custody's nephew was arrested by Sgt. Brian Keener and Ranger Cody Jones for active warrants in Pickens and Dawson Counties as well as a warrant in Florida.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
JACKSON COUNTY On October 24th, RFC Eric Isom received a call from a developer stating that he thought someone shot a deer in a gated neighborhood. RFC Isom traveled to the neighborhood, which only had a few houses in it. After investigating the scene RFC Isom concluded that the deer was killed in the field and was dragged to the road where it was loaded into a vehicle.
On October 25th, RFC Eric Isom was off duty and was bow hunting the property and as he was leaving he noticed two subjects in a red SUV driving up to the gate. He could see with his headlights that they were wearing camouflage clothing. RFC Isom turned his vehicle around and followed the subjects into the subdivision without his headlights. RFC Isom witnessed the subjects illuminate a gas line and two separate fields with their vehicle's headlight. As the subjects approached the biggest field and power line they made a wide u-turn in the middle of the road illuminating the big field and power line.

RFC Isom stopped the vehicle and announced himself as the Game Warden and showed them his badge. The subjects stated that they recognized RFC Isom. RFC Isom found a .22 cal rifle in the front seat with the passenger. He also found a fresh spike rack in the rear of the vehicle. RFC Isom copied their driver's license and rifle information. He also held the spike rack for evidence. The subjects said they were just looking at deer and were not going to shoot anything. Also, they advised that the spike was given to them by another subject who had killed the deer somewhere else.
On October 26th, RFC Isom traveled to the subject's residence in uniform and collected blood from the carpet of the red SUV. After interviewing the subjects, the driver confessed to shooting the spike in the neighborhood on the night of October 24th, at around 2:00 A.M. Both subjects received citations for hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road, hunting from a vehicle, and hunting without permission. One of the subjects was given warnings for all the same counts plus possession of illegally taken wildlife for the crime that had occurred on October 24th. The rifle and deer were confiscated.
On October 27th, RFC Eric Isom received a call from a complainant stating that someone shot at a deer from a vehicle and from the road next to her residence. RFC Isom traveled to the scene and interviewed the witness and collected a statement. He also interviewed two other witnesses and collected their statements. One of the witnesses was at the scene in their vehicle and witnessed the actual event. He/she stated that they observed a woman driving a white pickup and a male in the passenger seat drive up to a stop sign. The male got out of the pickup wearing camouflage clothing and an orange vest. He stood between the door and the pickup and fired a high caliber rifle at the deer in a field. RFC Isom was able to locate the subject's residence. RFC Isom introduced himself and asked the subject to tell him about the incident. The subject quickly said that he did not do it and had an alibi. The subject's mom stepped in and admitted to driving the vehicle. The subject then confessed to shooting at the deer from the road. The male subject received citations for hunting without a license, hunting without a big game license, hunting from a public road, and hunting from a vehicle. The other subject received written warnings for hunting from a public road and hunting from a vehicle. A Remington .270 cal. Rifle was seized as evidence.
HALL COUNTY On October 28th, RFC Eric Isom was checking a complaint. RFC Isom located a suspect hunting with a crossbow. The suspect was hunting in a pop up blind that was 160 yards from bait. The suspect was unclear of the property line and was shown the line by RFC Isom. RFC Isom issued warnings for hunting big game over bait and hunting without permission.

MADISON COUNTY On October 29th, RFC Shane Sartor and RFC Tim Vickery checked an area for bait. While in the area they heard an ATV coming towards them. The rangers hid and watched as it went by going towards a deer stand that was baited. The rangers found the hunter, which was not wearing fluorescent orange but was not in the baited stand. They noticed him texting on his phone. RFC Vickery went down to the road to watch and noticed two individuals run across the road. He caught them and they stated that they had been across the road hunting. After finding the stands they came from, one was baited. One subject was issued a citation for hunting over bait and all three were warned for hunting without fluorescent orange.
HART COUNTY On October 29th, RFC Josh Chambers apprehended a subject hunting over bait and hunting without fluorescent orange. The hunter was issued two citations.
RABUN COUNTY On October 26th, Corporal Derek Dillard responded to a complaint that someone had shot a doe deer from the road and that they were in a large gray station wagon. After working on the complaint, Corporal Dillard later stopped the vehicle after dark when they came back to retrieve the deer. Two males and females occupied the vehicle with several children in it as well. After speaking to the occupants, it was determined that they shot the deer then took the gun back to their house and came back to get it. The 2 males were arrested charged with hunting from a public road, hunting from a motor vehicle, and killing an antler less deer. Furthermore, the subject that shot the deer was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
BURKE COUNTY On October 29th, RFC Jeffrey Billips set up surveillance for night hunting with a deer decoy in a peanut field. Just after midnight, on October 30, RFC Billips heard a vehicle approach. The vehicle had slowed and swept several locations with a light. When the vehicle reached the peanut field, RFC Billips saw a light shine from the passenger window of the gray truck. The truck stopped in front of the decoy as RFC Billips was moving towards the road in his truck. A shot was fired at the decoy and RFC Billips activated his blue lights and drove to the edge of the pavement to intercept the truck. The truck swerved to ram RFC Billips' truck and narrowly missed. RFC Billips gave pursuit as the truck fled and recklessly left the roadway and cut through a pecan orchard. The truck launched out of the orchard and shot across both lanes of the road and into the opposite ditch, nearly over turning. The truck then accelerated to over 100 mph as the pursuit continued into Jenkins County. RFC Billips contacted Burke County sheriff's office requesting assistance from any available agencies. RFC Billips pursued the truck back into Burke County and into Midville where Midville police officer Robert Baynham was waiting. The truck cut in front of the Officer Baynham and continued to flee at speeds in excess of 100 mph. RFC Billips and Officer Baynham pursued the truck for

approximately 10 miles when the truck suddenly swerved off road and into a freshly plowed field. RFC Billips followed the truck through the field while Officer Baynham drove down the road to cut off the truck. The truck slammed into a 4 feet deep drainage ditch and 3 of the 4 passengers then fled on foot. The passenger in the truck advised RFC Billips the 3 that fled were two adults and a juvenile. The passenger stated the adults were convicted felons and they had taken a rifle with them. Burke County sheriff's deputy Bill Henshall arrived to set up a perimeter. Next, Waynesboro police officer Mark Cates arrived and located two suspects lying in a field across the road from the wrecked truck. Officer Cates approached the suspects and they ran away. Officer Cates chased the subjects through the field for several hundred yards until they gave up. RFC Grant Matherly arrived and assisted Officer Cates in the field by quickly securing the adult passenger and the juvenile. Officer Cates located the rifle in the field where he had first spotted the suspects. The driver remained at large until he turned himself in at the Burke County Jail later that day.
COLUMBIA COUNTY On October 30th, Cpl. Brian Hobbins checked baited deer stands he had previously located in the Pollards Corner area. Cpl. Hobbins located one subject who was charged with hunting over bait. Cpl. Hobbins also checked a subject from Florida who was in possession of a resident hunting license. The subject was charged with nonresident hunting without a big game license and nonresident hunting with resident hunting license.
ELBERT COUNTY On October 30th, Cpl. Julian Wilkins and Cpl. Greg Colson responded to a hunting incident. The subject was watching a deer when he slipped on a hillside and shot himself in the right foot. The subject received serious injuries to his right foot.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
CLAYTON COUNTY On October 23rd, Cpl. Wanda Roberts responded to a drowning at the Atlanta International Beach Park and was requested to assist Clayton County Police Department Dive Team and Clayton County Fire Department in the search. A 15 year old male went into a pond to retrieve a basketball and could not make it back to shore. Sgt. Matt Garthright and RFC Richard Tanner assisted in the search using sonar on Saturday and Cpl. Roberts returned on the 24th with RFC Travis Sweat to resume with search. The search continued until the 26th with the assistance of RFC Kevin Godbee. Clayton County Dive Team recovered the victim on this date.

HEARD COUNTY On October 30th, Sgt. Jim Bradfield, RFC Jeremy Bolen and Intern Blake Middleton checked a complaint of a hunter using an electronic deer call. Prior to the officers arriving at the scene, Sgt. Bradfield received a phone call from a complainant who indicated the hunter was on the property utilizing the call that morning. Heard County deputies also responded to the property where the truck was parked to wait on the hunter until the rangers arrived. After speaking to the hunter it was discovered that he had an electronic deer call in his possession that morning. The hunter denied using the call that morning but admitted to using it the weekend before. The hunter also admitted to drinking Vodka that morning while hunting and was given field sobriety exercises. The hunter passed these sobriety exercises. The electronic call was seized and the hunter was issued a citation for hunting with an illegal device.
HOUSTON COUNTY On the morning of October 30th, Cpl. John Harkins and Sgt. Tony Fox checked two deer stands that had previously been found to be baited with corn. Two hunters were apprehended and cited for hunting over bait.
MUSCOGEE COUNTY On October 24th, RFC Jeremy Bolen performed an Information and Education program at the Sear's public safety weekend. RFC Bolen passed out hunting and boating regulation books and also answered general legal questions.
PEACH COUNTY On the morning of October 30th, Cpl. John Harkins checked two deer stands that he had previously documented as being baited. Hunters were found to be in both stands and were cited for hunting big game over bait.
TROUP COUNTY On October 30th Sgt. Jim Bradfield, RFC Jeremy Bolen, and Intern Blake Middleton checked a baited deer stand on a hunting club. One hunter was located hunting over a corn feeder. The hunter was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait.
On October 30th, Sgt. Jim Bradfield, RFC Jeremy Bolen and Intern Blake Middleton located a pickup truck with an empty bag of corn in the back of it. K-9 Ruger was used to track the hunter from his truck to his deer stand. The hunter was located in his deer stand and was not wearing his orange vest. After a search of the area, the officers located corn and a mineral block in front of the stand. The hunter was issued citations for hunting big game over bait and also for hunting deer without wearing fluorescent orange.

TWIGGS COUNTY In the early morning hours of October 23rd, Cpl. Robert Stillwell was working a night deer hunting detail when he observed a vehicle spotlighting a field. Upon stopping the vehicle the officer found a loaded rifle and discovered one of the two occupants of the vehicle was in possession of marijuana. Both subjects were taken into custody and transported to the county jail where charges for night deer hunting and violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act were filed.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
MACON COUNTY On October 22nd, Cpl Tommy Lawrence received a complaint of night deer hunting that had taken place 3 nights earlier. Cpl. Lawrence began an investigation interviewing witnesses and suspects, obtaining enough physical and circumstantial evidence to take warrants on suspects. A doe deer was then confiscated.
On October 30th, RFC Clint Martin was checking a hunting without permission complaint when he located and cited 3 subjects on adjoining property for hunting big game over bait and hunting without licenses.
EARLY COUNTY On October 28th, RFC Jeff Phillips issued two citations to a hunter for hunting big game over bait and hunting deer without wearing fluorescent orange.
On October 30th, RFC Jeff Phillips cited two hunters for hunting big game over bait.
WORTH COUNTY On October 29th, Cpl. Robbie Griner searched for and found a hunter who had become disoriented and lost.
TERRELL COUNTY On October 30th, Cpl. Scott Carroll responded to a hunting without permission complaint, apprehending an individual hunting without permission without licenses and not wearing the required hunter orange. A deer the individual had killed was also confiscated.
QUITMAN COUNTY Cpl B.J. Foster issued three citations for hunting without fluorescent orange and nonresident hunting without license on Saturday, October 30th.
WEBSTER COUNTY Sgt Butch Potter cited three hunters for hunting over bait and hunting without fluorescent orange during weekend patrols.
STEWART COUNTY On October 30th, Cpl. Steve Robinson issued four citations for hunting big game over bait. One deer was confiscated and donated to a needy family.

RANDOLPH COUNTY On October 30th, RFC Bob Holley cited 3 hunters for hunting big game over bait and 1 non-resident for hunting without a license and hunting big game without a big game license.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
JEFF DAVIS COUNTY On October 26th, RFC Barry Britt conducted a CD-Rom hunter safety course for Mr. John Ramay's Wildlife Management class at the Jeff Davis County High School. During the week of October 24-30, RFC Britt worked complaints of night hunting deer and checked several hunting clubs for baiting violations. He also worked a complaint of a non-resident hunter hunting without permission; the hunter was not there at the time and could not be located.
On October 30th, RFC Britt assisted with a Rivers Alive Event at the Town Bluff Park, which is located along the Altamaha River. Rivers Alive is Georgia's volunteer waterway cleanup event that targets waterways in Georgia including streams, rivers, lakes, beaches, and wetlands. The volunteers included Cub Scout Troops from McRae and Hazlehurst who aggressively cleaned up areas along the Altamaha and Ocmulgee River areas. Their selfless efforts left these areas in pristine condition.
LAURENS COUNTY On October 23rd, RFC Rodney Horne, CPL Johnny Ashe and Sgt. Keith Byers investigated a night hunting deer complaint in Laurens County off Old Macon Rd., which led to the arrest of 3 poachers being issued 9 citations and 2 warnings for the violations.
DODGE COUNTY On the October 23rd, Cpl. Johnny Ashe, RFC Rodney Horne and Sgt. Keith Byers located a subject hunting deer over bait. After further investigation the subject was found to be a convicted felon and had an active probation warrant for his arrest. He was arrested for the offenses and taken to Dodge County Jail.
On October 30th, Cpl. Johnny Ashe was working a complaint off John Broome road and found a subject sitting in a minivan in full camouflage. The subject stated he was not hunting but was in possession of a loaded .30-30 rifle and was arrested for his being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
BACON COUNTY On October 29th, Cpl Jimmy Williams worked a night hunting detail at a field known for night hunting activity. At about 9:40 pm a vehicle approached the field, stopped, and a spotlight was shined into the field. The vehicle was stopped and a loaded .308 rifle and 2 million candlepower spotlight were in the truck. The 2 male occupants admitted to looking for deer to shoot, and were charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road and hunting from a vehicle.

On October 30th, Sgt. David Reckley and Cpl. Jimmy Williams checked several baited stands in Bacon County. A total of 5 violations were discovered, including hunting big game over bait and hunting without orange.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On October 30th, RFC Brandon Pierce patrolled the county for hunting activity. As a result of the patrol a total of two hunting licenses were inspected. One violation of hunting without fluorescent orange was documented.
LANIER COUNTY On October 30th, RFC Tim Hutto, Cpl. Greg Moody, and K9 Gauge checked several areas that were baited for deer. Five citations and warning were issued for hunting deer without fluorescent orange and hunting big game over bait. The officers also patrolled around deer dog-hunting areas resulting in two citations for failure to record deer harvest and non-resident hunting without a big game license.
COFFEE COUNTY On October 30th, RFC Hilton received a call from a complainant about an individual hunting without permission. RFC Hilton responded to the complaint, which was being monitored from previous activity. The complainant gave RFC Hilton information that an individual was sitting in his deer stand when he went to get in it, and he had gotten down and walked out. RFC Hilton discovered he had already left the property and began collecting evidence he had left behind. RFC Hilton discovered the individual's identity and located him. He told RFC Hilton he was hunting in the stand and had hunted there before and he had been up drinking all night. The individual was cited for hunting without permission, hunting without a big game license, hunting without a license, hunting without required fluorescent orange and littering.
Also on the 30th, RFC Hilton and Sgt. Reckley were on a routine bait patrol and discovered two individuals hunting over bait. One individual was cited for hunting big game over bait, hunting without big game license, hunting without a license and hunting without required fluorescent orange. The other individual was cited for hunting big game over bait and hunting without required fluorescent orange.
COOK COUNTY On October 24th, Cpl. Greg Moody checked a hunter exiting a peanut field and he observed three dead deer in the bed of the subject's truck. The hunter stated that he killed all three of the deer. A further investigation revealed that one of the deer was killed over bait by one hunter and the other two were killed by a different hunter. Neither of the two subjects had a hunting license or a big game license. Charges were issued and a 270 pound 8-point buck and two does were confiscated.

On October 29th, Cpl. Moody issued citations to a subject hunting over corn with no hunting license, no big game license, and no orange vest. Also after an investigation, a warning was issued to a hunter who killed a button buck the day before on property without permission.
On October 31st, Cpl. Moody responded to a 911 call of night hunters off Hwy. 41 south. Assisted by Cook Co. Deputies Carter and Taylor, four subjects were taken to the Cook Co. Jail. One juvenile was released to his parents and the other three received numerous charges. A 5- point buck was confiscated and an investigation continues because it was killed in Brooks County.
LOWNDES COUNTY On October 30th, RFC Keith McDonald patrolled areas in Lowndes County known to be baited for deer. RFC McDonald's efforts resulted in the issuance four citations for hunting big game over bait, one citation for hunting deer without fluorescent orange, three written warnings for failure to record deer harvest, and one written warning for hunting without a license.
PIERCE COUNTY On October 27th, Cpl. Damon Winters assisted Pierce County Sheriff's Office with the apprehension of a burglary suspect. Cpl. Winters went on foot with the Dept. of Corrections K-9 officers and tracked the suspect for approximately five miles where he was found hiding in pine straw. The suspect was arrested without incident.
On October 30th, Cpl. Damon Winters was called to assist the Pierce County Sheriff's Office with the apprehension of an armed robbery suspect. Cpl. Winters was asked to assist with securing the perimeter due to his knowledge of the area the suspect had fled into. After a two hour track by the Dept. of Corrections K-9 the armed suspect was arrested without incident.
On October 30th, Cpl. Damon Winters was checking hunting activity off Old River Road when he made contact with a subject hunting deer. One citation was issued for hunting deer without florescent orange.
BULLOCH COUNTY On October 26th Sgt. William Vickers received a complaint through the Metter LE office from a landowner. The landowner reported finding a baited deer stand on his property. The property was patrolled on Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday, and Thursday. On Thursday afternoon three subjects were apprehended. A variety of violations were documented and included hunting without permission, hunting without orange vest, hunting without license, hunting without big game license, hunting without hunter safety certification, and hunting big game over bait. The subjects were cited and released at the scene. The property owner was notified of the results of his complaint.

On October 30th, Cpl. Eddie Akins responded to a complaint about dogs running on a still hunting club. Cpl. Akins investigation of the incident resulted in four violations being documented. The violations were for hunting from a public road, failure to keep dogs on permitted property and hunting with unmarked dogs.
On October 31st, Cpl. Eddie Akins and RFC Brandon Pierce responded to a call from Bulloch S.O. about some lost and stranded kayakers on the Ogeechee River. The officers launched a boat from a private hunting club landing around midnight and were able to successfully get the kayakers and their property back to their vehicles.
TOOMBS COUNTY On October 28th, Cpl Jon Barnard and RFC Chase Altman conducted an IE program with the Fishing Simulator at Southeastern Tech College for 40 adults.
EVANS COUNTY On October 30th, Cpl. Dave Sims located two individuals hunting on private property in north Evans County. One hunter was charged with hunting deer over bait and the other was issued verbal guidance due to their varying proximity to the bait.
Later that morning Cpl. Sims responded to a deer dogging complaint in east Evans County. A private landowner caught two dogs running deer on his property and notified the Department. The owners were notified and their hounds were returned. Two violations for failure to keep hunting dogs on permitted property were documented.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY On October 30th, RFC Danielle Partin checked four deer hunters. Citations were issued for hunting big game over bait, hunting deer without fluorescent orange, nonresident hunting without nonresident big game license, and nonresident hunting without nonresident hunting license.
EMANUEL COUNTY On October 30th, RFC O'Brien and Sgt. Don Dasher patrolled for illegal deer dogging activity. Several vehicles and hunters were checked and citations were issued for deer dogging without numbers displayed and for illegal parking in the middle of roadway.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)