Field operations weekly report, 2010 August 29-September 4

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report August 29-September 4, 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)
BARTOW COUNTY RFC Byron Young, Cpl. Chip Cox, RFC Brooks Varnell, his K-9 Rock, and Sgt. Mike Barr teamed up to check large dove shoots in Bartow County on the opening day of dove season. RFC Young had previously written an article, which appeared in the local paper on the dove season, limits, legal dove fields, and licenses. After checking over 350 hunters on dove fields in the Taylorsville area, the Rangers only discovered one license violation of a hunter from South Carolina who had not purchased a non-resident hunting license. The local article was credited with helping to keep hunters legal on the traditional start of hunting season! Hunters harvested over 1200 doves including 22 collard doves not normally seen in this area.
Sgt. Mike Barr, Cpl. Chip Cox, RFC Byron Young, RFC Brooks Varnell, and RFC Bart Hendrix from the Allatoona work unit attending a specialized "swift water rescue" training exercise in Augusta this past week. The training included the Rangers going into cold swift water and using proven techniques to "ferry" across the channels, board boats, throw rescue ropes to victims in the water, and swimming over obstacles in the swift water environment. The Rangers will utilize these skills in the many Search and Rescues events that happen on Lake Allatoona, the Etowah River in Bartow County, and the Chattahoochee River in Cobb County.
FANNIN COUNTY On August 28th, Cpl. James Keener and Sgt. John VanLandingham patrolled several areas around the Toccoa River and Lake Blue Ridge. The officers issued two citations for fishing without license, and two warnings for fishing without trout license. A citation was also issued at Horseshoe Bend Park for Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act, possession of marijuana less than one ounce.
FLOYD COUNTY On August 22nd, RFC McConkey was checking boats and fishermen at Brushy Branch boat ramp. The Ranger checked two subjects who were reluctant to show the fish they had caught that day. The two subjects had caught two yellow bass, 8 to 10 catfish, and in combination 74 white and striped bass. The subjects were cited for possession over the daily limit and possession of illegally taken wildlife due to being 44 fish over the limit of white and striped bass. One subject was also cited for not having a fishing license.
FULTON COUNTY On August 23rd, and 25th, RFC James Psillis conducted a hunter education course at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. A total of nine students were certified in hunter education.
On August 24th, RFC James Psillis conducted at hunter education course at the Cochran Mill Nature Center. A total of 25 students were certified in hunter education.

MURRAY COUNTY On September 4th, Cpl. James Keener and Cpl. Casey Jones checked dove hunters in Murray County. The officers shut down two baited fields and issued 11 citations and warnings for hunting over bait, unlawful enticement of wildlife, possession of illegally taken wildlife, hunting with an unplugged shotgun, and hunting without a license.
WHITFIELD COUNTY On September 4th, DNR officers checked dove hunters in Whitfield County. The officers shut down one baited dove field. The landowner was cited for unlawful enticement of wildlife. Five hunters on the field were issued warnings for hunting over bait.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
RABUN COUNTY On Sept 4th, Cpl. Derek Dillard was patrolling Lake Burton. At approximately 9 pm he observed a vessel being operated without a stern light. He stopped the vessel and upon speaking with the operator, he noticed the operator seemed to be impaired. Cpl. Dillard administered field sobriety exercises, which the subject failed. He arrested the individual for operating a vessel under the influence. He was also charged for operating a vessel with improper lights.
UNION COUNTY On Sept 5th, Sgt. Steve Seitz and RFC Kevin Dyer were patrolling Lake Nottley. At approximately 7:30pm they received a call of a fatal boat incident. The incident is still under investigation.
HALL COUNTY On Sept 6th, Sgt. Lee Brown and Cpl. Adam Loudermilk were patrolling Hall County for dove hunters. They located several fields, one of which was baited. Citations were issued for hunting over bait and one subject was cited for hunting without a license.
On Sept 6th, Cpl Adam Loudermilk and RFC Eric Isom were patrolling Hall County for dove hunters. They located three different fields and upon inspection of one field it was determined that the field was baited. They issued citations to the individuals hunting for hunting over bait, and also cited one individual for hunting without a license.
GWINNETT COUNTY On September 2nd, Cpl. Eric Sanders located a stolen PWC while conducting a Hull Identification inspection. This PWC was stolen out of the state of Colorado. This case is still under investigation with the assistance of the Marine Theft Unit.

FORSYTH COUNTY On September 2nd, Cpl. Jason Roberson conducted an Online Hunter Education Class at Timber Ghost Outdoors. During this class a total of 35 students were certified in hunter education.
On September 4th, Cpl. Eric Sanders and Cpl. Jason Roberson investigated two boating accidents that occurred on Lake Lanier. Both of these are still under investigation.
HART COUNTY On September 4th, RFC Josh Chambers located a baited dove field. While checking the field he noticed corn and wheat scattered around. One individual claimed responsibility for placing the bait and was cited for placing the bait. The other hunters were warned for hunting over bait.
FRANKLIN COUNTY On September 4th, Cpl Craig Fulghum and Sgt Stan Elrod patrolled Lake Hartwell. The rangers were dispatched to a call of a fight in progress in a boat going down the lake. Once the boat was located, the rangers found that two of the occupants had been thrown out of the boat and had swam to nearby docks. The boat operator was located and the two subjects thrown overboard were all carried to the lake house where they were staying. Hart County Sheriff's Office was called to assist. Once the deputy arrived, two of the subjects were charged with disorderly conduct.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
COLUMBIA COUNTY On September 4th, RFC Bobby Timmerman and RFC Leroy Ficklin conducted a boating safety patrol on Clarks Hill Lake. The officers checked several boats which resulted in cases and warnings being issued for various boating violations. The officers also assisted the Columbia County Recreation Dept. with boating safety enforcement at the Boat In movie event that was held at Wildwood Park.
LINCOLN COUNTY On September 4th, Cpl. Ryan Swain and Cpl. Brian Hobbins checked several dove shoots around the county. One baited field was located and the hunters were charged with hunting over bait. The officers also issued warnings for license violations and flagged the field.
WILKES COUNTY On September 4th, Cpl. Ryan Swain and Cpl. Brian Hobbins checked several dove shoots around the county. The field owner admitted to baiting the field and was issued a citation. The other hunters on the field were issued warnings and the field was flagged. Several other fields were checked which resulted in various license and plug violations.

OGLETHORPE COUNTY On Saturday September 4, Rfc. Phillip Nelson and Sgt. Brian Carter caught 13 subjects hunting doves over a baited field. The field was shut down and approximately 150 doves were confiscated. Numerous violations were documented including hunting over bait, hunting without a license, and hunting with an unplugged gun. The doves were donated to a needy family.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
CRAWFORD COUNTY On August 31st RFC Kevin Joyce and Sgt. Tony Fox responded to the Flint River in regards to three kayakers who had overturned their craft and became stranded in the river. The Rangers, along with the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, rescued the boaters and transported them to the safety of the boat ramp. Officers were able to recover all three kayaks and return them to the owners.
On September 4th RFC Kevin Joyce and Sgt. Tony Fox checked a dove field that was found to have been baited with wheat. The owner of the field admitted to having placed the feed and was cited for unlawful enticement of game.
MERIWETHER COUNTY During the week prior to September 4th, opening day of dove season, Cpl. Keith Waddell located and flagged four dove fields that had been baited in violation of law.
On September 4th, Cpl. Keith Waddell, Cpl. Wanda Roberts, and intern Brittany Fuller were on patrol near Highway 100 when they heard shots being fired. On investigation they located six hunters on a dove field. Upon pulling into the field, Cpl. Waddell noticed what appeared to be a Department of Natural Resources "No Hunting Baited Area" sign staked in the center of the field. As Waddell walked past the sign he noticed his name was signed on the base of the placard the handwriting was not his. Also, an incorrect badge number and improper code section was listed on the sign. At the base of the sign's stake Cpl. Waddell noticed whole kernel corn and upon walking the field he found in additional whole kernel corn, wheat seed and milo seed that had not been grown at the location. Cpl. Waddell was told the sign had been erected on the field as a joke. Ten cases and warnings were issued for hunting doves over bait, possession of illegally taken wildlife, hunting without a license, and fourteen mourning doves were confiscated.
MUSCOGEE COUNTY On August 29th, RFC Mitch Oliver, RFC Jeremy Bolen, Cpl. Jim Bradfield, Sgt. Brent Railey, Cpl. Keith Waddell, and Cpl. Wanda Roberts participated in the Hands Across the Border traffic detail in Muscogee County. This detail is an annual event and draws agencies from both West Georgia and East Alabama. The focus is detection of drunk drivers traveling the roads connecting the two states along the Chattahoochee River in the Columbus and Phenix City areas. DNR provided personnel and their mobile Intoxilyzer trailer for this event.

On September 4th, RFC Jeremy Bolen responded to a complaint of shots being fired around houses. RFC Bolen notified RFC Mitch Oliver to assist with the investigation. The officers located a dove field where the shots were coming from and discovered this field was baited with corn and wheat. Eight hunters were issued citations for hunting doves over bait.
TALBOT COUNTY On September 4th, RFC Jeremy Bolen located a dove shoot with six hunters on the field. Bolen discovered this dove field was baited with wheat. The landowner was issued a citation for unlawful enticement and the five hunters were issued written warnings for hunting over bait. In addition, RFC Bolen confiscated 40 doves from the hunters.
TROUP COUNTY On the afternoon of September 3rd, Cpl. Jim Bradfield checked three different dove shoots. There were 42 hunters on these three shoots and they had killed 60 doves between them. Four of these hunters did not have the required HIP stamp and were advised by the Ranger to get this free stamp before hunting again.
TWIGGS COUNTY On September 4th, Cpl. Robert Stillwell and RFC Tim Butler located a dove shoot baited with cracked corn and wheat. Six hunters were cited for hunting doves over bait and warned for possession of illegally taken wildlife. Additionally, one warning was issued for hunting without a license and 38 doves were confiscated.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
SEMINOLE COUNTY On August 29th, at 2:30 am, RFC Jeff Phillips responded to a call from a Florida FWCC officer about someone shocking fish on the Georgia side of the Chattahoochee River. Three subjects were issued citations for shocking fish. Three catfish and the shocking device were confiscated.
On August 29th, at 11:30 pm, RFC Jeff Phillips responded to a disabled vessel call on Lake Seminole. The vessel was located in Florida waters and the occupants were safely transported back to the landing.
DECATUR COUNTY On September 4th, Sgt. Rick Sellars, Cpl. Mike Binion, RFC Tony Cox, and RFC Jeff Phillips conducted patrols on Lake Seminole to check alligator hunters. A total of 5 violations were documented for hunting without license and hunting without alligator hunting license.

CLAY COUNTY Cpl. B.J. Foster and Rfc. Bob Holley were patrolling Lake George on Friday night, September 4th, when they noticed a boat shining a spotlight along the bank. Upon stopping the vessel the Rangers observed equipment commonly used for harvesting alligators onboard. The boat's occupants were permitted alligator hunters and stated they were scouting prior to the midnight season opener. They were issued warnings for hunting out of season and told to make sure all harvesting equipment was taken off the boat if they intended to scout prior to the season. During the same patrol two fishermen were cited for fishing without a license.
On Sunday September 5th, Rfc. Bob Holley and Sgt. Butch Potter conducted a boat patrol on Lake George. The Rangers issued citations for operating a personal watercraft within 100 feet of a person in the water and operating a personal watercraft after sunset. Warnings were given for operating a vessel with insufficient personal flotation devices, operating a vessel without a fire extinguisher and expired registration.
RANDOLPH COUNTY While checking dove fields on the afternoon of Saturday, September 4th, Rfc. Bob Holley discovered a hunter in possession of over the limit of dove. The hunter was issued a citation and the birds confiscated.
QUITMAN COUNTY Over the holiday weekend Cpl. B.J. Foster conducted several patrols on Lake George. During these patrols he issued four citations for operating a personal watercraft above idle speed within 100 feet and allowing an underage channel to ride in a moving vessel without wearing a personal flotation device. Warnings were issued for non-resident fishing without a license, towing a skier without a mirror or observer, allowing an underage child to operate a vessel greater than 30 horsepower and operating a vessel without a throwable device.
DOUGHERTY COUNTY On Saturday September 4th, RFC Ben Roberts was checking fishing areas around the creek dam when he encountered someone that had a warrant out for their arrest. The person was taken into custody and turned over to the sheriff's office.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
WARE COUNTY On September 2nd, Cpl. Gary Simmons assisted Ware County Sheriff's Office with gaining access to property believed to have marijuana growing on it. After the officers entered the property they observed an individual tending the marijuana. That subject was arrested and further investigation led to five other arrests. While serving an associated search warrant, a meth lab was discovered at one of the residences.

On September 4th, Cpl. Gary Simmons worked dove patrol across the central & northern part of the county. Cpl. Simmons checked one dove field with fifteen hunters. One hunter was cited with hunting without licenses and warned for hunting with an unplugged shotgun.
ECHOLS COUNTY On September 4th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree encountered four individuals in two vehicles training fox hounds along Woodpecker Route. Sgt. Dupree observed a loaded highpowered rifle in the seat of one of the vehicles. The owner stated that he intended to resight the rifle scope while at the hunting club that day. He was issued a written warning for possession of illegal equipment while training dogs and advised to secure the weapon before continuing to train his hounds.
PIERCE COUNTY On September 4th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree worked a dove field off Yeoman's Chapel Road with a dozen hunters. Half of the shooters on the field had expired HIP (harvest information program) licenses. The hunters did not realize HIP expires at the end of February each year. All were given verbal guidance and asked to update their HIP licenses before their next bird hunt.
BACON COUNTY On September 4th, Cpl. Damon Winters located an in-progress dove hunt occurring in the Coffee area. While checking the hunters on the field, Cpl. Winters noticed cracked and shelled corn had been spread on the millet field. Cpl. Winters gathered up all the hunters and explained the situation. It was determined that the field owner was responsible for the illegal baiting and he was cited with unlawful enticement of game. Two other hunters were cited for hunting without licenses. Thirty illegally-harvested doves were confiscated.
BULLOCH COUNTY On Saturday, September 3rd, Cpl. Eddie Akins and Capt. Scott Klingel patrolled in Bulloch County for dove hunting activity. Their efforts resulted in three dove fields and 14 dove hunters being checked. One violation for hunting with an improperly plugged shotgun was documented.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On September 5th at 1:00 AM, RFC Brandon Pierce and Sgt. William Vickers encountered three Russian national subjects stopped on a dead-end road that led to Georgia Power's Plant McIntosh; a coal-fired generating facility on the Savannah River. The subjects spoke little English and could not give a clear reason for being in the area. Neither the driver nor any of his passengers had any form of identification. Plant McIntosh Security and the Effingham County Sheriff's Office were contacted and the investigation of the subject's activities was turned over to them. A search of the vehicle revealed several items of interest that lead to a charge of possession of tools for commission of a crime. Later the GBI and FBI were called in to interview the subjects to try to determine their reason for being in the area. As of Sunday afternoon, September

4th, the subjects were still incarcerated in the Effingham County Jail awaiting the outcome of the federal authorities' investigation and probable deportation.
Later that evening RFC Pierce and Sgt. Vickers patrolled the Savannah River for boating safety/alligator hunting activity. A total of two boats were inspected. One violation of operating a vessel without lights during hours of darkness was documented.
On September 6th, RFC Brandon Pierce patrolled the county for hunting activity. A total of twenty-nine hunting licenses were checked. As a result, four violations consisting of failure to participate in migratory bird HIP program, hunting without a license, and hunting with an unplugged shotgun were documented.
On September 4th, RFC Brandon Pierce and Sgt. William Vickers patrolled for the county for dove hunting activity. A total of eighteen hunting license were checked and no violations were documented. Later that evening the officers, joined by RFC Debbie Brannen, patrolled the Savannah River for boating safety, alligator hunting, and fishing activity. A total of two fishing license were inspected. The inspection resulted in two violations for fishing without a license being documented.
EVANS COUNTY On August 29th, RFC Debbie Brannen was patrolling along some county dirt roads and came upon a Hispanic male and female fighting in the road beside the vehicle. The female was 8 months pregnant. Neither person had a driver license. Evans county sheriff's deputy responded to assist. The case was turned over to Deputy Waters.
SCREVEN COUNTY On Saturday, August 28th, while patrolling Tuckahoe WMA, Sgt. William Vickers discovered a group of fishermen had set up a campsite in an area that did not allow camping. A warning was issued and the fishermen were given directions to an area of the WMA where camping was allowed.
TATTNALL COUNTY On September 4th, RFC Clint Jarriel, Sgt Don Dasher and Sgt Wade Fulford along with intern Jamal Hendrix, patrolled Tattnall County on the opening afternoon of the 2010 dove season. Four fields were checked and citations written for hunting without a license and hunting with an unplugged shotgun.
On September 6th, RFC Clint Jarriel, Sgt Don Dasher, CPL Jon Barnard and RFC Danielle Partin patrolled Tattnall County for dove hunting activity and checked six fields. Citations were written for hunting over bait, hunting with an unplugged shotgun, and possession of illegally taken wildlife. A total of 94 doves were confiscated and turned over to the Tattnall Sheriff's Office.

BEN

HILL

COUNTY

On September 6th, Sgt. David Reckley and Cpl John A Stokes patrolled for dove shoots.

A baited shoot was located where cracked corn was placed on the field; five citations

were written for hunting over bait.

APPLING

COUNTY

For the opening weekend of dove season, RFC Chase Altman checked several fields for

hunting violations. One warning was issued for hunting w/o a hunting license. RFC

Chase Altman also patrolled Lake Mayers and the Altamaha River this Labor Day

weekend. Three violations were documented during these patrols, which included

operating a PWC during hours of darkness and towing a skier on a PWC w/o an observer.

COFFEE

COUNTY

On Saturday September 4th, Sgt David Reckley and Cpl Jimmy Williams worked opening

day dove patrol in the Broxton area. Several fields were checked including one baited

with wheat seed. Eleven hunters were hunting the field. Hunting was stopped the

violations were addressed and 66 doves were confiscated.

Also in Coffee County, RFC Hilton and Cpl. Stokes patrolled the Ambrose and Douglas area and checked several fields. This patrol resulted in several warnings and cases being issued for hunting without a license, possession of over the daily bag limit and possession of illegally taken wildlife. Also, 38 doves were confiscated in this patrol.

BACON

COUNTY

On Monday September 6th, Cpl Jimmy Williams was on routine dove patrol and located

an active shoot in a clear cut. Upon inspection, the area was found to have been baited

with cracked corn and sunflower seeds. Shooting was stopped and the seven hunter's

violations were addressed.

EMANUEL COUNTY On September 5th, Sgt Wade Fulford, Cpl Jon Barnard and RFC Danielle Partin patrolled Emanuel County for Dove hunting violations, the rangers checked one field and 7 hunters and issued one warning for hunting with an unplugged shotgun.

CANDLER COUNTY On September 5th, Sgt Wade Fulford, Cpl Jon Barnard and RFC Danielle Partin patrolled Candler County for Dove hunting violations, the rangers checked one field and 10 hunters with verbal guidance given to two hunters for not having a HIP license.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY On September 4th, RFC Danielle Partin and Cpl Jon Barnard patrolled Montgomery County for Dove hunting violations. The rangers checked two fields and issued citations for hunting over bait, hunting without a license, and unlawful enticement of game.

BERRIEN COUNTY On September 4th, Cpl. Morty Wood patrolled for dove shoots in Berrien County. While checking a dove shoot in the Alapaha area, he observed an individual run from a corn field and into a cotton field and hide. Following a short search, the hunter was located and stated that he didn't think he had a valid hunting license. After inspection of the license, it was found that the license did not expire until September 17, 2010. The hunter was cited for failure to allow inspection and issued a warning for not having a valid H.I.P. permit.
ATKINSON COUNTY On September 4th, RFC Tim Hutto patrolled Atkinson County for dove hunting activity. Several dove fields were checked resulting in violations for failure to participate in the migratory bird hip program, possession of illegally taken wildlife, and hunting with an unplugged shotgun.
LANIER COUNTY On September 5th, RFC Tim Hutto checked areas along the Alapaha River for boating and fishing violations. The patrol resulted in six violations for fishing without a license and operating a vessel without a fire extinguisher.
LOWNDES COUNTY On September 4th, Sgt. David Nugent and RFC Keith McDonald patrolled opening day dove activity in Lowndes County. Two baited dove fields were located, the shoots were stopped and citations issued for hunting over bait and possession of illegally taken wildlife as well as possession of over the daily bag limit.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)