Field operations weekly report, 2012 October 14-20

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report October 14-20, 2012
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 October 20th, Cpl. Byron Young and Cpl. Chip Cox checked baited deer stands off Crowe Springs Road. The officers checked three hunters in the immediate area. The Rangers issued citations for hunting big game over bait and hunting without a big game license.
On October 20th, Sgt. Mike Barr and Ranger Zack Hardy checked several deer stands off Shaw Street in Kingston that Ranger Hardy had previously found baited with corn for deer hunting. One included a 50 gallon plastic drum used as a gravity feeder. The Rangers found two persons hunting directly over the baited areas. One hunter was not wearing his fluorescent orange and the second did not even bring his orange with him to deer hunt. The bait at each site was almost gone. Ranger Hardy issued a citation to each hunter for hunting deer without fluorescent orange and gave verbal guidance for baiting for deer in north Georgia.
On October 20th, Sgt. Mike Barr located an eight point buck at the Adairsville deer cooler that had been self-checked into the deer processor. He noticed the name on the tag had been written in then scratched out and another name added. Sgt. Barr checked on the first person's license information and noticed the person's license had expired three days earlier. Sgt. Barr met Ranger Hardy and together they went to the residence of the hunter who admitted he had killed the eight point buck earlier in the morning but checked the deer into the cooler in his son's name due to his expired license. Ranger Hardy issued a citation for the license violation and gave the hunter information on how to immediately obtain a new license. The hunter called back in the evening to confirm he had obtained a new hunting license.
CARROLL COUNTY On October 20th, Cpl. Eric Brown was patrolling Carroll County for deer activity. One subject and his juvenile daughter were found to be hunting big game over bait and hunting without a nonresident big game license.
CHATTOOGA COUNTY On the night of October 20th, Cpl. Shawn Elmore and RFC Ben Cunningham responded to an area of Chattooga County in reference to a call of night hunting in progress. The officers arrived in the area and were unable to locate anyone so they setup to watch the area. Around midnight a vehicle stopped on the roadway beside the officers' location and the passenger exited the Ford Expedition and grabbed a deer carcass from a trailer and threw it in the ditch. The vehicle left and was stopped by the officers. It was found the deer had been killed before dark legally but the deer had not been properly recorded on the Summerville man's license. The two men were charged with littering and the hunter who killed the deer was also charged with failure to record deer harvest.

CHEROKEE COUNTY On October 20th, Cpl. Lee Burns checked two baited blinds that had been baited all of archery and primitive weapons season. Cpl. Burns approached the two blinds, but did not locate the hunters. Cpl. Burns conducted a quick scan of the area and found the hunter sitting against a tree approximately fifty yards from the bait. Cpl. Burns cited the hunter for hunting big game over bait.
On October 20th, RFC Bart Hendrix, RFC Brooks Varnell and his K-9 "Rock" checked an area off Arnold Spence Road in Ballground where RFC Hendrix had found an area baited for deer. RFC Hendrix had foot patrolled the area for years and he and RFC Varnell located the hunters and discovered that one hunter did not have a hunting license and both were hunting deer directly over bait. The Rangers issued citations for the license violations and hunting big game over bait.
On October 20th, RFC Bart Hendrix, RFC Brooks Varnell and his K-9 "Rock" checked another area off Damascus Road and found a hunter hunting deer directly over a baited area. The hunter was charged with hunting big game over bait.
On October 20th, RFC Bart Hendrix, RFC Brooks Varnell and his K-9 "Rock" were passing a residence in Canton on Fate Conn Road. They noticed two men processing an 8 point buck in plain view. The Rangers stopped to check their hunting licenses. The hunter who had harvested the buck had not recorded his harvest on his license as required by law. He stated, with hesitation, that he had shot the buck in the back yard. The Rangers went with the hunter's consent to confirm the location of the kill. They found nothing. Thinking that the buck had probably been killed elsewhere and with RFC Hendrix's knowledge of the area, the Rangers began searching and found fresh ATV tracks and fresh deer blood leading from adjacent property. It was discovered that the men had actually been hunting without permission off Bluffs Parkway. The hunter who shot the deer was charged with hunting without permission and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
FULTON COUNTY On October 17th, Sgt. Rick Dempsey was working an illegal hunting complaint in north Fulton County. Sgt. Dempsey was walking the area and found three baited deer stands on the property. Dempsey found a truck parked on the property that contained three bags of corn in plain view. Sgt. Dempsey decided to walk further and found a subject archery hunting for deer over bait (corn). The subject had his young son with him. The adult was charged with hunting big game over bait. Sgt. Dempsey later found that the subject had numerous other previous game & fish violations.
On October 19th, Sgt. Ricky Dempsey and RFC Chad Cox were checking a complaint off Fulton Industrial Blvd. The complaint was in reference to hunters possible using guns, which is illegal in that part of Fulton County. While checking the property the two rangers located a pickup truck with a bag of corn in it. The rangers were able to locate the hunter and he was hunting over corn. The subject was charged with hunting big game over bait.

GILMER COUNTY On October 5th, Cpl. Casey Jones and RFC Joe Hill were called to assist the Zell Mill Mountain Parkway Drug Task Force with a search warrant at a residence in Gilmer County. ZMMPDTF discovered a mounted owl and mounted hawk at the house while serving their search warrant. Cpl. Jones and RFC Hill arrived and seized the birds for evidence. On October 9th, RFC Hill obtained arrest warrants for unlawful hunting/possession birds or parts. The suspect turned himself in on October 10th.
GORDON COUNTY On October 20th, Cpl. Shawn Elmore checked a baited area on Coggins Loop. Cpl. Elmore located a Calhoun man hunting in a ladder stand overlooking a pile of corn. The Calhoun man was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait.
Cpl. Elmore also checked a baited area on Covey Rise Dr. and located a Ranger man hunting from a portable stand overlooking a large amount of sweet feed that had been poured out across two separate properties. The Ranger man was not wearing the required orange and was found to be hunting without permission. He was issued citations for hunting big game over bait, hunting deer without fluorescent orange, and later charged with hunting without permission after confirmation with the landowner.
Cpl. Elmore checked another baited area located on Pearl Johnson Rd and located a Fairmount man and his juvenile son hunting in a tower stand that was overlooking a food plots littered with salt blocks. The Fairmount man was charged with hunting big game over bait and given a warning for hunting without a big game license.
HARALSON COUNTY On October 20th, Cpl. Eric Brown was checking a landowner complaint in Bremen and found one subject hunting over bait. Later that day, Cpl. Brown responded to hunting without permission complaint in Waco. Upon arrival the Sheriff's Office had six Hispanic males detained in the area. After interviewing the men, three of them were arrested for hunting without a nonresident licenses and hunting without a nonresident big game license. The landowner identified the subject on his property and he was warned for hunting without permission. Another Hispanic male was arrested and charged for hunting with a resident license, hunting with a resident big game license, failure to record the spike deer he killed, and warned for illegal possession of wildlife.
PICKENS COUNTY On October 19th, Cpl. James Keener was patrolling a tract of bank owned land by ATV when he came upon two individuals who had killed three deer. After license checks and a search of the area, both subjects were issued citations for failure to record deer harvest and warnings for hunting without permission.
POLK COUNTY On October 20th, Sgt. Ricky Dempsey received a complaint of hunting without permission in Polk County. Sgt. Dempsey responded and found two subjects hunting without fluorescent orange vest and hunting without permission. Each subject was

charged for hunting on lands of another w/o permission and hunting w/o fluorescent orange. One of the individuals had killed a deer and the deer was confiscated.
On October 16th, Cpl. Wil Smith transferred to Polk County as the Polk County Conservation Ranger. Cpl. Smith transferred from Region VII where he was the corporal in Glynn and Camden Counties.
WHITFIELD COUNTY On October 20th, Capt. Johnny Johnson and Cpl. Casey Jones issued citations to three hunters who were found hunting deer over bait, two hunting deer without fluorescent orange and two hunting without a license.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
DAWSON COUNTY On October 14th, RFC Brandon Pierce and Sgt. Lee Brown patrolled Dawson Forest WMA for any hunting/other activity. Due to Dawson Forest WMA holding an adult/child hunt, the horse trails and bicycle riding were closed for safety measures. While patrolling several horses and a bicycle rider was noticed on the trails. The rangers waited for them to return to the horse camp and confronted the individuals on the issues. As a result, three horse riders and a bicyclist were checked. A total of four violations were documented. The violations consisted of illegal horseback riding on WMA, illegal bicycle riding on WMA, and operating trailer with expired tag. While waiting on the riders to return at camp, numerous riders were turned around and given verbal guidance in reference to the laws and regulations of the state. All were compliant. Later that evening RFC Pierce and Wildlife Technician David Shattuck patrolled the WMA for any activity. While on patrol the officers found two subjects riding horses on the closed trails. A total of one violation was documented consisting of illegal horseback riding on WMA.
On October 18th, Wildlife Technician III David Shattuck was patrolling Dawson Forest WMA when he encountered a vehicle that had steam coming for the vehicle. The vehicle had just crossed the ford at Shoal Creek which was actually too deep for the vehicle to cross. Wildlife Technician Shattuck made contact with the driver of the vehicle. Wildlife Technician Shattuck asked the driver for his driver's license and he stated that he didn't have it on him. Wildlife Technician Shattuck asked the driver for his name and date of birth. The date of birth was not the correct one. After obtaining the correct date of birth, it was determined that the driver was driving on a suspended license. The driver was arrested for driving on a suspended license and giving false information.
On October 20th, RFC Brandon Pierce and RFC Mitchell Crump worked a night hunting detail on a complaint area. Around midnight a vehicle was noticed shining the field while driving. The vehicle was stopped and the two subjects inside were interviewed. No firearm was found in the vehicle, so verbal guidance was given on the violation of blinding wildlife and other laws of the state. The subjects understood very well.

GWINNETT COUNTY On October 17th, Cpl. Eddie Tompkins received a call in reference to hunting without permission on Maranatha Road in Lawrenceville; upon arrival Cpl. Tompkins discovered a hunter in a ladder stand without a fluorescent orange vest. The hunter was found to be a few feet from the property line he had permission to hunt. Cpl. Tompkins issued a citation for hunting without fluorescent orange and a warning for hunting without permission.
On October 20th, Cpl. Eddie Tompkins was checking a complaint of hunting without permission on Lake Carlton Road in Loganville when he observed a hunter on the adjoining property hunting without a florescent orange vest in a ground blind. Cpl. Tompkins issued a written warning for hunting without fluorescent orange.
On October 20th, Cpl. Eddie Tompkins was checking a complaint of hunting without permission on Callie Still Road on Gwinnett County Park Property when he observed a hunter on the adjoining property hunting without a florescent orange vest. Cpl. Tompkins issued a written warning for hunting without fluorescent orange.
UNION COUNTY On October 18th, Sgt. Steve Seitz and Wildlife Tech 4 Scott Bardenwerper responded to a road hunting complaint in Suches, GA. The officers met with the complainant to obtain details on the incident and collected evidence from the roadway on Northside Rd. As the officers went to locate the suspects, they saw a white truck matching the suspect's vehicle description driving down Parker Road. The officers followed the truck and observed a fresh deer carcass in the bed. The officers made a vehicle stop on truck and determined the two occupants of the truck were in fact the suspects. The officers interviewed the occupants and eventually obtained confessions for shooting a doe deer from the roadway earlier in the morning. The driver was issued citations for hunting deer from a motor vehicle, hunting from a public road, and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The passenger was issued a citation for possession of illegally taken wildlife.
JACKSON COUNTY On October 20th, RFC Eric Isom with his K9 partner Colt checked a hunting without permission complaint near Commerce. A subject along with his son were found hunting deer without permission. The subject's son also did not have the required 500 square inches of blaze orange. Colt also found their friend who hunting approximately 50 yards from them. He was on the piece of property that they had permission but was hunting over a corn bait block. Citations, warnings, and verbal warnings were given for hunting big game over bait, hunting without permission, and accompanying a big game hunter without wearing florescent orange between the two subjects.
On October 20th, RFC Eric Isom with his K9 partner Colt were on foot patrol around sunset when they came across a hunter's truck that had unloaded an ATV. Colt tracked the hunter deeper into the property until RFC Isom heard the ATV moving. RFC Isom stopped the ATV to check the hunter's license. RFC Isom discovered that the hunter's thirteen year old son was also hunting on the property approximately 500 yards away had

not completed his required hunter safety course. The subject received a written warning for allowing a juvenile to hunt without a hunter safety certification. RFC Isom also gave the subject information on nearby hunter safety course. The subject gave RFC Isom a key to the property, so that he could patrol it for illegal hunting activity.
BANKS COUNTY On October 20th, 2012 Cpl. Adam Loudermilk and Sgt. Mike Burgamy patrolled Banks County for opening day of firearms deer season. During the patrol they issued 4 citations and 3 warnings for violations of hunting big game over bait, hunting deer without orange, and transporting a loaded firearm in a vehicle on Wilson Shoals WMA.
MADISON COUNTY On October 20th, RFC Shane Sartor and Sgt. Stan Elrod checked an area that had been baited for deer. As the rangers approached the baited area, two hunters were walking around in the woods. As the rangers approached them, they said they were looking for a deer that one had shot. Only one of the hunters had been hunting in the baited area and was cited for hunting big game over bait.
On October 20th, RFC Shane Sartor and Sgt. Stan Elrod checked the Broad River WMA. While at one of the access gates, Sgt. Elrod noticed a gun case in the back seat of a car. Since Broad River WMA is an archery only area during deer season, the rangers waited for the hunter to come out of the woods. The hunter was carrying a .270 rifle. He was cited for hunting with an illegal weapon on an Archery only hunt.
On October 20th, RFC Shane Sartor and Sgt. Elrod checked an area that joins Watson Mill State Park. The area had been baited for deer in the past. It has also been an access point for people to hunt on the State park property illegally. The rangers were patrolling the park boundary by foot when they heard a shot that sounded like it was inside the park or very close. The rangers found a hunter sitting very close to the state park property line on private property. As the rangers approached the hunter, they noticed corn on the ground near the deer stand. The hunter had killed a doe. After talking to him, Sgt. Elrod proceeded into the property looking for other hunters. Two more hunters were found and both were hunting deer over bait. Three citations were issued for hinting big game over bait.
HART COUNTY On October 20th, RFC Josh Chambers checked an area that had been baited for deer. He found one hunter sitting near the bait and issued citations for hunting big game over bait and hunting without fluorescent orange.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
BURKE COUNTY On Saturday October 20th, RFC Jeff Billips checked hunting without permission complaint with Sgt. Max Boswell. Sgt. Boswell located a violator and a citation was issued for hunting without permission. RFC Billips patrolled the check in hunt at Yuchi

WMA. The following violations were addressed: failure to sign in on WMA hunt, failure to check in deer harvested, and hunting within 50 yards of WMA road.
RFC Billips and Sgt. Boswell responded to an in progress hunting without permission complaint related to raccoon hunters on private property. Sergeant Boswell located the two hunters as they returned to their trucks on Di-Lane Plantation WMA. Citations were issued for hunting without permission.
WASHINGTON COUNTY Corporal Micheal Crawley worked on a Hunting Deer without Permission case in south Washington County. He also patrolled for dove hunting activity near Harrison area.
JEFFERSON COUNTY During the last week, RFC Matherly investigated a night hunting complaint in Burke County that occurred on October 16. The investigation was turned over to RFC Billips and is still on going.
RFC Matherly checked two without permission complaints on opening weekend of Deer Firearms Season. On one of the complaints, RFC Matherly found that the complainant's son was hunting in a stand on the property without orange and no hunting license. He was cited for both offenses.
While on patrol during the week end, RFC Matherly spoke with a subject from North Carolina that had killed two deer. He was found to have not tagged either deer and was cited for both offenses.
RICHMOND COUNTY On October 20th, Cpl. Ben Payne and Sgt. Max Boswell patrolled Richmond County early in the morning checking baited deer stands. Several hunters were checked and citations were written for hunting over bait, hunting deer without fluorescent orange, hunting without license, and hunting without big game license. Warnings were also written for additional violations. In the afternoon Cpl. Payne worked Yuichi WMA. Licenses were checked on the area with no violations documented. Later in the afternoon Cpl. Payne worked without permission complaints.
OCONEE COUNTY On Saturday October 20th, RFC Tim Butler issued one citation for hunting big game over bait.
WILKES COUNTY On Saturday October 20th, Sgt. Brian Carter and Cpl. Mark Patterson made the following contacts on deer hunters; 7 hunting big game over bait, 2 license violations and 2 hunting without fluorescent orange.

ELBERT COUNTY On Saturday October 20th, Cpl. Julian Wilkins issued 3 citations for hunting big game over bait and one warning for hunting big game over bait.
COLUMBIA COUNTY On October 20th, Sgt. Doyte Chaffin and Cpl. Brian Hobbins patrolled several areas that were previously found to be baited. Officers found 4 subjects hunting over the baited areas. The subjects were cited for hunting big game over bait.
On October 20th, RFC Bobby Timmerman patrolled several areas that were previously found to be baited. RFC Timmerman found three adults and one juvenile hunting over the baited areas. The three adults were cited for hunting big game over bait. One adult was also cited for hunting big game without wearing fluorescent orange. Another adult was also charged with allowing a juvenile to hunt unsupervised without a hunter safety certification.
On October 21st, Cpl. Brian Hobbins patrolled an area that was previously found to be baited. Cpl. Hobbins found 1 subject hunting over the baited site. The subject was cited for the violation.
TALIAFERRO COUNTY On October 20th, RFC Leroy Ficklin patrolled several areas that were previously found to be baited for deer. RFC Ficklin found 4 subjects hunting over the baited site. The subjects were cited for hunting big game over bait.
On October 21st, RFC Leroy Ficklin patrolled an area that was previously found to be baited. RFC Ficklin found 1 subject hunting over the baited area. The subject was cited for the violation.
WARREN COUNTY On October 20th, RFC Brian Adams and Capt. Thomas Barnard patrolled several areas that were previously found to be baited. Officers found 1 subject hunting over the baited site. The subject was cited for hunting big game over bait.
On October 21st, RFC Brian Adams concluded a 6 month investigation on poisoning wildlife. RFC Adams cited 1 subject for poisoning wildlife.
LINCOLN COUNTY On October 20th, Cpl. Ryan Swain was on patrol in an area that was previously found to be baited. Cpl. Swain found 2 subjects hunting over the baited site. The subjects were charged with hunting big game bait,
On October 20th, Cpl. Ryan Swain received a call in reference to hunting without permission. Cpl. Swain, RFC Bobby Timmerman, Capt. Thomas Barnard and RFC Brian

Adams responded to the scene. Officers located the hunter who was accompanied by a juvenile. The hunter was found to be hunting deer without fluorescent orange. The hunter was also found to be hunting without a hunting license. The hunter was charged with the violations. The landowner did not wish to prosecute at time of report.
On October 20th, Cpl. Ryan Swain received a call in reference to possible convicted felons hunting with a firearm on private property. Cpl. Swain along with RFC Bobby Timmerman, RFC Brian Adams and Capt. Thomas Barnard responded to complaint property. Officers patrolled the property by foot. Officers were unable to locate the felons. The property is still under investigation.
On October 20th, Cpl. Ryan Swain received a call in reference to a dispute between a land owner and a hunter. Cpl. Swain found that the deer was taken on the public roadway. The subject was cited for hunting from a public road, discharge of a firearm across a public road and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
On October 21st, Cpl. Ryan Swain, Sgt. Doyte Chaffin and RFC Bobby Timmerman patrolled property for possible convicted felons hunting with firearms. Officers found 1 subject hunting that had taken a spike deer. The hunter was found not to be a convicted felon. Officers' investigation found that the deer was taken over bait. The subject was cited for hunting big game over bait and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The deer was seized and given to a needy family in the county.
On October 21st, Cpl. Ryan Swain and RFC Bobby Timmerman were on patrol. Officers saw 2 bucks in the rear of a pickup which was parked at a gas station. Officers' investigation found that the subject failed to record the deer harvest. The subject was cited for the violation.
WALTON COUNTY On Oct. 20th, RFC Fred Hays caught two individuals night hunting in Walton County. The subjects were issued citations for hunting deer at night, hunting from the public roadway, and hunting from a motor vehicle.
GREENE COUNTY On Oct. 20th, Cpl. Derrell Worth patrolled Greene County. Cpl. Worth issued one citation for not having fluorescent orange vest, one citation for hunting without permission, six citations for hunting big game over bait, and had two licenses violations.
HANCOCK COUNTY On Oct. 20th, Sgt. Matt Garthright, Cpl. David Allen, and RFC Richard Tanner patrolled Hancock County. The Rangers issued three unlawful enticement citations, one without permission citation, one failure to record deer harvest citation, two hunting without

orange citation, one citation for illegal possession of wildlife. RFC Richard Tanner and Cpl. David Allen responded to seven complaints.
MORGAN COUNTY On Oct. 20th, RFC Ricky Boles and Sgt. John Harwell patrolled Morgan County. RFC Boles issued two citations for hunting big game over bait, one citation for hunting without permission, and one citation for hunting without an orange vest.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
BALDWIN COUNTY
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On October 20 Cpl. Josh Copelan patrolled a hunting club on which several baited deer stands had been located. Three hunters were cited for hunting deer over bait, hunting without orange vest and one 8 point buck was seized after it was shot minutes before Cpl. Copelan apprehended the hunter for hunting over bait. The buck was located lying deceased in the corn.
HEARD COUNTY
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On October 20 Cpl. Jeremy Bolen and Rgr. Russell Epps located a truck parked along the side of the road. After locating bait in the back of the truck, officers utilized K-9 Ruger to track the subject from the truck to his deer stand. The officers discovered that the hunter did not possess a hunting license - the area was not baited. The hunter was issued a citation for hunting without a license and a written warning for hunting without a big game license.
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On October 20 Cpl. Jeremy Bolen and Rgr. Russell Epps pulled into a hunting club and located a freshly killed 8 point deer rack in the camp. The hunters stated that the deer had been shot earlier that morning. A short while later the hunter who killed the deer arrived back at the camp. Cpl. Bolen discovered that the deer had not been recorded on the harvest record. The hunter took the officers back to the location where the deer had been shot. The officers noticed fresh blood and observed that the area was baited. The hunter was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait and warned for failure to record deer harvest. The deer was confiscated and donated to a food bank.
HENRY COUNTY On the morning of October 20th, while checking a known baited area, RFC Travis Sweat encountered two subjects hunting from a blind. After conducting a compliance check, Sweat issued citations for hunting big game over bait, hunting without fluorescent orange, hunting without a license, and hunting without a big game license. Charges are pending regarding hunting without permission.

JONES COUNTY
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On October 20 Cpl Lynn Stanford and Sgt Bo Kelly patrolled hunting property for hunting over bait violations. Five hunters were issued citations for hunting deer over bait.
LAMAR COUNTY
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On October 20 RFC Keith Page checked a tract of land in reference to a hunting without permission complaint the officer had previously checked the property and found multiple baited deer stands. RFC Page located one man who was hunting over bait and hunting without wearing an orange vest and also found another man nearby who was hunting without wearing an orange vest. RFC Page secured the men and left them with a Lamar County Deputy while he went to find the rest of the hunters. RFC Page then walked to each stand on the property, locating three more hunters, two of which were hunting over bait and not wearing an orange vest. Page also located the subject who was hunting without permission. RFC Page issued three citations for hunting big game over bait, one citation for hunting without permission, and four warnings for hunting without wearing an orange vest.
MERIWETHER COUNTY On October 20 Cpl. Keith Waddell checked a complaint in reference to hunting without permission. Cpl. Waddell checked one hunter and issued a citation for hunting without permission and a warning for hunting big game over bait.
MONROE COUNTY
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On the evening of October 20 , RFC Keith Page and Cpl. Tony Wynne checked a baited deer stand on Hwy 42. They found the stand occupied by a hunter who was not wearing an orange vest. The man had been consuming alcohol but was not over the 0.10 BAC limit allowed for hunting. RFC Page issued the man a citation for hunting big game over bait and hunting without wearing an orange vest during firearms deer season.
PEACH COUNTY On the morning of October 20th Rgr. David Fisher and Cpl. Robert Stillwell were patrolling a tract of property when they encountered a parked vehicle. Upon checking the vehicle, officers observed a crossbow on the seat. An individual dressed in hunting attire then approached them from their rear; officers observed he had no firearm. Upon further investigation, the officers learned the individual had been hunting and, after following the hunter's tracks, located a high-powered rifle hidden in the bushes. The subject was arrested and transported to the local police department. The subject, who admitted to having previous felony convictions, was charged with hunting without a license, hunting without a big game license, and hunting without fluorescent orange. Charges regarding felon in possession of a firearm are pending.
PUTNAM COUNTY On October 18-20, Cpl Lynn Stanford, Cpl Josh Copelan, Captain Bob Lynn and Sgt Bo Kelly patrolled Cedar Creek WMA during the early firearms hunt. Over six hundred hunters were present and had harvested over 100 deer by midday on the last day. Three

hunters were issued citations for hunting from a public road and hunting from a motor vehicle.
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On October 20 , Cpl Lynn Stanford and Sgt Bo Kelly patrolled several tracts of land for hunting over bait violations. Four hunters were cited for hunting over bait and two warnings were issued for hunting without wearing an orange vest. One hunter was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and for taking a deer with a modern firearm during primitive weapon season.
TROUP COUNTY On the evening of October 20th, Rgr. Russell Epps, Cpl. Jeremy Bolen, and Sgt. Jim Bradfield were patrolling areas of Troup County when they located five hunters in a small dove field behind a residence. After a short inspection it was determined that the field was baited with scattered sunflower seeds. Six citations and four warnings were issued for unlawful enticement of game, hunting over bait, and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
UPSON COUNTY On October 16th, Cpl. Susan Morris received a call from the Upson County Sheriff's Investigation Unit. They asked for her assistance in serving a search warrant on a suspect for firearms and drug possession. An informant had told the investigators the suspect had rattle snakes and a hog nose snake in his barn. Corporal Morris assisted the investigators with the search warrant and did indeed find the snakes in an aquarium in the barn. The suspect was cited for possession of a protected species without a permit, as well as several weapons and drug charges.
On October 16th, Cpl. Susan Morris was on routine patrol when she saw black smoke in the air. She followed the smoke to a residence near town. A female resident at the house was cleaning up and had decided to burn all of the unwanted items which included old clothes, plastic toys and parts of old televisions. She was issued a citation for illegal burning.
Earlier in October, Cpl. Susan Morris became aware of the location of a deer feeder. On October 17th, Corporal Morris patrolled the area on foot and ATV and located two feeders. On October 20th, Corporal Morris checked the area for hunting activity and found a hunter from Florida on one of the stands. The hunter was given a citation for hunting big game over bait and issued a written warning for not wearing a fluorescent orange vest.
On October 18th, Cpl. Susan Morris received a call from a complainant in reference to a hunting club putting out corn for deer season. She patrolled the area by foot and ATV and found corn scattered along the roads and under most of the stands in the hunting club.
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On the morning of October 20 Cpl. Morris returned and located three hunters who were hunting over bait and not wearing fluorescent orange vest. All three hunters were issued citations for hunting big game over bait and given written warnings for hunting without fluorescent orange clothing.

Region V- Albany (Southwest)
DECATUR COUNTY Tony Cox completed an investigation concerning the dumping of alligator carcasses at Horseshoe Bend landing on the Flint River. The remains were left in the middle of the boat ramp by a hunting guide, after he cleaned the alligators for his clients. Warrants were issued on the guide for two counts of Unlawful Dumping of Waste. This subject was previously cited for two alligator hunting violations on Lake WF George.
On October 20th, Sgt. Rick Sellars conducted a patrol on Silver Lake WMA to check for deer hunters. Two hunters were cited for hunting on a closed WMA, hunting deer without wearing fluorescent orange, hunting over bait and placing bait on a WMA. The area is only open for small game hunting at this time.
On October 20th, Cpl. Mike Binion conducted a patrol on Lake Seminole WMA and cited two subjects for hunting with buckshot on a WMA, and for operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's.
GRADY COUNTY On October 17th, Sgt. Rick Sellars conducted several Educational programs at Eastside Elementary School in Cairo.
BAKER COUNTY On October 20th, Cpl. Mike Binion and Cpl. Randy Davis checked a dove shoot and cited two hunters for taking over the limit, and one for failure to allow inspection. The Rangers confiscated 50 dove in this incident.
CLAY COUNTY On October 19th, RFC Jim Atchley responded to a complaint regarding a deer hunter using a center fire rifle during primitive weapons season. Atchley located the hunter and issued citations for hunting with illegal weapon, and hunting without fluorescent orange.
CALHOUN COUNTY While on routine patrol Saturday morning, Cpl. Scott Carroll issued three citations for hunting without license and one for taking over the limit of dove. Twenty-five birds were confiscated and given to charity.
STEWART COUNTY Cpl. Steve Robinson issued three citations for non-residents hunting without licenses on opening day of firearms deer season.
WORTH COUNTY On October 19th, Cpl. Robbie Griner was patrolling a complaint area when he heard a high-powered rifle shot in some nearby woods. Being primitive weapons season, the Ranger began canvasing the area and located two vehicles parked along a dirt road. Cpl. Griner summoned Cpl. Greg Wade to assist and the two officers set up surveillance on

the area. A short time later, a man carrying a high-powered rifle came from the area of the shot. The officers questioned the subject and learned that he had been participating in a deer drive with another adult male and three juveniles, who were still in the woods. After locating the other members of the hunting party, the officers charged the two adults with various hunting violations that included; hunting with an illegal weapons, hunting without fluorescent orange, hunting without licenses, and hunting without big game licenses.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
ECHOLS COUNTY On October 20th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree and RGR Sam Williams were working a night deer hunting complaint area on Register Road. At approximately 11:00 PM a vehicle approached and a spotlight was shined into an adjacent clear-cut. As the vehicle continued down the public road the light was shined into another clear-cut. The officers stopped the vehicle and after a brief interview charged two adult males with hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle and hunting from a public road. The poachers were utilizing a scoped .22 magnum rifle.
PIERCE COUNTY On October 20th, RFC Mark Pool and CPL Jason Shipes were working a night deer hunting complaint area in the central part of the county. Around 11:00 PM a truck was observed shining a light along a nearby field edge and three shots were fired at deer in the field. Once the truck was stopped, two individuals were charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle, and hunting big game from a public road. The two adult male individuals were transported to the Pierce County Jail. A third individual, a 17 year old female, did not play an active role in the poaching activity and was given verbal guidance and released to her father. A .22 caliber rifle was used in the incident.
CLINCH COUNTY On October 20th, CPL Jason Shipes and RFC Mark Pool were patrolling west of Homerville for deer hunting activity when they observed a hunter returning to his vehicle from hunting. The individual was not wearing any fluorescent orange as required by law. He was issued a written warning for hunting deer without fluorescent orange.
ATKINSON COUNTY On October 19th, RFC Tim Hutto and K9 "Gauge" worked a complaint of hunting without permission. At around 5:00 p.m. RFC Hutto located a truck matching the description of the hunter. K9 "Gauge" was used to track the hunter to his stand. The hunter was on the correct property but was in possession of an AR-15 rifle and was not wearing any fluorescent orange clothing
COFFEE COUNTY On October 20th, RFC Tim Hutto, RFC Joe Hilton, and K9 "Gauge" worked a complaint on Flat Tub WMA of hunting deer over bait. At around 6:00 p.m. the officers located a

truck matching the description of the suspects. The officers located three suspects with the help of K9 "Gauge" that were hunting within ten yards of shelled corn. Three citations were issued for hunting big game over bait and one violation of hunting with buckshot on a WMA was documented.
On the 8th, RFC Hilton was contacted by a State Trooper who was concerned about a deer which was discovered during a DUI stop. RFC Hilton conducted an investigation on the individual driving the vehicle and the passenger. The investigation revealed the deer was taken at night from the vehicle. The individual was charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The deer was confiscated.
RFC Hilton conducted surveillance on a marijuana growing operation with the Coffee County Drug Unit. The surveillance took place over about a two week period in which the individual was observed tending to the marijuana on several occasions. On the 15th RFC Hilton was conducting surveillance and the individual entered the marijuana grow and began spraying it with pesticide. RFC Hilton apprehended the individual. A search of the vehicle revealed a firearm. The investigation turned up a total of 78 marijuana plants. Warrants were obtained and 11 pounds of packaged marijuana, 60 firearms ranging from single-shot rifles and shotguns to assault weapons with drum and high capacity magazines and thousands of rounds of ammunition were seized at the residence .The subject was a convicted felon and was charged with manufacturing marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, trafficking marijuana and conspiracy to tamper with evidence. After the initial arrest, surveillance continued on more marijuana in the area. This surveillance revealed an individual trying to dispose of the remaining marijuana. The individual was also apprehended and 32 marijuana plants were discovered. The subject was charged with conspiracy to tamper with evidence and tampering with evidence.

JENKINS COUNTY On Saturday, October 20, 2012, Cpl. Mike Wilcox and Sgt. Don Dasher worked in Jenkins County on the opening day of firearms deer season. They checked deer dog clubs to make sure they were in compliance with the rules that apply to deer dog hunting permits. Cpl. Wilcox also checked Big Dukes Pond Natural Area for hunting activity. Several hunters were checked for compliance throughout the day. Violations that were documented are: hunting w/o a license, hunting deer w/o a big game license, and hunting deer w/o wearing fluorescent orange.
On Sunday, October 21, 2012, Cpl. Wilcox and Sgt. Dasher responded to a complaint about deer hunters driving through a man's yard. Through investigations and help from the Jenkins County Sheriff's Office, the officers were able to identify the occupants of the truck that drove through the man's yard. Fresh tire marks could be seen going across the grass in the front and side yards. It was determined that the violators were going to retrieve their deer dogs. The occupants of the vehicle were tracked down and questioned about driving through the yard. Four violations were documented for entering and exiting property w/o written permission.
BULLOCH COUNTY On October 18th, Cpl. Eddie Akins Checked the Oliver Bridge Wildlife Management Area for hunting activity. His efforts resulted in one hunter being checked and one violation being documented. The violation was for hunting without a license.
On October 20th, Cpl. Eddie Akins patrolled Bulloch County checking for deer hunting activity. His efforts resulted in seven hunters being checked and two violations being documented. The violations were for hunting without a deer dog license and hunting deer without florescent orange.
EVANS COUNTY On October 17th, Cpl. Eddie Akins assisted the Evans County Sheriff's Office with a manhunt off the Daisy-Nevils Highway near the Canoochee River. The incident started with a car chase and ended with the subject fleeing on foot in the area of the Canoochee River swamp. The incident is still under investigation and the individual is still loose and on the run from the authorities.
APPLING COUNTY RFC Altman attended the annual Big Buck Contest in Baxley. While at the event, RFC Altman answered questions about the hunting season and assisted with checking the bucks and hunting licenses brought in. During another investigation later that day, it was discovered that a 9 point buck was taken illegally. Two citations were issued for hunting w/o a license and hunting w/o a big game license.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY On October 18, Sgt. Jon Barnard and Cpl. Kevin Joyce responded to a call from the Sheriff's Office in reference to possible night deer hunting. Upon arrival at the sheriff's office, two subjects were interviewed and evidence was documented. After a brief

investigation both subjects were charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road, hunting from a vehicle, and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The subjects were released at the scene.
On October 20, Cpl. Kevin Joyce conducted routine patrol for hunting activity in the county. Two subjects were charged for hunting without license, hunting big game without license, hunting deer without fluorescent orange, and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
On October 21, Cpl. Kevin Joyce conducted routine patrol for hunting activity near Tarry Town. One subject was charged for hunting deer without fluorescent orange.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
WAYNE COUNTY On October 17, 2012 RFC Randy Aspinwall was working a night hunting complaint on New Hope Rd. He watched as a truck came by shining a hay field and a cornfield with a spotlight. Aspinwall made a vehicle stop and the vehicle had two suspects in it. One of the subjects had thrown a shotgun out of the window of the truck. Aspinwall was able to find the gun. He charged both suspects with hunting deer at night, hunting big game from a public road, and hunting from a vehicle.
On October 19th around 0430 Cpl Bobby White received a call from 911 stating some boaters were stranded on the Altamaha River around Paradise Park area. Cpl White responded finding three victims stranded on a sandbar and took the individuals back to the landing.
BRYAN COUNTY On Oct. 14th, Cpl. Jay Morgan and Ranger Jason Miller patrolled from St. Catherine's Sound to Ft. McAllister on the Ogeechee River. One boater was cited for not having enough life jackets on board and another boater was cited for operating above idle speed within 100 feet of the dock at Ft. McAllister campground.
On Oct. 20th, Cpl. Morgan and Ranger Miller checked hunters in eastern Bryan County. Sport shooters at the Richmond Hill WMA shooting range caught a deer-hunting dog running loose and turned it over to the rangers. The rangers proceeded to the nearby deer-dogging hunting club and cited the owner of the dog for failure to keep dog on permitted property. Two other club members were cited for not wearing fluorescent orange clothing and for not having deer-dogging permit number displayed on his vehicle.
LIBERTY COUNTY On Oct. 16th, RFC Jack Thain presented a Hunter Education program at Wal-Mart in Hinesville, certifying 12 students.

On Oct. 19th, RFC Jack Thain, Ranger Trey Taylor, and Ranger Jason Miller conducted a commercial fishing vessel safety and TED check with the U.S. Coast Guard, checking local shrimp boats for safety violations and Turtle Excluder Devices. No violations were found.
On Oct. 20th, Cpl. Chris Moore checked a deer hunter on the Midway Industrial Authority property looking for his lost hunting dogs. The hunter was cited for failure to display deer-dogging permit number on his vehicle.
BRANLTEY COUNTY On October 20th, Sgt. Chris Hodge was traveling on Hwy 32 in Hortense in route to check on a hunting complaint when a vehicle traveling in his lane nearly struck his patrol vehicle head on. Sgt. Hodge immediately turned around to stop the vehicle and the suspect fled onto a dirt road north of Hortense. After a short vehicle pursuit, Sgt. Hodge was able to apprehend the suspect. The suspect was transported to the Brantley County jail and cited for several violations including DUI, Attempting to Elude officers, and Reckless Driving.
On October 18th, RFC John Evans investigated a complaint in Brantley County about an illegally killed alligator. Upon investigation, RFC Evans discovered the alligator's hide under a shed behind the suspect's residence. The suspect admitted to killing the alligator in the Burnt Fort area of the Satilla River. He was issued citations and RFC Evans confiscated the 11 foot hide.
CAMDEN COUNTY On October 15th, RFC David Brady, RFC Craig Smith, and Sgt. Chris Hodge responded to a call for assistance from the Camden County Sheriff's Office. A vehicle had come into the wrong lane and collided with an oncoming vehicle. After the vehicle at fault stopped his vehicle, he fled on foot. The Rangers provided perimeter security of the area until the county canines arrived on scene.
GLYNN COUNTY On October 19th, RFC John Evans and RFC David Brady investigated hunting out of season and hunting without permission complaints in Glynn County. They encountered their suspect in the area with a friend and two high powered rifles. Citations were issued and one suspect was arrested for possession of marijuana.