Field operations weekly report, 2012 November 18-24

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report November 18-24, 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)
FLOYD COUNTY On November 18, RFC Ben Cunningham and USFS Officer Lee Dillivan charged an Armuchee man with hunting on a close WMA and hunting big game over bait off Everett Springs Rd.
On November 22, RFC Ben Cunningham charged a Rome man with hunting without permission and not wearing fluorescent orange off Hicks Dr.
On the morning of November 24, RFC Ben Cunningham charged a Rockmart man with hunting without permission and not wearing fluorescent orange off Hwy 27. Later that evening Cpl. Shawn Elmore and RFC Cunningham responded to hunting without permission complaint on Bailey Rd. Three Cave Spring men were charged for hunting without permission and two of them were also charged with hunting without fluorescent orange.
On November 25, RFC Ben Cunningham and Cpl. Shawn Elmore through an investigation charged a Silver Creek man with hunting without permission and possession of illegally taken wildlife. A four-point buck was confiscated.
CHATTOOGA COUNTY On November 22, RFC Roger McConkey was checking a local complaint area and located two trucks. After obtaining the information on the hunters, one had no record of having valid hunting license to hunt deer in Georgia. RFC McConkey entered the property and located both hunters. Both had the needed licenses to hunt, but one was suspected of being a convicted felon. This Summerville man was in possession of a lever action rifle. RFC McConkey checked the hunter's criminal history and found him to be a convicted felon. RFC McConkey obtained a search warrant for his residence and served the warrant the following day. Three firearms were located and the Summerville man was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
WALKER COUNTY On November 24, Sgt. Jeff Galloway's section along with W/T's Daniel Booke and Tim Gilbreath conducted a road check on Crockford-Pigeon Mtn. WMA. The officers checked 33 vehicles. There were 50 people who did not have their Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass (GORP) and 9 people who did. One citation was issued for expired tag and one Mississippi man was arrested for driving on a suspended license.
GORDON COUNTY In the early morning hours of November 18, Cpl. Shawn Elmore received a call from Gordon County E911 stating a man was camping in the Hidden Creek area of Johns Mtn WMA and had called 911 saying he had been burnt while sleeping in his tent. E911 said they had lost contact with the caller and was unaware of his exact whereabouts. Cpl.

Elmore responded to the area along with USFS Officer Lee Dillivan and Gordon County Fire, EMA and Sheriff's Office. After a brief search, the Atlanta man was located wondering through the woods in shock. He was taken to Gordon Hospital with 2nd degree burns on his hands and feet. Cpl. Elmore, Officer Dillivan, and fire personnel hiked approximately 1.5 miles to the location of the fire. The fire was burning approximately 10 acres at this time. The fire had begun around a campfire the man had built earlier in the evening. He had hiked into this remote area while squirrel hunting the day before. He was asleep in his tent and was awaken by the flames. United States Forest Service continues the investigation.
On November 18, Cpl. Shawn Elmore responded to the Tom B David Airport after receiving a call from Omnova Solutions employee about a person shooting a deer on Omnova from the airport property. Cpl. Elmore made contact with a hunter and his juvenile son walking down the runway of the airport. After a brief investigation, the Calhoun man had killed a 5-point buck on Omnova Solutions from the airport. He was charged with hunting without permission.
On November 22, Cpl. Shawn Elmore located two vehicles parked at the end of Old Boone Ford Rd. Cpl. Elmore has had complaints in the past about hunting without permission in this area. Cpl. Elmore patrolled the neighboring properties and located four hunters on two separate properties. All four hunters were found to be hunting without orange, two were hunting over bait, and three did not have hunting license. Two of these hunters were from Calhoun, one from Florida, and one from West Virginia. Citations were issued for non-resident hunting without license, non-resident hunting without big game license, hunting deer without fluorescent orange and resident hunting without license. Two of the hunters were issued warnings for hunting without hunter's safety. On November 17, Cpl. Shawn Elmore had received a hunting without permission complaint on Moore's Ferry Rd in Plainville. Cpl. Elmore located two stands and bait on the complainant's property. Cpl. Elmore checked the property several times without success. During the week of Thanksgiving, Cpl. Elmore received information the person hunting without permission had removed his stands from the area. On November 23, Cpl. Elmore met with the Plainville man and presented photographic evidence to the man. He was charged with hunting without permission, hunting big game over bait, and hunting deer without fluorescent orange.
BARTOW COUNTY On November 23rd, Cpl. Byron Young and RFC Bart Hendrix were patrolling the Etowah River below Lake Allatoona checking duck hunters. The rangers heard shots but due to the heavy fog, could not locate the hunters. The rangers finally located the group of four duck hunters hunting from a boat on the Etowah River near the Thompson Weinman Dam. While checking their licenses, RFC Hendrix located a non-game bird species that had been shot and was in the weeds behind the hunters. At first the hunters denied shooting the bird, but when RFC Hendrix pointed out that the bird was still warm, on hunter admitted shooting the bird. A citation was issued for taking a non-game species.

On November 23rd, Sgt. Mike Barr was patrolling Bartow County in the area of Carol Slough Road. He noticed the front end of a car sitting in a pasture overlooking a long gas line. Sgt. Barr had a person run from him on the same gas line the previous year. Sgt. Barr foot patrolled and found a hunter sitting in the car with his rifle propped on a fence post overlooking the gas line. The hunter was not wearing the required fluorescent orange to deer hunt and did not have permission to hunt the gas line that he admitted he was hunting. He was charged with hunting deer without fluorescent orange.
On November 21st, Sgt. Mike Barr received information of gun shots coming from a deck of a house located on Mount Pleasant Road. Sgt. Barr foot patrolled and located a PVC feeder hanging from a rope about one hundred yards from the deck of the house. The feeder was built to drop corn on the ground when it moved with the wind. Sgt. Barr also received information that a shot was fired from the back deck around 8:00am on Thanksgiving morning. On November 24th, Cpl. Byron Young and Ranger Hardy foot patrolled the area in the afternoon. They discovered a man in a tree stand hunting for deer directly over the bait without wearing the required fluorescent orange. They also discovered he had shot a doe over corn the previous evening from the same tree stand. The doe was in a cooler at the house. He was charged with hunting deer over bait, hunting without the required fluorescent orange, possession of illegally taken wildlife, and warnings on other violations.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
JACKSON COUNTY On November 23rd, RFC Eric Isom with K9 "Colt" was patrolling near Maysville. RFC Isom located a hunter who was hunting over bait and was not wearing fluorescent orange. He was issued a citation and warning for hunting big game over bait and hunting deer without wearing florescent orange.
DAWSON COUNTY On November 20th, RFC Barry Britt conducted a 2 hour Hunter Education Class at Rock Creek Sports Complex. A total of 29 students were certified in Hunter Education.
DEKALB COUNTY On November 22nd, Cpl. Eric Sanders and Sgt. Brown came across three hunters. One of the hunters had harvested a doe. While checking the hunters the rangers discovered that two of the hunters hadn't ever completed the Hunter Education requirement before hunting and one of them didn't have a hunting license. Warnings were issued for these infractions.
FORSYTH COUNTY On November 22nd, RFC Brandon Pierce patrolled the county for any hunting activity. A vehicle was found parked and Ranger Pierce spotted the individual no far in front of their vehicle in a tree stand. Noticing that the individual was not wearing the required fluorescent orange, Ranger Pierce walked over to the location and found two types of

bait. As a result, a total of two violations were documented consisting of hunting deer without fluorescent orange and hunting big game over bait. On November 23rd, RFC Brandon Pierce ended an investigation on a complaint which started on November 10, 2012 in reference to possible illegal hunting and hunting without permission. Numerous hours were conducted in collecting information and evidence on the known four individuals involved. Ranger Pierce, along with Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC Barry Britt found a known vehicle parked on the complaint area. In inspecting the vehicle and the surrounding area, it was apparent that violations were present. The rangers tracked and walked the area finding three of the four subjects' actively hunting deer. The other subject did not hunt on this particular morning and was at their residence. All subjects were interviewed, some for the second time, and information was gathered. Two of the four subjects are on active felony first offender probation status. As a result of the investigation; a total of thirty-two violations were documented, some dating back as far as October 27, 2012. The violations consisted of hunting deer without fluorescent orange, hunting without permission, hunting big game over bait, hunting without a license, hunting without a big game license, hunting without hunter safety certification, hunting without license on person, and possession of illegally taken wildlife. A total of three rifles were seized as evidence and two deer were confiscated as evidence. The deer were donated to a needy family. The case is still under investigation due to more possible charges.
GWINNETT COUNTY On November 23rd, Sgt. Lee Brown was patrolling East Bank Park on Lake Lanier for boating, fishing and hunting activity. A total of two boats were checked. Citations and warnings were issued for operating a vessel after dark without lights and operating a vessel without registration. On November 24th, Cpl. Eric Sanders received a complaint about two subjects skinning a deer. Cpl. Sanders went to the location given to him by the complainant and found two

subjects skinning a deer. The subject who harvested the deer did not have a hunting license or a big game license. The subject was issued citations for the license infractions and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The deer was confiscated and given to a needy senior citizen couple.
LUMPKIN COUNTY On November 23rd, RFC Mitchell Crump responded to a complaint of illegal hunting. RFC Crump encountered one hunter that was hunting hogs. A citation was issued for hunting hogs without wearing fluorescent orange.
On November 24th, RFC Mitchell Crump and Sgt. Lee Brown were patrolling hunting clubs in the western part of the county. One hunter was checked. Citations and warnings were issued for hunting deer without fluorescent orange, hunting without a license and hunting without hunter education.
ROCKDALE COUNTY On November 22nd, Cpl. Eric Sanders observed a vehicle pull off Hwy 138 and proceed down under the bridge at the Yellow River. Cpl. Sanders followed the vehicle to the river and observed two subjects getting out of a boat. The subjects did not have PFD's with them onboard the boat. A citation was issued for operating a boat without any PFD's onboard. Also a subject wanted out of Dawson County was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
BARROW COUNTY On November 23rd, RFC Mark Stephens received a call in reference to someone hunting without permission in Barrow County. Officer Stephens arrived at the location and observed a recently shot whitetail deer in the suspect's driveway. After an investigation the individual was issued citations for hunting big game over bait, possession of illegally taken wildlife, and failure to record deer harvest. A warrant was issued for his arrest later for possession of a firearm by convicted felon.
On November 24th, RFC Mark Stephens was patrolling Barrow County near Union Grove Church Rd. Officer Stephens encountered three Hunters. Each hunter was issued citations and warnings for hunting big game over bait and hunting deer without fluorescent orange.
BANKS COUNTY On November 23 & 24 a youth deer hunt was conducted by Cpl. Adam Loudermilk on property that is owned by Banks County. In all, eighteen youth participated in the hunt. This resulted in thirteen deer being harvested. Cpl. Loudermilk was assisted by RFC Eric Isom, RFC Mark Stephens, and the outdoor ministry at Nails Creek Baptist Church.

HALL COUNTY On November 23rd, Cpl. Jason Roberson located a subject hunting deer without orange. He was issued a warning for the violation. On November 24th, Cpl. Jason Roberson located two individuals hunting deer without orange and one individual hunting without a license or a big game license. Citations and warnings were issued for the violations.
HART COUNTY November 18th, R.F.C. Josh Chambers checked 4 waterfowl hunters while patrolling by boat on the southern end of Lake Hartwell.
FRANKLIN COUNTY On November 18th, RFC Timothy J. Vickery was checking stands in Franklin County when he encountered two subjects hunting over a salt block. Both hunters had their fluorescent orange and were licensed. The two stated that they were not the only people who hunted the stands, and that they did not know the salt was there. They were each issued written warnings for hunting big game over bait.
On November 22nd, RFC Timothy J. Vickery was patrolling Franklin County when he noticed a pickup truck pulling an ATV trailer with a dead deer on the back. Ranger Vickery stopped the truck to check the hunter's license. The hunter had not tagged the deer. He was issued a written warning for failure to record deer harvest.
On November 23rd, RFC Timothy J. Vickery was checking stands on a piece of property in the northern part of Franklin County. Ranger Vickery checked the first stand and found a subject hunting over a block of salt. The subject was licensed and was wearing his fluorescent orange vest. Ranger Vickery then walked to the other stand on the property and found another subject hunting, also over salt. The second hunter also had all of his required licenses and was wearing his fluorescent orange vest. Both subjects were issued written warnings for hunting big game over bait.
MADISON COUNTY On November 19th, RFC Shane Sartor arrested a hunter on private property for hunting without permission, hunting without a license, hunting without a big game license, and convicted felon possession of firearm. RFC Sartor was checking the property for trespassers due to recent problems. He also caught a non-resident hunting on the adjoining property for hunting without a license and hunting without a big game license.
On November 22nd, Sgt. Stan Elrod received a call from the Madison County 911 about a trespassing complaint. Sgt. Elrod and RFC Shane Sartor met at the location. Upon arrival the Rangers learned that the landowner had encountered a man hunting on his property. The hunter told Rangers that he had a friend with him and they were parked up the road at a family member's residence. Sgt. Elrod and a Madison County deputy tried to locate the other man in the woods. It was learned that the man had taken his friends truck and left the scene. The two deputies on scene recognized the man's name and said he had active warrants on him. Sgt. Elrod and the deputies went to the residence of the

man who left and located him. He was arrested for the active warrant. He had also hid a shotgun before leaving the area he was hunting. He agreed to return to the scene and show rangers where he hid the gun. He was charged for hunting without permission, hunting without license and hunting without big game license. The other man was charged for hunting without permission and hunting without fluorescent orange.
On November 23rd, Sgt. Stan Elrod and RFC Shane Sartor were patrolling Madison County when Sgt. Elrod got a call from a retired Florida Game Warden stating that he had caught a trespasser on his property. The rangers responded and met with the retired Florida Game Warden. He had spoken with the hunter and told the rangers where the man was parked. The rangers went to the area and found the vehicle and the hunter. He was identified by the retired Game Warden and he also admitted to the rangers that he was trespassing. He was charged for hunting without permission, hunting without fluorescent orange, hunting without a license, and hunting without big game license.
STEPHENS COUNTY On November 22nd, Cpl. Bill Bunch was patrolling U.S. Forest Service Property. He met a truck in a very narrow section of the road and noticed that the passenger in the vehicle was holding an open container of alcohol. He asked the driver to pull over. He called a deputy for assistance. Cpl. Bunch learned that the young man with the open beer was also underage. When the deputy arrived, Cpl. Bunch asked the man for consent to search. Suddenly, the driver cranked the truck and sped off. The deputy gave chase with Cpl. Bunch following. A Trooper took over as the primary pursuit vehicle until the driver wrecked. Cpl. Bunch charged the passenger with underage possession of alcohol and open container. The driver received 9 charges from the Georgia State Patrol.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
WILKES COUNTY Sgt. Brian Carter and Cpl. Mark Patterson caught two people night deer hunting on Sunday November 18. Both subjects were charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road and hunting from a motor vehicle.
On November 22nd Thanksgiving day, Sgt. Brian Carter and Cpl. Mark Patterson encountered several violations which included : unlawful enticement, hunting deer without fluorescent orange, non- resident hunting without a license and hunting without big game license, possession of illegal taken wildlife and hunting big game over bait.
On Saturday November 24, Cpl. Mark Patterson encountered the following violations: hunting without a license, hunting without a big game license and allowing under age in moving vessel while not wearing life jacket.

CLARKE COUNTY On Saturday November 24, RFC Tim Butler caught a subject hunting deer over salt. The subject was issued a written warning.
RFC Butler also encountered a subject hunting deer without fluorescent orange and hunting without a license on this same date.
On November 23rd, RFC Tim Butler did an Information & Education program for a hunting club's annual dinner. Topics discussed were hunter safety, hunting laws, wildlife and hunting methods.
OCONEE COUNTY On Monday November 19, RFC Tim Butler caught one subject hunting deer over corn and a mineral block. The subject was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait.
On Thanksgiving Day, RFC Tim Butler charged two subjects with hunting big game over bait and one subject for hunting deer without wearing fluorescent orange clothing.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY On Saturday November 24 at approximately 1255 a.m. Sgt. Brian Carter caught a subject shining a spotlight across several fields. The subject did not have a gun so he was charged with blinding wildlife with lights due to numerous complaints in this area. The subject was then turned over to a State Patrol Trooper since he was driving on a suspended license.
On Friday November 23, RFC Phillip Nelson and Tech 4 Kevin VonSeggern wrote a written warning to a subject for blocking an access gate on Redlands WMA.
RFC Phillip Nelson charged a subject for hunting big game over bait, hunting deer without fluorescent orange and hunting without a license on Saturday November 24.
A road check was held in Lincoln County on Saturday November 24. RFC Phillip Nelson issued a subject a warning for failure to record deer harvest.
MORGAN COUNTY On November 17 Sgt. John Harwell and RFC Ricky Boles caught 9 subjects hunting deer over bait. Charges included unlawful enticement, hunting big game over bait, and hunting deer w/o fluorescent orange, hunting w/o a license and hunting w/o big game license.
On November 17 RFC Ricky Boles arrested subject for hunting without permission. Subject shot a deer over the property line and proceeded to look for it over the line with gun in hand. He was also charged for hunting w/o a license and hunting w/o fluorescent orange.

On November 22 while patrolling boat ramps for duck hunting activity, RFC Ricky Boles charged a hunter for operating vessel within 100' of object above idle speed and operating vessel with insufficient PFD's. The passenger was charged for duck hunting w/o a federal duck stamp.
On November 23 while patrolling Lake Oconee, RFC Ricky Boles charged subject for hunting ducks w/o a federal duck stamp.
While patrolling Morgan County for hunting activity on November 23, RFC Ricky Boles noticed a hunter dumping a deer carcass from the back of his truck. The hunter was charged for unlawful dumping and failure to record deer harvest.
WALTON COUNTY On November 23, RFC Freddie Hays and RFC Niki Spencer checked five subjects duck hunting. Hunting w/o license, hunting w/o GA. Waterfowl license and failure to participate in Harvest Information Program were documented and citations were issued for violations.
NEWTON COUNTY While patrolling Newton County, RFC Niki Spencer, noticed a vehicle near a tract of county owned property. After further investigation one individual was cited for hunting big game over bait and hunting without permission.
On November 20, RFC Niki Spencer cited two individuals for hunting without a license and failure to record deer harvest.
HANCOCK COUNTY On Thursday November 22, Sgt. John Harwell and RFC Richard Tanner encountered an individual hunting without a license. The hunter was issued a citation for the offense.
GREENE COUNTY Between November 18 and November 24, Cpl. Derrell Worth cited 3 subjects for hunting without a license, 3 subjects hunting without a big game license, 1 subject for hunting without a WMA license, 1 nonresident hunting without a WMA license, 1 subject for hunting without a Georgia waterfowl license, 1 subject for hunting without a Federal waterfowl license, 2 subjects hunting with an unplugged shotgun, and 1 subject with insufficient PFD's.
LINCOLN COUNTY On the morning of Nov. 22nd Cpl. Brian Hobbins and Sgt. Doyte Chaffin checked duck hunters in the Leathersville area of Clarks Hill. Officers observed four subjects returning to the boat ramp in a Jon boat. While returning to shore all four subjects shot at several seagulls that flew by the boat. Citations were issued to the boat operator for insufficient PFD's. Several license violations were also addressed. All four subjects were also warned for shooting at the seagulls.

On Nov. 24th Cpl. Brian Hobbins checked duck hunters on Clarks Hill. A total of 22 hunters were checked. Several warnings were issued for various license violations.
MCDUFFIE COUNTY On Nov. 22nd RFC Leroy Ficklin assisted the McDuffie County Sheriff's Office with a murder investigation. Ficklin assisted with the search for the crime scene as well as the body of the murdered subject. Officers located the scene and vehicle belonging to the deceased. Later that evening the body of the subject was located.
On the evening of Nov. 22nd Cpl. Brian Hobbins and RFC Leroy Ficklin heard shots coming from the Boneville area. Officers located two trucks next to a pond. Several additional shots were heard coming from the pond. The last shots were over 40 minutes after legal hours. Three subjects were located at the pond. Two adults were issued citations for hunting waterfowl after legal hours and possession of illegally taken wildlife. A juvenile was given verbal guidance.
WARREN COUNTY On November 23, Ranger Brian Adams checked 7 subjects duck hunting. Three citations were issued for hunting waterfowl with lead shot, one citation for hunting with unplugged shotgun, one citation for hunting without federal duck stamp and two for hunting without Georgia waterfowl license.
BURKE COUNTY RFC Jeff Billips arrested two suspects for hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle, hunting from a public road, driving under the influence, possession of open container, failure to yield right-of-way to emergency vehicle, safety belt violation, driving without license on person. RFC Billips was assisted by Corporals Shaymus McNeely, Ben Payne and GSP Senior Trooper Bruce Rowell.
On November 21, Sgt. Max Boswell worked a night hunting complaint in Burke County. Early in the evening a vehicle came by his location and shined a spotlight in a field and began sweeping the field with the light. Sgt. Boswell fell in behind the vehicle and initiated a stop. Upon investigation of the vehicle and individual it was determined that the suspect was night hunting. Sgt. Boswell also found marijuana on the individual's person. Charges made were hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle, and hunting from a public road, driving while suspended, and possession of marijuana.
RICHMOND COUNTY November 23, Cpl. Ben Payne checked several without permission complaints around Richmond County. In the late afternoon he listened for roost duck shoots. At approximately 1730, he heard shooting in a location of an ongoing complaint. Upon arrival on scene he observed two individuals shooting ducks from across a pond. After moving to the side of the pond where the individuals were he approached them. The individuals were shooting waterfowl after hours and were in possession of one drake wood duck. One of the individuals was a 14 year old and was not charged. The other individual was 21 and was charged with hunting waterfowl after legal hours and hunting

without a Ga. Waterfowl license. He was warned for possession of illegally taken wildlife.
WASHINGTON COUNTY Corporal Micheal Crawley worked hunting without permission case in Deepstep. During his investigation, 2 individuals were arrested for possession of marijuana. Corporal Crawley also worked duck hunting activity in Washington County and checked several duck hunters. One individual was cited for hunting waterfowl with lead shot. Corporal Crawley also worked some fishing and boating activity on the Ogeechee River. One individual was cited for operating vessel without life jackets and warned for littering and no fishing license.
JEFFERSON COUNTY Corporal Micheal Crawley responded to a deer dogging complaint in Jefferson County that resulted in a warning being given to an individual for running dogs off of permitted property.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
BUTTS COUNTY On the morning of November 24th RFC Keith Page and Sgt. Tim Kendrick located a truck parked in the back of the Woodland Preserve subdivision. Page and Kendrick had previously located deer bait in the area and entered the woods to locate the hunter. While approaching the baited deer stand, Page spotted the hunter leaving the stand wearing full camouflage and no orange vest. The Rangers made contact with the man who admitted to hunting over the baited area. Page charged the man with hunting big game over bait and hunting deer without wearing an orange vest.
On the evening of November 24th RFC Page and Sgt. Kendrick located a vehicle near where Kendrick had previously found several baited deer stands. Page and Kendrick entered the hunting club and found a man and his son sitting in one of the baited deer stands. The man was also found to not have a hunting license or a big game license. RFC Page charged the man for hunting big game over bait and hunting without a license. He also received a warning for hunting deer without a big game license.
FAYETTE COUNTY On November 24th Sgt. Brent Railey and RFC Travis Sweat checked an area in Fayetteville. They encountered a hunter who had a big game license but no hunting license and issued him a written warning.
On November 22nd RFC Travis Sweat checked duck hunters on the Flint River. He issued two warnings for no registration and improper PFD's.
HARRIS COUNTY On November 22nd Cpl. Mitch Oliver observed a truck with a dead deer pulling into a local deer cooler and stopped to check the hunter's license. While checking the hunter's

license, it was discovered that the man only had a current hunting license. Cpl. Oliver issued the hunter a citation for hunting without a big game license and a verbal warning for not having a deer harvest record.
On November 22nd Cpl. Mitch Oliver observed a vehicle pass him on a local road that had two deer in the bed of the truck. Cpl. Oliver initiated a traffic stop to check the deer and the hunter's license. When checking the hunter's license, it was discovered that the non-resident hunter did not possess a non-resident hunting license. The hunter was issued a citation for non-resident hunting without a license.
On November 22nd Cpl. Mitch Oliver was about to enter an area where he was going to work a night hunting detail when he noticed a car parked with its headlights out. Due to the area being a high complaint area of illegal activity, Cpl. Oliver decided to check the car out. As he approached the car, the driver switched the headlights on and began to drive away. Cpl. Oliver activated his blue lights and after a short distance got the car pulled over. When talking to the driver about what he and the passenger were doing in the area, Cpl. Oliver could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the car. Cpl. Oliver got the driver out of the car and asked about the marijuana. The driver admitted that he and the passenger had just purchased marijuana and were about to smoke some when the officer pulled up. The driver went on to say that the passenger had thrown the bag of marijuana from the car window before they were pulled over. Cpl. Oliver called Cpl. Jeremy Bolen to his location for assistance. Cpl. Oliver searched the side of the road and located the bag of suspected marijuana some 150 yards from where the car had come to a stop. Both men claimed the marijuana and were each charged with possession of marijuana less than an ounce.
On November 24th Cpl. Jeremy Bolen received a call from Cpl. Mitch Oliver in reference to a vehicle parked on private property. Cpl. Bolen ran the driver's information through the hunting/fishing license database. It appeared that the driver of the truck had purchased a 3 day non-resident hunting and big game license, which had expired on several days before. Cpl. Bolen arrived at the location and utilized K-9 Ruger to track the subject. Ruger located two hunters, who weren't wearing fluorescent orange, sitting on the ground. The officers checked the hunters' licenses and determined that the driver of the truck was hunting without a license. One of the hunters was issued a citation for hunting deer without fluorescent orange and the other hunter was issued citations for nonresident hunting without a license and hunting deer without fluorescent orange. He was also issued a written warning for non-resident hunting without a big game license.
HENRY COUNTY On November 24th Sgt. Brent Railey and RFC Travis Sweat were riding on the highway near the racetrack. A vehicle pulled into the roadway in front of them but the operator was driving on the wrong side of the road. They got behind the vehicle with blue lights and siren on and the driver pulled into the other oncoming lane of traffic. About this time a vehicle came around the corner from the opposite direction, both vehicles swerved and missed each other just before they had a head on collision at 50 mph. The driver of the

wrong way vehicle finally pulled to the shoulder of the correct side of the road and was issued a citation for driving on the wrong side of the road.
LAMAR COUNTY On November 23rd RFC Keith Page was checking a complaint on Country Kitchen Road of a man hunting over bait and possibly hunting without permission. RFC Page located a vehicle parked at the Upson County Line, near the complainant's land. RFC Page entered the woods and found a man who was hunting over bait. The man's stand was on his own property but the man had cut a trail through the complainant's property to get to his stand. Because the man was found to be hunting on his own land, RFC Page only charged him with hunting big game over bait. Page verbally warned the man to stay off of the complainant's property.
MERIWETHER COUNTY On November 22nd Cpl. Keith Waddell received an anonymous complaint of an illegal buck being killed. Waddell responded and found a hunter had killed a buck with less than four points on one side. Cpl. Waddell issued the hunter a citation for killing an illegal sized buck in a quality county.
On November 24th Cpl. Keith Waddell responded to a hunting without permission complaint. Cpl. Waddell found a hunter but the hunter was on a piece of property he had permission to be hunting upon. The hunter was issued a citation for hunting deer without fluorescent orange. The hunter's female companion was issued a citation for hunting without orange, hunting big game over bait and warned for not having hunting or big game licenses.
MONROE COUNTY On November 19th Sgt. Tim Kendrick received an in-progress complaint about a man hunting over bait and hunting without wearing orange in a blind behind his house on Boling Ridge Drive. Kendrick contacted Cpl. Tony Wynne for assistance and went to the complaint area. Kendrick let Wynne out of his vehicle on foot, due to the close proximity of houses in the area. Wynne located the hunter in a ground blind behind his house. The man was hunting over bait and was not wearing fluorescent orange clothing. The man also admitted to killing a deer on November 6th, which had not been recorded on his deer harvest record. The man was issued citations for hunting big game over bait and hunting without fluorescent orange clothing. He was also issued a written warning for failure to record deer harvest.
TAYLOR COUNTY On the evening of November 25th RFC Josh Swain located an after-hours duck shoot in Taylor County. Three subjects were issued citations for hunting migratory birds after hours and four ducks were seized. The subjects were also issued warnings for possession of illegally taken wildlife.

TROUP COUNTY On November 23rd Sgt. Jim Bradfield checked a complaint area in West Point and located a truck with three deer hunters exiting a property. Upon talking with the hunters Sgt. Bradfield noticed that none of the hunters were wearing florescent orange clothing and no florescent orange was readily visible in the vehicle. While talking one of the hunters Sgt. Bradfield noticed that he seemed very nervous and animated. During the conversation the hunter made a derogatory statement and took off running. After a brief chase Sgt. Bradfield caught the hunter but the hunter was still resisting and slung the contents of a cigarette pack out on the ground. After being handcuffed the hunter calmed down. A marijuana roach was found with the contents of the cigarette pack and rolling papers were found in the hunters' pocket. This hunter was charged with interference with the performance of a ranges duties and possession of marijuana. One of the three hunters was from Virginia and did not have a hunting license. This hunter was charged by Ranger Russell Epps with non-resident hunting without a license.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
DECATUR COUNTY On November 18, RFC Tony Cox and Ranger Jace Heard conducted a vessel patrol on Lake Seminole where they cited 2 subjects for Commercial fishing without a commercial license.
On November 23, RFC Tony Cox and Ranger Jace Heard patrolled Lake Seminole and cited 2 subjects for operating vessels without PFD's, and 1 subject for hunting without a license and hunting without a Ga. Waterfowl license.
On November 23, RFC Tony Cox and Ranger Jace Heard checked a dove shoot and found it to be baited. The rangers issued 22 citations for hunting over bait, and 3 for hunting without a license.
GRADY COUNTY On November 22, Sgt. Rick Sellars, Cpl. Mike Binion, and Ranger Kevin Goss checked a baited duck. The rangers issued 4 citations for hunting waterfowl over bait, and 1 for over the limit. Thirteen ducks were confiscated.
On November 22, Sgt. Rick Sellars, Cpl. Mike Binion, and Ranger Kevin Goss checked a dove shoot and found it to be baited. The rangers issued 10 citations for hunting over bait, and 2 for hunting without a license.
WEBSTER COUNTY On November 21, Sgt. Butch Potter investigated a hunting incident in which a hunter's ladder stand collapsed causing him to fall ten feet to the ground. The 52 year-old male suffered several broken ribs and three cracked vertebrae.

TERRELL COUNTY On November 23, Cpl. Scott Carroll and Sgt. Butch Potter conducted a patrol for night deer hunting. At approximately 12:45 AM a vehicle approached Sgt. Potter's position shining a spotlight into the surrounding fields. Sgt. Potter stopped the vehicle and found a loaded .308 caliber rifle on the front seat. The two occupants were charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road and hunting from a vehicle. RANDOLPH COUNTY On November 23, Ranger Jim Atchley was on patrol for night deer hunting at around midnight he observed a vehicle traveling down a county dirt road while shining a spotlight into the adjacent fields. Ranger Atchley stopped the vehicle and found a loaded .30-30 caliber rifle on the front seat. The two occupants of the vehicle were charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road and hunting from a vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was also charged with driving under the influence, hunting under the influence and open container violation. COLQUITT COUNTY On November 22, Ranger Chris Carlisle located several subjects shooting ducks as they were coming to roost. The subjects were issued citations for hunting waterfowl after hours and a warning was issued for hunting without a federal waterfowl stamp. Carlisle seized two wood ducks in this case. On November 24, Ranger Chris Carlisle heard shooting nearby and went to investigate. He located several pick-up trucks parked in a field with numerous hunters scattered about. Carlisle began walking across the field to check the hunters and noticed split peanuts and corn had been scattered. Due to the size of the field, Cpl. Greg Wade arrived to assist Carlisle; the two officers charged numerous hunters for hunting doves over bait and seized 77 doves.
Wade and Carlisle with 77 seized doves.

Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
BULLOCH COUNTY On the morning of Friday November 23rd, Cpl. Eddie Akins patrolled the Brooklet, Leefield and Stilson area for hunting activity. A duck shoot, a dove shoot and several deer hunters were checked. His efforts resulted in one violation being documented for hunting without fluorescent orange.
On the afternoon of Friday November 23rd, Cpl. Eddie Akins responded to a call about deer dogs running on unpermitted property. The complaint investigation resulted in three violations being documented for failure to keep dogs on permitted property.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On Thursday November 22nd RFC Jamey O'Brien located a dove shoot and began checking licenses, dove harvest numbers, etc. One individual was found to be in violation of hunting with an unplugged shotgun.
On Saturday November 24th, RFC O'Brien and Sgt Don Dasher responded to a call regarding deer dogs running on private property. Officers met with the landowner and obtained the deer dog the landowner had found on his property. The dog owner was contacted and the dog was released to him. A violation was documented for allowing hunting dog on unpermitted property. Later in the day, the officers spotted two squirrel hunters, checked them and no violations were found.
JENKINS COUNTY During the holiday period from November 22-25, Sgt. Dasher and Cpl. Wilcox patrolled various areas of Jenkins County for hunting activity. Several hunters were checked during the holiday period. Violations that were documented are: hunting deer w/o wearing fluorescent orange, non-resident hunting big game w/o non-resident big game license, non-resident hunting w/o license, hunting w/o license, and failure to record deer harvest.
EMANUEL COUNTY On November 21st Cpl. Dave Sims met with a property owner who had trail camera images of two persons hunting deer on his property at 9:30 P.M. One of the images captured a hunter carrying a dead deer on his shoulders. After a short investigation the hunters were identified as neighbors living on the adjoining property. The hunters turned out to be an adult and his 12 year old stepson. Violations were documented on the adult hunter for hunting without permission, hunting without a license, hunting without a big game license and hunting deer at night.
On November 22nd Cpl. Dave Sims and Sgt. Don Dasher patrolled north Emanuel County and located three non-residents hunting deer with dogs. Violations were documented for non-resident hunting without a license, non-resident hunting big game without a big game license, hunting without a deer dog license and allowing a juvenile to hunt without a hunter safety certificate.

On November 23rd Cpl. Dave Sims and Tech III Bobby Sanders checked a dove shoot in the Norristown area. Officers checked 10 hunters and documented violations for hunting without a license, hunting without hunter safety certificate, hunting without participating in the HIP program and hunting with an unplugged shotgun. Verbal guidance was also issued to several juveniles for hunting with unplugged shotguns and encouraged enrollment in the next available Hunter Safety class.
On November 24th while making a routine check of area deer processors Cpl. Dave Sims observed a truck parked at the business with cage containing a live fox. Upon interviewing the truck owner it was determined the fox was trapped on the owner's property. Violations were documented for trapping without a license, trapping out of season, possession of illegally taken wildlife and untagged traps. The fox was released and the trap was confiscated.
IRWIN COUNTY On the morning of November 22nd, Sgt. David Reckley checked a duck shoot in the Wray area. Seven hunters were checked and two hunters were found to be without a license.
WHEELER COUNTY On November 17th, Cpl. James McLaughlin conducted a routine patrol of Shiloh Hunting Club. McLaughlin located a vehicle parked on a gas line and decided not to check the hunter in the stand as it was getting close to dark. Cpl. McLaughlin waited at the gate of the club for the hunters to come out. While waiting at the gate, Cpl. McLaughlin heard a gunshot from somewhere within the club. Cpl. Kevin Joyce, while traveling to another location, stopped to assist Cpl. McLaughlin. As the two Rangers were standing at the gate, a white Chevrolet truck sped by their location. It was evident that the driver saw the two Rangers standing there. Cpl. McLaughlin noticed some blood on the tailgate of the truck. Cpl. McLaughlin then tried to make a vehicle stop on the white truck. The driver of the truck was trying to get away from the Rangers by driving at a high rate of speed. After a few miles, the driver pulled his truck onto the shoulder of the roadway. Cpl. McLaughlin noticed a small buck deer in the back of the truck. The driver was asked to step out of the vehicle. The Officer noticed a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from the driver. The driver was a non-resident from Florida and he had no hunting license. The driver also refused to take a field sobriety test to determine if he was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was placed under arrest for driving under the influence and turned over to the Georgia State Patrol. While waiting on the Trooper to arrive, RFC Rodney Horne located a small pipe in the pocket of the driver. This pipe was used to smoke marijuana, which the driver admitted to doing while in the deer stand. The driver was charged with non-resident hunting without a license, non-resident hunting without a big game license, possession of drug related objects, failure to record deer harvest and DUI. The driver was transported to the Wheeler County Jail by the GSP.

LAURENS COUNTY On November 22nd, Cpl. James McLaughlin assisted Cpl. Dan Stiles and Sgt.David Reckley with patrolling a hunting club. While the Rangers were patrolling the club, a hunter was located on a road way. It was determined the hunter did not have a hunting license. Violations were documented for hunting without a license. Cpl. Stiles located another hunter on the property and documented violations for hunting without licenses and gave verbal warnings for two additional violations.
On November 23rd, Cpl. Stiles was listening for duck hunting activity in NW Laurens Co. Cpl. Stiles located four hunters hunting ducks on Beaverdam WMA during a big game sign in hunt. Three violations for hunting on a closed WMA were documented and verbal guidance given for other minor violations.
Later that same morning Cpl. Stiles and RFC Mills patrolled Beaverdam WMA during a big game sign in hunt. Several hunters were checked and two violations were documented for transporting a loaded firearm on a WMA.
LIBERTY COUNTY On November 22nd, Cpl. James McLaughlin and Cpl. Morty Wood of Region VI, members of the state's CIRT unit, responded to Liberty County to assist Region VII officers with a hunting incident. It was documented that one hunter shot another in the chest while hunting hogs. The incident is still under investigation.
WILCOX COUNTY On November 22nd, Cpl. John Stokes patrolled Wilcox County for deer hunting activity. One hunter was found not wearing fluorescent orange while hunting.
On November 24th, Cpl. John Stokes and Sgt. David Reckley patrolled Wilcox County and a deer hunter was found not wearing an orange vest.
BEN HILL COUNTY On November 23rd, Cpl. John Stokes patrolled for duck hunting activity. One duck shoot was found and two violations for hunting ducks over bait and over the limit were documented.
ECHOLS COUNTY On November 23rd, Sgt. Patrick Dupree and Rgr. Sam Williams were patrolling for duck hunting activity in the southeastern portion of the county near the Suwannee River. At dawn, Sgt. Dupree and Rgr. Williams began focusing in on shots that led them to a locked gate. Both officers entered the property on foot continuing towards the shots. After walking more than a mile, seven hunters were encountered. There were a total of five adults and two juveniles participating in the hunt. After inspection of licenses, shotguns, and the pond (baited with corn), a total of eleven citations and eleven written warnings were issued. Violations included hunting over bait, hunting without a hunting license, hunting without a state waterfowl license, hunting without a federal waterfowl

stamp, hunting with unplugged shotgun, failure to participate in the harvest information program (HIP), and hunting with illegal ammo (lead shot.) Five wood ducks were seized.
RGR Williams with a handful of shelled corn picked up from the baited duck pond. WARE COUNTY On November 18th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree and Cpl. Jason Shipes responded to an inprogress hunting without permission complaint from Ware 911. A citizen had observed two individuals entering property on Crestwood Road that he knew to be off-limits to hunting. Ware County deputies had already arrived on scene and encountered a juvenile attempting to catch several deer hounds. The juvenile stated that he had permission to hunt the adjoining property and his dogs had run over on the posted property. After Sgt. Dupree and Cpl. Shipes arrived they learned that a second adult male was also involved but had already left the area once he learned the authorities had been called. Two shotguns and buckshot ammunition were located that had been hidden by the two trespassers. The adult involved in the incident was contacted and both were given verbal guidance on hunting without permission and the dog-deer hunting permit guidelines. The weapons and ammunition were released to another adult family member. All the deer hounds were retrieved from the area. On November 18th, while en-route to an in-progress call, Cpl. Jason Shipes and Sgt. Patrick Dupree observed a subject a few miles north of Waycross near US Highway 1 entering the woods carrying a climbing-type deer stand and a long gun. They noticed that the subject was not wearing any fluorescent orange clothing. After completing the inprogress call, Cpl. Shipes and Sgt. Dupree returned to the location the hunter's location. Cpl. Shipes located the subject actively hunting deer without the required fluorescent orange. A citation was issued for hunting deer without fluorescent orange.

BACON COUNTY On November 18th at 1:00 AM, CPL Jason Shipes and RFC Mark Pool were working a night hunting complaint area in the northern portion of the county in conjunction with a night flight detail in the adjoining county. A vehicle came by the officer's location and a light was shined into the nearby field. A shot was fired from a small caliber handgun from the driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped and contained five passengers. Two were adults and three were juveniles. The shooter stated he was "just shooting out the window." The two adults were charged with hunting from a vehicle and hunting from a public road. The juveniles were given verbal guidance and all subjects were released at the scene.
PIERCE COUNTY On November 18th, at approximately 7:30 pm, RFC Mark Pool received a call from Pierce County 911 in reference to an in-progress night hunting incident south of Blackshear. RFC Mark Pool immediately contacted the complainant and while on the phone, the poachers fired another shot. RFC Mark Pool, SGT Patrick Dupree, CPL Jason Shipes, and RGR Sam Williams all responded to a residence in a subdivision where the complainant advised the poacher's truck was now located. There was a pickup truck parked in a residential driveway with a spotlight lying in the front seat. The lens of the spotlight was still warm to the touch. CPL Jason Shipes conducted a brief interview of the homeowner at the residence. The homeowner said the truck belonged to a friend but no gun shots had been heard and he did not know where the truck's owner was. After a consent search of the area surrounding the house RFC Mark Pool located a spent shell casing next to the street near the house. Once finding the spent round, RFC Mark Pool and CPL Jason Shipes found boot tracks leading into a wooded area behind the residence. Near the boot tracks RFC Pool and CPL Shipes located what appeared to be deer blood and bone fragments. The deer had been standing only feet away from the occupied residences and yards containing vehicles and various children's toys when it was shot by the poachers from the street. CPL Shipes and SGT Dupree started tracking the blood into the woods. At the same time, RFC Pool and RGR Williams began a wider search of the woodlot when RGR Williams heard rustling noises and went to investigate, locating two individuals standing over a field-dressed deer and holding a .270 caliber rifle. The two subjects were arrested and each charged with hunting big game from a public road, hunting from a vehicle, hunting deer at night, and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The yearling doe deer was seized.

The deer poached in Pierce County and the weapon used.
COFFEE COUNTY On the 23rd, RFC Joe Hilton was conducting an ongoing trapping out of season investigation. RFC Hilton made contact with the individual who was trapping. The individual was issued a warning for trapping out of season and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
Also while on patrol on the 23rd, RFC Hilton made contact with an individual hunting deer without fluorescent orange. The individual was issued a warning for hunting deer without fluorescent orange.
On the 24th, RFC Joe Hilton was patrolling the Westgreen area for dove shoots. RFC Hilton heard a shoot in the area and responded. RFC Hilton conducted license checks on four individuals. While conducting the license checks, RFC Hilton noticed what appeared to be cracked corn, wheat and grain sorghum that was placed on the dove field. RFC Hilton cited the four individuals for hunting doves over bait. One individual was issued a warning for hunting without a license and another individual was also issued a warning for an unplugged shotgun
On November 22nd, RFC Tim Hutto checked several dove shoots in the Wilsonville area. Violations were documented for hunting with an unplugged shotgun and hunting without a license.
ATKINSON COUNTY On November 23rd, Sgt. Damon Winters and RFC Tim Hutto checked duck hunting activity along the Satilla River. One citation was issued for operating a vessel without life jackets.

On November 25th, RFC Tim Hutto worked a complaint of hunting without permission. At around 5:30 p.m., RFC Hutto and the landowner witnessed a hunter stop and shoot at a deer from the highway into the landowners property. RFC Hutto initiated a traffic stop on the suspect and questioned him about the incident. The subject was charged with hunting without permission, hunting big game from a public road, and hunting from a vehicle.
LANIER COUNTY On Saturday November 24, Cpl. Morty Wood patrolled the Hwy 221 area in Lanier County for hunting activity. Several hunters were checked and violations addressed included hunting deer without fluorescent orange, hunting hogs without fluorescent orange and non-resident hunting without a non-resident hunting license.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
WAYNE COUNTY On November 21st Cpl Bobby White responded to an "in progress" call reference shots fired. A Wayne County deputy responded and arrived on scene first. The deputy got in a short chase with the subjects but it ended when they wrecked in a ditch. There were four subjects in the truck, two ran off but two stayed with the truck. They had a freshly killed doe deer with them. They were taken to the Wayne County Jail and told who the other two subjects were that was with them. Cpl White and a deputy went to one subject's house and placed him under arrest. Two other Wayne Co deputies went to the fourth person's house which turned out to be a juvenile and was not arrested. Three were taken to jail and interviewed; all three admitted to night hunting and were written citations.
On November 22nd Cpl White was working a night hunting complaint and noticed a truck shining a spotlight out the window. Cpl White stopped the truck a found a spotlight and a 25-06 in the vehicle. One white male was cited for hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road and hunting from a vehicle.
On November 23, 2012, Cpl. Jimmy Finn was participating in a concentrated night hunting detail in Wayne County. Cpl. Finn observed a truck pass slowly by his location while shining a light across a field. Finn made the traffic stop and found a man, wife and small child along with a loaded .270 rifle and a spotlight. Charges were made to the male driver.
BRYAN COUNTY On Nov. 21st, Cpl. Phillip Scott and Ranger Jason Miller investigated a Hunting Incident that had occurred the day before in north Bryan Co., where a person trapping out of season and without permission was accidently shot by a deer hunter on the property. The victim suffered one buckshot wound to his hand. The case is still under investigation and charges are pending.
On Nov. 21st, Cpl. Scott also assisted in the investigation of a boating incident that had occurred the previous week in McIntosh County.

On Nov. 23rd, RFC Jack Thain and Ranger Trey Taylor patrolled the Medway River/St. Catherine's Sound area, citing one boater for not having enough life jackets on board. On Nov. 23rd, Cpl. Jay Morgan cited two persons for entering the Richmond Hill WMA Shooting Range during closed hours at dark.
On Nov. 24th, RFC Jack Thain, Rangers Trey Taylor and Jason Miller responded to a call reference to a hunting club member detaining two juvenile hunters at a duck pond off Belfast-Keller Rd. The juveniles admitted to hunting in the pond. Both were cited in juvenile court for hunting without permission, hunting with illegal ammo (lead shot), and hunting without a Federal Duck stamp. One of the juveniles was also cited for hunting with an unplugged shotgun. One Hooded-Merganser duck was confiscated.
LIBERTY COUNTY On Nov. 19th, the Brunswick DNR office received a call in regards to persons possibly doing something illegal in the marsh on the South Newport River near Hwy. 17. Cpl. Jay Morgan contacted the caller who stated that he had seen some persons possibly digging in the marsh. The area was checked later that day and it was found that someone was trying to launch a boat off the river bank to access the state-owned marsh across the river. The next morning, the caller contacted Cpl. Morgan to report the subjects were back at the scene. After proceeding to the area, Cpl. Morgan observed three men with a boat, digging in the marsh around some old abandoned dredge pipe. A fourth man in a second boat was seen talking to them. Rangers Jeremy Reese and Jason Miller were contacted to assist. Upon arrival, Ranger Reese checked the fourth man at the Hwy. 17 ramp, and found that he was a friend of the other three and had only been watching them, and had been picking some oysters. When the subjects returned to their trucks, the officers confronted the subjects and found that they were digging in the marsh without a permit in order to collect scrap metal to sell. They were put in contact with someone from Coastal Resources regarding getting a permit and advised that they were parked on private property. They were cited for operating a vessel without any life jackets. The officers are in the process of contacting the land owners to advise them of the situation.
On evening of Nov. 21st, Cpl. Phillip Scott received a call regarding a Hunting Incident on Cay Creek Rd., where a hunter had been shot by another hunter. Cpl. Jay Morgan proceeded to the area and made contact with Liberty County deputies on scene. Cpl. Morgan secured the scene and the hunters' weapons. Upon their arrival, Cpl. Scott checked out the incident scene with the assistance of Ranger Jason Miller, while Cpl. Morgan and Sgt. Wayne Hubbard interviewed the witnesses at the Midway Police Dept. Preliminary investigation indicates that six persons were on trespassing after dark during the moon-lit night on private property without permission. Three of the subjects with two shotguns had walked into the woods, while the other three were walking further behind. The two groups got separated. The shooter stated he heard sounds of some hogs, saw some movement, and shot. The victim was shot in the chest with #5 shot at an approximate distance of 15-20 yards. The victim was last reported in stable condition. None of the subjects had on fluorescent orange clothing, hunting licenses, or any lights with them. The case is still under investigation and charges are pending.

CHATHAM COUNTY From November 18-20, CPL Chris Moore, CPL Bill Bryson, CPL Phillip Scott, RFC Buster Cooper, Ranger Kate Hargrove and Ranger Kiel Toney responded to Bells Landing in assistance to Chatham County with search efforts for an airplane that crashed into the marsh near Grove Point. Throughout the night aircraft, vessels, and ground crews searched for and located the missing airplane and single occupant. The victim was extracted the following morning with the aid of dive teams and a helicopter. DNR assisted Chatham County and National Transportation Safety with recovery and removal of vital airplane components to determine cause of fatal crash.
On November 20, Ranger Kate Hargrove responded to an abandoned vessel call. Upon arrival Ranger Hargrove inspected the vessel and ran the registration number and hull identification number to determine the owner. Ranger Hargrove verified the vessel was stolen through the owner. Ranger Hargrove recovered the stolen vessel and was able to return it to the owner.
On November 23, Sgt. Cindy Miller received a call from an individual about someone picking clams in the Wassaw Sound area. Sgt. Miller called Cpl. Bryson and both rangers responded. The boat left the area before the rangers could get there so they ran the registration and met the individual at his residence. The individual was informed of the violation and cited for picking clams in a closed area.
MCINTOSH COUNTY
On November 22-24, 2012, Corp. Chris Ridley and Ranger Jeremy Reese performed three intensive patrols aimed at detecting shellfish violations. These patrols are performed year round to insure compliance with laws concerning the gathering of oysters and clams. Compliance with these laws is very important for public health. During these patrols, Ridley and Reese made 8 contacts including possession of untagged oysters, taking oysters without permission(off of a commercial lease), taking over the recreational limit of oysters, commercial picker without a pickers permit and commercial crabbing without a license.

CAMDEN COUNTY On November 24th, Sgt. Chris Hodge and RFC John Evans investigated a hunting accident at Miller's Hunting Club. Officers learned that a hunter had fallen from a tree stand a couple of days earlier and was being treated for injuries at a hospital in North Florida. Officers continue to investigate the incident.