Field operations weekly report, 2012 March 25-31

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report March 25-31, 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 March 25th, Cpl. Byron Young located a vehicle on a power-line with ATV ramps in the west part of the county. Cpl. Young foot patrolled and located a hunter on an ATV who had been turkey hunting. He did not have a big game license as required by law. While the hunter was loading his ATV, Cpl. Young followed the ATV tracks to where the man was hunting and found a turkey blind baited with corn. The ranger also found two fired 12 gauge turkey load shells. Cpl. Young again located the hunter as he was attempting to leave and he admitted to hunting over the baited area. He also admitted that he had shot at and missed a gobbler on opening morning of turkey season. Cpl. Young charged the man with hunting big game over bait.
CHATTOOGA COUNTY On March 29th, RFC McConkey responded to a complaint of fishing without permission in Chattooga County from a local farm manager. The ranger found three subjects fishing on private property on West Spring Creek Rd. The subjects did not have permission to fish the private pond on this property. All three subjects were written warnings for fishing without permission.
On March 31st, RFC McConkey and Cpl. Gentry responded to an overturned boat call from Chattooga 911. The subjects were going downstream from the Trion, Ga. area when their motor got hung up and turned the boat over. Four subjects were dumped into the Chattooga River. Three subjects made it to the bank, but one subject was not accounted for. Both local agencies and the rangers searched the area for the missing man. The subject was found alive downstream at the next bridge crossing the river. The operator of the vessel was charged with operating a vessel without enough personal flotation devices (PFD's) and a warning for not having the boat registered. Only two PFD's were located when four were required by state law. One subject in the boat stated that she could not swim.
FANNIN COUNTY During the week of March 26th 30th, rangers patrolled the seasonal trout streams because of past complaints of fishermen catching all the trout before season opens. Sgt. John Vanlandingham, Cpl. James Keener and RFC Cody Jones issued 14 citations and warnings for fishing on a closed trout stream, possession of illegally taken fish and license violations. 17 trout were confiscated from seasonal streams and 2 trout were confiscated from the delayed harvest section of the Toccoa River.
On March 25th, RFC Cody Jones was patrolling Skeenah Gap road for turkey hunters when a car passed his patrol vehicle in a no passing zone. After stopping the vehicle, RFC Jones conducted field sobriety exercises and then arrested the driver for driving under the influence and passing in a no passing zone. The passenger of the vehicle was issued a citation for violation of the Georgia open container law.

On March 24th, RFC Cody Jones issued citations to two subjects for fishing with corn and worms in the delayed harvest section of the Toccoa River.
HARALSON COUNTY On March 31st, Sgt. Danny Crook and Cpl. Eric Brown were patrolling for turkey bait. One Georgia resident and one Arkansas resident were found and charged for hunting turkey over bait.
MURRAY COUNTY On March 23rd, Sgt John VanLandingham and RFC Cody Jones patrolled the Coosawattee River and Carters Lake areas. The rangers issued 5 citations and 1 warning for fishing without a license, possession of alcohol by an under aged person, and possession of marijuana less than one ounce.
POLK COUNTY On March 30th, RFC Chad Cox was patrolling in the Cedartown area when he located a subject fishing without permission in a private club lake. RFC Cox checked the subject on his computer and found out the person had an active arrest warrant in Oklahoma. The subject was charged with fishing without permission and after checking with Polk County 911 the subject was released. Oklahoma did not want to extradite him.
WALKER COUNTY On March 29th, RFC McConkey responded to a hunting without permission complaint in Walker County. The ranger made contact with the subject and a Walker County deputy at the scene on Smith Gap Rd. The complainant stated that he had heard a hunter calling turkey on his property that morning and only one vehicle was found in the area. The ranger investigated the complaint and found no evidence of the subject being on the complainant's property. The subject was found to be hunting with an unplugged shotgun and was given a warning for the violation.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
RABUN COUNTY On Sunday March 25th, Cpl Jesse Cook and Sgt Steve Seitz responded to a complaint of hunting without permission around the Tallulah Gorge area. Landowner advised that someone had killed a turkey illegally on their property. We also met with an off-duty police officer who had witnessed portions of the incident. We searched the area for evidence and located where the turkey had been killed and evidence of the crime. A tag number was obtained by the officer and was provided as a probable suspect. Cpl Cook and Sgt Seitz located the subject and conducted an interview. A dead turkey was also found in the bed of his truck. After producing some of the evidence the subject admitted that he had killed the turkey but stated that he had originally been given permission to hunt. After re-interviewing the landowner and witnesses it was determined that the subject would be charged. On Monday Mar 26th Cpl Derek Dillard visited the suspect and issued citations for hunting without permission and possession of illegally taken wildlife

STEPHENS COUNTY On March 31, Cpl. Bill Bunch and Sgt. Stan Elrod patrolled around Lake Hartwell checking bank fishermen. One subject was charged for fishing without a license.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
COLUMBIA COUNTY On March 31st, Cpl. Ryan Swain and RFC Robert Timmerman conducted a concentrated patrol of the Savannah River and the Augusta Canal. One subject was cited for fishing without a license.
LINCOLN COUNTY On April 1st, Cpl. Ryan Swain responded to a possible stolen vessel complaint off of the Little River. Upon arrival at the scene, the vessel was found adrift about 30 yards from its home dock. It was determined that the vessel had been vandalized and not stolen. The incident was turned over to Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
BIBB COUNTY On March 26th RFC Kevin Joyce secured arrest warrants for two individuals for state charges of hunting alligators out of season and use of unlawful devices (baited hooks) to facilitate the taking of game. These charges stemmed from an arrest of the individuals the previous weekend by an agent of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
HOUSTON COUNTY On March 31st Cpl. John Harkins checked boats, fishing license and WMA permits on Flat Creek PFA. He issued two written warnings for taking of illegal size fish.
LAMAR COUNTY On March 27th,RFC Keith Page received a complaint of several individuals fishing in a pond without permission. RFC Page responded to find five men and a juvenile fishing in the pond. At the same time, another call regarding fishing without permission at an additional location was received. Page contacted Sgt. Tim Kendrick and he responded to the call. RFC Page issued the first five men citations for fishing without permission Sgt. Kendrick issued one citation for fishing without permission to a man who had been caught on the property before and issued warnings for fishing without permission to the remaining three individuals who were unknowingly led onto the property by the other subject. On March 29th, RFC Keith Page assisted Barnesville PD officers with apprehending two suspects that were involved in a fight on Greenwood Street in Barnesville. After speaking to the men, RFC Page found that one of the men was in possession of two small bags of methamphetamine, a pipe for smoking the meth and other drug related objects.

RFC Page arrested the man and secured warrants for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug related objects.
PIKE COUNTY On the morning of March 31st Cpl Wanda Roberts and RFC Travis Sweat were setup on a known baited area for turkeys in Pike County. The two Rangers were hidden in the woods between two fields. Just before day break RFC Sweat spotted three shadows moving along the edge of the field to the baited area. The two rangers observed the three hunters setup and then the hunters began calling. The Rangers then approached the hunters and made contact with them. The hunters and Rangers walked the plowed area which was covered in wild bird seed and cracked corn. Two of the violators were charged with hunting turkeys over bait.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
SEMINOLE COUNTY On March 25, Cpl. Mike Binion and Cpl. Randy Davis conducted a boat patrol on Lake Seminole. The officers issued 10 citations for fishing without license and PFD violations.
On March 29, Cpl. Randy Davis and RFC Tony Cox investigated a boating incident that occurred on the Chattahoochee River the night before. The incident occurred when the vessel ran aground, due to the operator removing his hand from the stick steer control for a second. No charges were filed in this incident.
WEBSTER COUNTY On Tuesday March 27, Sgt. Butch Potter and RFC Bob Holley patrolled an area that had been found baited with corn several days earlier. Two subjects were apprehended hunting over the baited area. They were issued citations for hunting over bait, hunting without big game license, and hunting with illegal ammunition.
Thursday March 29, RFC. Bob Holley, Cpl. Steve Robinson, Sgt. Butch Potter and Capt. Jeff Swift attended the West Central Traffic Enforcement Network meeting in Preston. Rangers participated in a multi-agency road check following the meeting where several arrests were made for drug possession and outstanding warrants.
STEWART COUNTY On Tuesday March 27, RFC Bob Holley and Sgt Butch Potter conducted a late afternoon boat patrol on Lake Walter F. George. Several warnings were issued for boating safety violations and failure to mark a commercial trotline.
On Saturday March 31, Sgt. Butch Potter patrolled Lake George in the late evening hours. Three warnings were issued for operating after dark with no stern light.

CLAY COUNTY On Saturday March 31, Cpl. Scott Carroll issued citations for operating a vessel with insufficient personal floatation devices, operating after dark without lights and fishing.
BROOKS COUNTY On the afternoon of March 30th, Cpl. Greg Wade assisted Georgia Department of Revenue, Brooks County Sheriff's Office and Quitman PD with serving search warrants at residences in Brooks County. Several subjects were arrested for possession of drugs and illegal alcohol sales.
BROOKS COUNTY On the afternoon of March 30th, Cpl. Greg Wade assisted Georgia Department of Revenue, Brooks County Sheriff's Office and Quitman PD serving search warrants at residences in Brooks County. Several subjects were arrested for possession of drugs and illegal alcohol sales.
THOMAS COUNTY On March 31st, Cpl. Greg Wade and Ranger Chris Carlisle checked boaters and fishermen on the Ochlockonee River in Thomas County. The rangers issued one citation for fishing without a license.
WORTH COUNTY On March 30th, Cpl. Al Greer and Ranger Chad Hulsey conducted educational programs at the Worth County High School. The officers taught 191 students about wildlife laws and carrying capacity
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
CLINCH COUNTY On March 25th, Cpl. Jason Shipes assisted the Clinch County Sheriff's Department with searching a wooded area for a possible lost person. After a brief search of the area the female subject was located unharmed. After interviewing all the parties involved it was determined that the woman was involved in a verbal altercation prior to her running away into the woods.
ECHOLS COUNTY On March 24th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree encountered an individual near Mayday that had harvested a gobbler near a baited area. The hunter was met as he returned to his vehicle where Sgt. Dupree congratulated him on his success and inspected his hunting license. After the hunter left the area, Sgt. Dupree located feathers, blood, boot-prints and shotshell waddings where the bird had been killed at the edge of a recent clear-cut. Approximately 15 yards from this evidence was wheat seed scattered in a small area just outside the clear-cut's edge. Sgt. Dupree contacted and met with the hunter and issued him citations for hunting big game over bait and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The illegally taken gobbler was seized.

On March 31st, Sgt. Patrick Dupree conducted a traffic stop on US Hwy 129 after he observed a truck towing a trailer containing twelve feral hogs. The driver stated that he had purchased the hogs from a local hog hunter and was transporting them to his home in west-central Georgia. The driver did not possess any valid paperwork to legally transport the hogs. He was instructed not to release or remove the hogs from his trailer until contacted by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Sgt. Dupree recorded all pertinent information and photographs for the Department of Agriculture agent and released the driver.
BACON COUNTY On March 31st, Sgt. Patrick Dupree and RFC Mark Pool conducted a question & answer program for trappers attending the annual Georgia Trapper's Association's spring meeting in Alma. The officers answered several questions related to current laws, regulations and modern trapping techniques.
LAURENS COUNTY On April 1st, Cpl. Stiles patrolled the Hugh M. Gillis PFA. Sixteen fishing licenses were checked and four boating safety checks were performed. Verbal guidance was given to several persons for minor violations.
EVANS COUNTY On March 31st RFC Brannen checked turkey hunters in the Bellville area. Violations for non-residents hunting without big game licenses and hunting without licenses were documented. Several boaters and fishermen were checked on the Evans PFA. Violations for fishing on a PFA without a WMA license and several verbal warnings were given to a group of GSU students camping in an unauthorized area.
TOOMBS COUNTY On March 27th, Cpl. Jon Barnard assisted the Toombs County Sheriff's Dept. with a bomb threat at the area schools. On March 28th at approximately 9:00p.m., Cpl. Jon Barnard and Cpl. Barry Britt responded to a search and rescue call on the Altamaha River at Grey's landing. An 81

year-old hunter who went to roost a turkey by boat on the Altamaha River in the Bullard Creek area was reported overdue. Cpl. Barnard and the hunter's son located him about 3/4 of a mile down river in a disabled vessel. Cpl. Barnard transported the hunter and towed the vessel to Grey's landing to awaiting family members.
EMANUEL COUNTY On March 28th, Cpl. Jon Barnard conducted an IE program at Flat Creek Lodge in Swainsboro for 60 adults for the Maurice Marketing Firm on current hunting, fishing, and boating regulations.
JEFF DAVIS COUNTY On March 29th, Cpl. Barry Britt checked several turkey hunters on Bullard Creek WMA. No violations were detected.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRYAN COUNTY On March 25th, Cpl. Phillip Scott and RFC Jack Thain checked the old seafood dock on Bryan Co-op Rd. and cited three people for fishing without permission and one was also cited for picking oysters from an unauthorized area.
LIBERTY COUNTY On March 25th, RFC Jack Thain, Cpl. Phillip Scott, and Sgt. James Shelton patrolled the Medway River and St. Catherine's Sound areas, citing one person for fishing without a license. Numerous other boaters and fishermen were checked with no further violations.
MCINTOSH COUNTY On March 25th, Cpl. Jimmy Finn and Sgt. Wayne Hubbard responded to a page from SOC concerning a disabled/lost airboat. The boat had lost power in a remote area of the Altamaha River around 5:30 pm and had been unable to make contact with other boaters or make any phone calls due to poor cell coverage. The page from SOC came at around 9:00 pm and Officers Finn and Hubbard, along with the McIntosh County Fire Dept. located the vessel and transported two adults, one child and the vessel to the Champney boat ramp.
CAMDEN COUNTY On March 21st, RFC Craig Smith and Sgt. Chris Hodge were working an area that had activity from the past couple of days of possible Turkey hunting. While RFC Smith was entering the woods he noticed a light that was not in this location. He then waited until daylight and found a truck pulled into a concealed location. RFC Smith waited at the subject's vehicle and he later returned to his vehicle with a shotgun and wearing a vest with several turkey calls. The subject was also using a turkey call while walking down the road back to his truck. RFC Smith then approached the subject and Sgt. Hodge pulled into the area as well. The subject was cited for hunting turkeys out of season.
On March 24th and 25th, RFC Craig Smith, RFC David Brady, and RFC John Evans assisted Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Nassau County Sheriff's Office

with the search for a subject that had drowned off Fernandina Beach on the previous day. Officers patrolled the areas inland near Cumberland Island and the St Mary's River entrance. The victim of the incident was recovered the following morning.
On March 31st, RFC Craig Smith was traveling on Hwy 17 in when he observed a man and woman in an altercation in the yard of a residence. RFC Smith stopped at the residence and determined that the man and woman were involved in a domestic dispute. RFC Smith separated the subjects and contacted the Camden County Sheriff's Office. Upon arrival of the Sheriff's deputies, RFC Smith turned both subjects over to the deputies for further investigation.
GLYNN COUNTY On March 24, RFC David Brady and RFC John Evans were working an area that had been baited for turkeys with cracked corn and grain sorghum. Brady observed two people dropped out prior to daylight. After daylight, RFC Brady made contact with two juveniles, 12 and 15 that were hunting unsupervised and with no hunter education. Two other juveniles were also apprehended in another location on the same property. One adult was charged with allowing juvenile to hunt unsupervised w/o hunter education.
On March 24th, RFC Brady was checking boating and fishing activity along the Brunswick River and encountered two subjects that were fishing without a license. After a brief interview, RFC Brady was able to determine that one subject had given him false information. RFC Brady then used his MDT and learned that the subject had warrant out of Camden and Houston Counties. The man was arrested and transported to the Glynn County Detention Center.
On March 30th, RFC Craig Smith, RFC David Brady, Cpl. Wil Smith, Sgt. Chris Hodge, Captain Doug Lewis, and Major Walter Rabon conducted a Special TED patrol offshore of St. Simons and Jekyll Islands. Rangers boarded several commercial shrimp trawlers to check compliance with fishing equipment. Several federal violations were documented, and the cases are being turned over to National Marine Fisheries Service.

On March 30th, RFC Craig Smith, RFC David Brady, and Sgt Chris Hodge responded to Jekyll Island after a citizen had complained about people illegally catching sponge crabs, and undersize fish. When the officers arrived, several citations were issued for Non Residents fishing w/o license and possession of sponge crabs. RFC Brady and RFC Smith then went to St Andrews Beach and apprehended three subjects pulling a shrimp seine and keeping sponge crabs. The subjects were cited for possession of sponge crabs and fishing w/o a license.
On March 29th, Sgt Mark Carson received a call from Georgia State Patrol to check out a suspicious vehicle on I-95. Upon arrival, Sgt Carson found an elderly female slumped over the steering wheel. He immediately called for EMS. After further investigation, the lady had medical problems and had pulled over onto the shoulder of the road. She had been dead approximately 1 hour before Sgt Carson located her. The investigation was turned over to Glynn County Police Department.