Field operations weekly report, 2012 August 5-11

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report August 5-11, 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 August 9th, not far from the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site, Cpl. Lee Burns located a vehicle parked at the wood-line. Cpl. Burns tracked the subject(s) through a woodlot mile away onto City of Cartersville property. Cpl. Burns watched a man and women digging with shovels. Cpl. Burns documented the violations for digging artifacts without permission and advised the couple to have written permission from landowners before digging for artifacts in the future.
On August 11th, Cpl. Byron Young and RFC Bart Hendrix responded to a call on Allatoona Lake with Bartow County Sheriff's Office and EMS. A juvenile male was injured when he fell from a rope swing over the lake and hit his head and back on a rock. The juvenile suffered a head injury and was transported to an Atlanta area hospital.
COBB COUNTY On August 7th, Sgt. Mike Barr and Ranger Zack Hardy attended the annual Cobb County/Corp of Engineers hunters meeting at Jim Miller Park. Two hundred people attended the meeting to review the rules regarding hunting the Allatoona Project Army Corp of Engineers land located in Cobb. Approximately fifteen hundred acres are open to bow-hunters obtaining a permit to hunt deer during deer season. Permits are issued through the Cobb County Parks Division.
GILMER COUNTY On August 5th, Cpl. James Keener and RFC Joe Hill patrolled Carters Lake. While on patrol, the rangers encountered violations of operating vessel without PFD's, operating overloaded vessel, operating vessel with improper registration, allowing person to ride bow/gunwale, operating vessel with expired registration, and operating vessel without throwable device.
On August 9th, Sgt. John Vanlandingham and RFC Joe Hill investigated a hunting out of season complaint in a gated community in Gilmer County. The rangers did not find any evidence of a deer being killed, but the suspect had an outstanding warrant out of Hart County and was arrested and transported to Gilmer County detention center.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
FORSYTH COUNTY On August 11th, RFC Mitchell Crump patrolled Lake Lanier for boating and fishing activity. RFC Crump issued one warning for operating without registration.
GWINNETT COUNTY On August 9th, RFC Brandon Pierce conducted a Hunter Safety Program at the Bass Pro Shops in Lawrenceville. A one student was certified.

On August 10-12, Cpl. Eric Sanders, Cpl. Jesse Cook and RFC Anne Alexander worked the DNR booth at the FLW Event held at the Gwinnett Center. The rangers used the Fishing Simulator and answered questions.
On August 11th, Cpl. Eric Sanders set a Boating Safety booth at the Gwinnett Braves game at Cool Ray Field. He answered questions about water safety and duties of a ranger.
LUMPKIN COUNTY On August 6th, RFC Mitchell Crump went to the Lumpkin County High School for first day of school. He worked this in conjunction with the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office.
HALL COUNTY On August 5th, RFC Brandon Pierce and RFC Mitchell Crump patrolled Lake Lanier for boating safety/fishing activity. The officers checked a total of ten boats for proper safety equipment and two fishing licenses. As a result, two violations were documented. The violations consisted of operating a PWC during hours of darkness and operating a vessel without registration number displayed properly. Verbal guidance was given on several occasions to be in compliance with the laws of the state.
On August 8th, RFC Barry Britt received a call reference a boat fire at Sunrise Cove Marina. The fire started in the engine compartment due to some repairs being made to the engine. One person was injured with second degree burns to their hands and legs. The case is still under investigation.
On August 9-12 Rangers from Regions 2 and 3 worked the FLW Bass Fishing Tournament on Lake Lanier. The ranger's provide security and water patrols for the event.
On August 11th, RFC Mitchell Crump patrolled Lake Lanier for boating and fishing activity. RFC Crump issued one warning for operating boat with improper lights.
On August 9th, RFC Berry Britt and RFC Eric Isom assisted the Forest Wood Cup Bass Tournament on Lake Lanier at Laurel Park.
On August 10th, CPL. James Kenner and RFC Eric Isom assisted the Forest Wood Cup Bass Tournament on Lake Lanier at Laurel Park. The Rangers also patrolled Lake Lanier for boating safety/fishing activity. A total of four boats and six fishing licenses were checked. The Rangers issued a written warning for fishing without a license.
On August 11th, RFC Eric Isom with his K9 partner Colt assisted the Forest Wood Cup Bass Tournament on Lake Lanier at Laurel Park by providing afternoon security for tournament equipment at the park. RFC Eric Isom also worked a boating incident were a juvenile was injured while wake boarding.

JACKSON COUNTY On August 9th, RFC Eric Isom attended a hunter education class at Maysville Baptist Church. Thirty-two students were certified after completing the class.
On August 9th, RFC Eric Isom and his K9 partner Colt presented an information and education program at Maysville Baptist Church. The program explained the functions, duties, and abilities of the DNR K9 program.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
RICHMOND COUNTY On August 10th, Cpl. Ben Payne was assisted by Capt. Thomas Barnard, Sgt. Doyte Chaffin, RFC Bobby Timmerman and RFC Grant Matherly. The Rangers worked the Outdoor Expo at Warren Baptist Church. They operated the Fishing Simulator for kids and adults. They also handed out hunting and fishing regulations and answered questions from the public. Over 1500 people attended the event. Guest speaker for the night was Dr. Jimmy Sites from the Spiritual Adventures TV show on the Pursuit Channel. Five Lifetime Licenses were donated to be given away at the event. The Rangers presented these licenses to the 5 Lifetime License winners on stage during the event.
ELBERT COUNTY On August 5th, Corporal Julian Wilkins and Corporal Mark Patterson patrolled Lake Russell by vessel. Several violations were detected and documented including violations of the 100 foot rule and operation of a vessel with insufficient PFD's.
COLUMBIA COUNTY On August 7th, RFC Bobby Timmerman participated in National Night Out with Grovetown Public Safety. Approximately 100 people were in attendance. The event is held annually for the citizens to meet the public safety personnel in the area.
On August 8th, RFC Bobby Timmerman conducted a boater safety class at Mistletoe State Park. Eight people successfully completed the course.
On August 9th, RF C Bobby Timmerman responded to a missing boater complaint on Clarks Hill Lake. Officers Found that 2 adults and 4 juveniles occupied 1 canoe. The subjects did not return to shore in a timely manner per the complainant. Officers found that the subjects were from Africa and were unfamiliar with the area. Officers located the subjects and found them unharmed. The subjects were given verbal guidance on PFD requirements and operating an overloaded vessel.
On August 10th, Sgt. Doyte Chaffin and Intern responded to a reported boating incident on Clarks Hill Lake. The incident was determined to be a disabled boat and not a reportable boating incident. The disabled boater was able to secure his boat. No further action was taken.

On August 10th, Sgt. Doyte Chaffin and Intern responded to an injured hawk complaint in the area of Belair Road. Sgt. Chaffin secured the hawk and transported the wildlife for rehabilitation.
LINCOLN COUNTY On August 10th, RFC Bobby Timmerman and Cpl. Ryan Swain responded to a vehicle in Clarks Hill Lake. Officers found that a vehicle was traveling south on Hwy 47 at the Little River Bridge when the vehicle left the roadway and landed in the Lake. The driver was able to escape the submerged vehicle through the driver side window. The driver was taken to Georgia Health Science Hospital for evaluation. The vehicle was salvaged by Sea Tow. The accident is being investigated by G.S.P.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
HARRIS COUNTY On August 5th Cpl. Jeremy Bolen and Ranger David Fisher checked a trespassing complaint on Girl Scout property. After locating a vehicle parked outside a closed gate, the officers walked down to the creek and met two individuals leaving the area. They noticed that both subjects had been drinking alcohol - one of the subjects was found to be under 21 years of age. Cpl. Bolen also discovered marijuana in the possession of this person. The subject was arrested and transported to the county jail for the violations.
HENRY COUNTY On August 6th RFC Kevin Godbee conducted a security patrol at Strong Rock Christian School.
PIKE COUNTY On August 6th Cpl. Wanda Roberts conducted a security patrol at Pike Middle School.
MERIWETHER COUNTY On August 8th Cpl. Keith Waddell conducted a security patrol at Mountain View Elementary School in Meriwether County as well as patrols at middle and high schools in the area.
TROUP COUNTY On August 11th RFC Kevin Godbee and Ranger David Fisher conducted boat inspections for Region IV Law Enforcement at the Georgia State Patrol Post in Lagrange. The Rangers conducted 23 boat inspections.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
STEWART COUNTY On August 10th, the opening night of the Alabama Alligator Hunting Season, Cpl.Steve Robinson and Cpl. Ronnie Beard conducted a patrol on Lake WF George and the Chattahoochee River. During their patrol the rangers issued 6 citations and 5 warnings for hunting alligators out of season to hunters who were found hunting in Georgia waters.

On August 11th, RFC Jim Atchley, RFC Bob Holley and Ranger Kevin Goss conducted a patrol on Lake WF George to address illegal alligator hunting. Four individuals were located and cited for hunting in an unauthorized area and hunting out of season. CLAY COUNTY On August 10th, RFC Jim Atchley and Ranger Kevin Goss were patrolling Lake WF George. On their patrol they issued 3 warnings for taking game fish by illegal method (bow fishing). DECATUR COUNTY On August 8th, RFC Tony Cox and Ranger Jace Heard responded to a call from the Sheriff's Office in reference to a subject keeping a deer in a pen. The subject was uncooperative with the deputies and claimed he had permission from DNR to keep the deer. RFC Cox interviewed the subject and cited him for holding a game animal without a permit. GRADY COUNTY On August 11th, Sgt. Rick Sellars and Cpl. Randy Davis conducted a patrol of the Ochlocknee River, citing four subjects for fishing without a license. TIFT COUNTY On the morning of August 8th, Cpl. Greg Wade, Cpl. Morty Wood and Cpl. Tommy Daughtrey assisted Tift County Authorities with evacuating several residences that had flooded after Tift County received nearly ten inches of rain in a 24 hour period. The heavy rains resulted in the closure of several roads and the evacuation of 30 residences in the east side of the county.
Rangers responding to flooding in Tift County

Rangers responding to flooding in Tift County
DOUGHERTY COUNTY On August 11th, Cpl. Robbie Griner and RFC Jon Penuel were patrolling Lake Worth when they stopped a vessel for a skiing violation. The operator of the vessel was arrested for operating a vessel under the influence and towing a skier without a PFD.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
EVANS COUNTY On August 12th, RFC Debbie Brannen checked boating and fishing activity along the Canoochee River. A total of 10 vessels and 10 fishing licenses were checked and violations for operating vessels without PFD's were documented.
LAURENS COUNTY On August 5th, at approximately 1630 hrs. RFC Allen Mills was patrolling Riverbend WMA. Officer Mills made contact with two individuals near the boat ramp riding an ATV and were in possession of a cooler full of beer. The individuals had driven around a "no vehicle access" sign to access the Oconee River. RFC Mills advised the individuals of the regulations that had been violated. Two warnings were issued, one for driving over/around device to prevent access and one for illegal use of an ATV on a WMA. Verbal guidance was given for the alcohol.
On August 10th, Cpl. Stiles was patrolling popular fishing locations in Laurens County. Two anglers were located fishing in Turkey Creek. One angler told Cpl. Stiles that his license was expired. Cpl. Stiles issued the individual a written warning for the violation. Subsequently on August 12th, Cpl. Stiles received a complaint from a landowner concerning persons fishing without permission on his property. Cpl. Stiles responded to the complaint and found three individuals fishing without permission, one of which was the individual previously warned for fishing without a license, Cpl. Stiles cited the individual for fishing without a license. The landowner did not want to prosecute the individuals for fishing without permission.

On August 11-12th, Cpl. Stiles conducted a 10 hour Hunter Education class in Laurens County assisted by RFC Allen Mills. Sixteen students completed the course and received their Hunter Education certification cards.
WHEELER COUNTY On August 11th, RFC Rodney Horne was patrolling Clarks Bluff boat landing on the Oconee River when he arrested a person for littering, expired vehicle registration, and possession of marijuana.
DODGE COUNTY On August 11th, at approximately 0400 hrs to 0800 hrs, RFC Allen Mills worked a special night fishing opportunity provided by the Fisheries Management section at Dodge County PFA. During that time Officer Mills conducted boating safety inspections on three vessels and checked a total of 11 fishing licenses. No violations were documented.
BERRIEN/TIFT COUNTIES On August 8th, Cpl. Morty Wood was called to assist the Georgia State Patrol with evacuations in Berrien and Tift Counties Due to flash floods the night before. The corridor along US Highway 520 from Tifton to Douglas received 6 to 10 inches of rain in a four hour period. Several residences and businesses were lost to the flooding. Cpl. Wood assisted in evacuating citizens and assessing damage to the affected areas.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
MCINTOSH COUNTY On August 11, 2012, Cpl Bobby White and Cpl Jimmy Finn were on a shellfish patrol in Mud River around an area called Chocolate when they checked a boat with two fishermen onboard. The two had no license and were in possession of five Spotted Seatrout ranging from 6 inches to 12 inches. Two contacts were made for possession of undersize fish and two for fishing without a license.
WAYNE AND LONG COUNTIES On Friday August 10, 2012, Cpl. Bobby White and Cpl. Jimmy Finn provided increased security for the opening day of school in Wayne and Long Counties.
CHATHAM COUNTY On August 7, Sgt. Cindy Miller assisted the Governor's Task Force by driving the 27 foot Safe boat in Chatham County. While assisting the Task Force Sgt. Miller noticed a jet ski with two people on it and the driver did not have a life jacket on. Sgt. Miller stopped the jet ski and issued the operator of the jet ski a citation for operating a jet ski without a life jacket and operating a vessel without registration.
On August 11, Sgt. Cindy Miller patrolled the boat ramps in Chatham County. Sgt. Miller was at Bell's Landing boat ramp and cited two individuals. One individual was cited for undersized crabs and the other for undersized fish.

GLYNN COUNTY On August 8th, RFC Craig Smith was checking subjects fishing from the bank in on East Brunswick River. One of the subjects did not have a fishing license or any identification on him. RFC Smith then ran the subject on his MDT and could not get anything back on the name that the subject had given. After getting several different spellings of the name from the subject and 3 different dates of births, RFC Smith placed the subject under arrest for fishing w/o a license. Upon arrival at the jail, the subject give officers his real name and D.O.B. and he was determined to be wanted by the U.S. Marshall Service on several federal warrants that he had been running from for over 2 years. He was then booked into the Glynn County Detention Center and is awaiting pick up for the warrants. BRYAN COUNTY On August 7th, Cpl. Jay Morgan and Ranger Trey Taylor assisted the Governor's Drug Task Force with the search for marijuana plants/fields in Bryan County. Ranger Taylor assisted in the confiscation of one marijuana plant from behind a house in the Richmond Hill area.
LIBERTY COUNTY On August 8th, Ranger Trey Taylor assisted the Governor's Drug Task Force with the land search for marijuana plants/fields while Cpl. Jay Morgan and Ranger Jason Miller assisted with the coastal search.