Field operations weekly report, 2012 July 29-August 4

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report July 29- August 4, 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 3rd, Cpl. Lee Burns represented DNR at the annual Atlanta Buck-A-Rama Exposition. A topic discussed with many hunters was the practice of baiting deer in the northern deer zone. Cpl. Burns also discussed recruitment opportunities with several individuals interested in becoming a Conservation Ranger.
On August 4th, Cpl. Byron Young and RFC Brooks Varnell patrolled Lake Allatoona. The officers stopped several vessels without proper navigational lights after sunset. The officers issued 3 citations for operating vessels without proper navigational lights. The officers also encountered another vessel in the middle of the lake without lights and a dead battery. The officers assisted the stranded boater with their battery problem, lights, and getting their boat back running again.
On August 4th, Cpl. Lee Burns and Ranger Zackary Hardy were patrolling Lake Allatoona and noticed a vessel violating the rules of the road by operating on the wrong side of the main channel. Cpl. Burns stopped the vessel and found all four occupants to be intoxicated due to alcohol use. The operator was determined to be impaired and arrested for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol and violating the rules of the road.
FANNIN COUNTY On August 3rd, RFC Cody Jones received a complaint that a subject had killed a black bear out of season. The complainant also stated that the subject was growing marijuana near the residence. Sgt. John VanLandingham, Cpl. James Keener, RFC Cody Jones, and RFC Joe Hill responded to the area. Sgt. VanLandingham, Cpl. Keener, and RFC Jones moved through the surrounding woods to different observation points and were able to confirm the complainant's information. The officers then executed a search warrant for the residence and seized a black bear hide, multiple black bear paws, 5 marijuana plants, and less than one ounce of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Charges are pending.
On August 4th, RFC Cody Jones and RFC Joe Hill patrolled Blue Ridge Lake. The officers issued 5 citations and 2 warnings. The violations included operating vessel without PFDs, operating without registration, operating with improper registration, operating with an unserviceable fire extinguisher, operating an overloaded vessel, and towing a skier after sunset.
GILMER COUNTY On July 29th, Cpl. James Keener and RFC Joe Hill patrolled Carters Lake. Officers issued 7 citations and 9 warnings for violations including failure to obey regulatory marker, operating vessel without registration, operating overloaded vessel, violation of rules of the road, no fire extinguisher, no PFD's, and improper lights.

MURRAY COUNTY On August 4th, Cpl. James Keener and Wildlife Technicians Tim Gilbreath and Larry Etheridge worked an enforcement detail on the Sumac Creek shooting range on Cohutta WMA. Two citations were issued for violations of U.S. Forest Service Rules on a WMA. Cpl. Keener and Wildlife Technician Etheridge later patrolled other areas on Cohutta WMA and Coosawattee WMA. They discovered that several gates had been stolen from the management area, however no other violations were documented.
WALKER COUNTY On August 1st, W/T Tim Gilbreath, W/T Josh Aldridge and Cpl Tommy Gentry responded to a lost person call on John's Mtn WMA. The two lost hikers started their hike at Keown Falls. After a short search the hikers were located in the Dry Creek area of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
UNION COUNTY On August 4th, RFC Kevin Dyer received a call from the Union County Dispatch that a boating incident had occurred on Nottely Lake. Union County Dispatch advised that a person was injured when they fell off a tube that was being pulled by a boat. RFC Dyer arrived at the scene and interviewed the witnesses. The operator of the ski boat was towing one person on a tube. The tube hit a large wake causing the person on the tube to fall off, dislocating their right shoulder when they landed in the water. The victim was transported to the Emergency Room at Union General Hospital for treatment.
DAWSON COUNTY
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On July 29 , RFC Mitchell Crump and Cpl. Adam Loudermilk were patrolling Lake Lanier in reference to boating safety/fishing activity. The rangers issued written warnings for fishing without a license and possession of under sized bass.
FORSYTH COUNTY On July 29th, RFC Brandon Pierce and Sgt. Lee Brown patrolled Lake Lanier in reference to boating safety/fishing activity. A total of fourteen boats and nine fishing licenses were inspected for proper equipment. As a result, five violations were documented. The violations consisted of operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's, operating vessel without registration number displayed properly, fishing without a license, and allowing underage child to ride in moving vessel without wearing PFD. The rangers also responded to a call in reference to multiple fights at Port Royale Marina. RFC Pierce and Sgt. Brown assisted Forsyth Fire Department and Forsyth Sheriff's Office with crowd control. The injured were treated and the rangers escorted a vessel, with subject(s) involved, out of the marina to another location. All were released at the location.
GWINNETT COUNTY
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On August 3-5 , Sgt. Lee Brown worked the DNR booth at the GON Outdoor Blast. On Saturday of the event Sgt. Brown assisted the Hunter Education Class taught by the

department's volunteer instructors. A total of 86 students were certified in Hunter Education.
HALL COUNTY
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On July 29 , RFC Mitchell Crump and Cpl. Adam Loudermilk patrolled Lake Lanier in reference to boating safety/fishing activity. The rangers checked several boats and fisherman, written warnings were issued for operating a PWC during the hours of darkness and operating a boat without the registration displayed.
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On August 3 , RFC Brandon Pierce and RFC Mitchell Crump patrolled Lake Lanier in reference to boating safety/fishing activity. A total of four boats and three fishing licenses were inspected. As a result, two violations were documented. The violations consisted of operating a vessel 100 foot of object/shore above idle speed and fishing without a license. Verbal guidance was given on occasion to be in compliance with the laws of the state.
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On August 4 , RFC Brandon Pierce and RFC Mitchell Crump patrolled Lake Lanier for boating safety/fishing activity. A total of eight boats and five fishing licenses were checked and a total of four violations were documented. The violations consisted of operating a vessel 100 foot of object/shore above idle speed, operating vessel without registration number displayed, operating a vessel without CGA PFD's, and operating non-motorized vessel at night without hand held light. Verbal guidance was given on occasions to be in compliance with the rules and regulations of the state.
On July 29th, Cpl. Jason Roberson arrested a subject in Sunset Cove on Lake Lanier for operating a vessel under the influence. The suspect was also in possession of Marijuana and was charged with violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act.
On July 30th, Cpl. Jason Roberson and RFC Kevin Dyer arrested a subject in Sunset Cove on Lake Lanier for operating a vessel under the influence. The suspect was also in possession of Marijuana and was charged with violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act.
BANKS COUNTY On August 2nd, Cpl. Adam Loudermilk responded to a drowning call at the Banks County Watershed on Purvis Rd. The victim was a 15 year old male and was recovered in 11 feet of water approximately 10-15 feet from the bank.
HART COUNTY On July 29th, Cpl. Craig Fulghum and RFC Tim Vickery patrolled Lake Hartwell. During the patrol they issued two citations for boating violations.

Region III- Thomson (East Central)
OCONEE COUNTY On Monday July 30th, Cpl. Julian Wilkins, RFC Phillip Nelson and Tech 3 Kevin Von Seggern checked on a complaint of a subject having two fawn deer in a pen. The subject did have two deer in a pen when they arrived that she had been taking care of them for several weeks. The deer were taken and she was written for holding game animals without a permit.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY RFC Phillip Nelson held a three day archery camp at the recreation park and had approx. 50 students. This was a beginner's class and the students ranged in age from six up to adult. The class was held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights.
WILKES COUNTY On August 4th while patrolling Clarks Hill WMA, Corporal Mark Patterson encountered three adults and one juvenile involved in the illegal use of ATV's on a WMA. These violations were documented and the subjects involved were provided information on WMA regulations.
RICHMOND COUNTY On July 29th, Cpl. Ben Payne and RFC Jeff Billips patrolled the Savannah River checking boats for violations and checking fishing activity. Several vessels were stopped and citations given for insufficient PFD's and allowing persons to ride the bow. Warnings were given for no throwable device and no fire extinguisher. Boat traffic was steady with most people hanging out on sand bars.
LINCOLN COUNTY On August 2nd, Cpl. Ryan Swain and RFC Bobby Timmerman investigated a boating incident that occurred on Little River at Clay Hill Rd. Officers found that the boat was traveling up Little River during the hours of darkness. The boat struck an underwater stump causing the driver and passenger to be ejected. The vessel then capsized. The victims were taken to shore by a passerby. No injuries were reported. No citations were issued.
LAKE OCONEE On Sunday, July 29th, Sgt. John Harwell, Cpl. Derrell Worth, RFC Freddie Hays, and RFC Richard Tanner patrolled Lake Oconee checking for safety violations. Several violations were noticed and operators were cited for operating a vessel without PFD, allowing child under 10 to ride in moving vessel without wearing PFD, and towing skier without observer on PWC.
On Saturday, August 4th, Sgt. John Harwell, Cpl. Derrell Worth, RFC Ricky Boles, and RFC Richard Tanner patrolled Lake Oconee checking for safety violations. Several violations were noted and citations were issued for allowing person to ride on bow /

gunwale of vessel, towing skier without observer on PWC, and operating vessel without registration.
NEWTON COUNTY On Friday, August 3rd, RFC Freddie Hays patrolled the Yellow River and Porterdale Park area of Newton County. Violations were noticed for several offenses. RFC Hays issued 4 citations for fishing without a license and one citation for operating vessel with insufficient PFD.
On Saturday, August 4th, RFC Freddie Hays worked a DNR booth at the Buck-a-Rama. RFC Hays helped answer numerous questions from the public on boating laws, wildlife laws, and careers as a conservation ranger.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
PUTNAM COUNTY On August 1st Sgt. Bo Kelly assisted the GSP Dive Team on Lake Sinclair with training exercises.
On August 3rd US Forest Service Officer Zach Nichols and Cpl. Bubba Stanford patrolled the Oconee National Forest in Putnam County. Numerous people were checked and citations were issued for underage drinking and cutting of live trees on federal land.
On August 4th Cpl. Robert Stilwell and Cpl. Bubba Stanford patrolled Lake Sinclair. One subject was arrested for operating a vessel under the influence and was transported to the Putnam County Jail.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
DECATUR COUNTY On August 2nd, Sgt. Rick Sellars and Ranger Kevin Goss responded to a 911 call in reference to a drowning in southern Decatur County. The incident occurred when 3 Hispanic males capsized a canoe while fishing in a small farm pond. Two of the fishermen swam to safety, but were unable to help the other man to shore. Sgt. Sellars, Ranger Jace Heard, and Decatur County Deputies recovered the victim early the next morning.
DOUGHERTY COUNTY On August 4th, Sgt. David Ruddell observed a person riding on the bow of an approaching vessel. Sgt. Ruddell approached the vessel to advise the operator of the violation and detected the use of alcohol on the part of the operator. Cpl. Robbie Griner and RFC Jon Penuel arrived to assist. Cpl. Griner administered field sobriety exercises to the operator and subsequently arrested and transported him to the Dougherty County Jail for operating a vessel under the influence and allowing a person to ride the bow. The passenger riding the bow was also charged for his role in the safety violation.

Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On July 29th, Cpl. Eddie Akins and Cpl. Mike Wilcox responded to a call about a stranded vessel on the Savannah River. The officers took a can of gas and located the vessel a few miles upstream from Abercorn Creek. The vessel and the occupants returned safely.
On August 4th, Sgt. Don Dasher and Cpl. Mike Wilcox patrolled the Savannah River between Ebenezer and Tuckasee King landings by vessel. Cpl. Eddie Akins checked boat landings in the area from the land. Several violations were documented: Operating an overloaded vessel, improper registration, and operating a vessel with insufficient PFDs.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRYAN COUNTY On July29th, Sgt. James Shelton and Ranger Trey Taylor received a call from the Bryan County Sheriff's Dept. regarding an abandoned truck at the old Bryan Fisherman's Co-op dock. No one was found in the area but it was believed that someone had slid a small boat into the creek at the dock. The rangers then went on boat patrol in the St. Catherine's Sound and Ossabaw Island areas. They found a fisherman in a small boat near the Co-op dock and advised him that the Co-op dock area is privately owned. Two other boaters were cited for operating without a boat registration and for operating without life jackets.
On August 3rd, RFC Jack Thain and Ranger Taylor checked the privately owned dock at the old Bryan Fisherman's Co-op dock and cited two persons for fishing without permission.
LIBERTY COUNTY On August 4th, Ranger Trey Taylor and RFC Jack Thain patrolled the Medway River and St. Catherine's Sound areas, citing one boater near Sunbury for operating without life jackets.