Field operations weekly report, 2012 August 26-September 1

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report August 26 September 1, 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 26th, Cpl. Lee Burns and Intern Chris Ellis patrolled Allatoona Lake near Red Top Mountain State Park. Cpl. Burns stopped a vessel at Bethany Bridge for a no-wake violation and immediately noticed a strong odor of alcohol from the female driver. Cpl. Burns administered field sobriety test and verified the operator to be under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and charged for operating a vessel under the influence and failure to obey regulatory maker.
On September 1st, Sgt. Mike Barr, RFC Brooks Varnell, and his K-9 "Rock" were patrolling Bartow County on Sugar Valley Road. Sgt. Barr noticed a vehicle pulled into the edge of the woods at a large farm. RFC Varnell located an entrance to the property and as they were pulling in, two young men on an ATV came out of a field carrying a shotgun. When they saw the DNR truck, they quickly ran on the ATV and hid the shotgun in the woods. The DNR Rangers located the shotgun and shells and then followed the two men back to the field they had come from where they found several other young men hunting doves. Several of the men did not have licenses, had unplugged shotguns, and did not have proof of their hunter safety certification. RFC Varnell made charges for the license violations and warned all for the unplugged guns and hunter safety certifications.
On September 1st, Cpl. Byron Young and Ranger Zack Hardy checked dove hunters off Beasley Road. The officers checked one hunter that had taken over the daily bag limit of 15. The hunter was in possession of 21 doves. The hunter was issued one citation for taking over the daily limit for doves.
CARROLL COUNTY On September 1st, Cpl. Eric Brown was patrolling Carroll County for dove hunting activity. A baited field was located in the Villa Rica area where two subjects were charged with placing bait. Two other subjects were warned for hunting with unplugged guns.
CHEROKEE COUNTY On August 27th, Sgt. Mike Barr and Cpl. Chip Cox responded to a call for assistance on Lake Allatoona near Little River in reference to a boat on fire. On arrival, the rangers found a pontoon boat completely burned down to the metal pontoons. The occupants stated that a theft the previous night on the vessel left exposed cut wires and while operating, the boat caught fire. They stated they attempted to put out the fire with their fire extinguisher but it was faulty and would not operate. The passengers abandoned the boat and swam to shore. Cpl. Cox completed the required boating incident report due to the total loss of the vessel.

On September 1st, Cpl. Lee Burns and RFC Barton Hendrix patrolled Cherokee County for dove hunters. The Rangers heard three different shots off in the distance behind a locked gate. They left their vehicles and walked approximately a mile to a power line where they found five hunters hunting a food plot baited with millet seed and cracked corn. Cpl. Burns left RFC Hendrix with the group and located another group of nine hunting a legal food plot planted in chufa. This group had a total of three birds and where shooting clay targets to make the almost uneventful day more enjoyable. The first group of five advised the rangers they had paid $75.00 a piece to shoot doves and did not know the food plot was baited. The hunting guide was contacted and asked to come to the field to assist in clearing up the accusations. The guide arrived, but denied placing the egregious amount of bait on the food plot. The rangers charged the three adults for hunting over bait and verbally warned the juveniles for hunting over bait.
COBB COUNTY On September 1st at 5:45am, Sgt. Mike Barr received a call to assist the GBI regarding a child abduction in Austell. Sgt. Barr contacted Cpl. Chip Cox, Cpl. Lee Burns, Cpl. Byron Young, RFC Brooks Varnell, RFC Bart Hendrix, and Ranger Zack Hardy to operate as the Child Abduction Response Team. Cpl. Cox assisted the team with Google Earth searches of the terrain in the area of the abduction and directions to the command center. All other DNR Rangers responded with search and rescue equipment. The event ended shortly when the child was discovered in a vehicle near the residence.
GILMER COUNTY On August 26th, RFC Joe Hill patrolled the Cartecay River. He issued citations to several kayakers for operating vessel without PFD's.
HARALSON COUNTY On September 1st, Sgt. Ricky Dempsey, RFC Chad Cox and Wildlife Tech. Daniel Gray were patrolling for dove fields in Haralson County. They located a baited field that had

ten men and three juveniles hunting on it. The area they were hunting had been plowed and then cracked corn, millet, and sunflower seeds were put out. The rangers issued citations for hunting over bait and warnings for hunting without a license, hunting with an unplugged gun and hunting without a HIP license.
On Saturday September 1st, Sgt. Ricky Dempsey, Cpl. Eric Brown, RFC Chad Cox and Wildlife Tech. Daniel Gray assisted US Fish and Wildlife agents with a baited dove field. There were four adults and three juveniles on the field hunting. Multiple violations were found with each subject and all charges are being filed by the US Fish and Wildlife Agents in federal court.
WHITFIELD COUNTY On September 1st, Capt. Johnny Johnson, Sgt. John VanLandingham, and RFC Cody Jones checked two fishermen along Coahulla Creek. While checking the fishermen, officers found one man to be in possession of marijuana and the other fisherman did not have a fishing license. The subjects were issued citations for fishing without a license and possession of marijuana less than one ounce.
On September 1st, DNR rangers patrolled Whitfield County for dove hunters. One field with 36 hunters was checked and was found to be baited. Officers issued citations to the adults on the field for hunting over bait. 76 birds were confiscated.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
DEKALB COUNTY On August 28th, Cpl. Eric Sanders conducted a two hour Hunter Safety Course at the Dekalb Park and Recreation Center in Tucker. A total of 28 students were certified in Hunter Education.
On August 28th, Cpl. Eric Sanders stopped a vehicle on Hugh Howell Road for a U-turn. Dekalb County P.D. was contacted for assistance. The driver was arrested for the driving without a license, illegal drive out tag, and the illegal U-turn.
FORSYTH COUNTY On August 27th, RFC Brandon Pierce and volunteer Hunter Safety Instructor Verne Fowler conducted a two hour CD Hunter Safety Course. A total of twenty-two students took the exam and all were certified.
On August 31st, RFC Brandon Pierce and RFC Mitchell Crump patrolled Lake Lanier for boating safety/fishing activity. A total of ten boats and one fishing license were inspected. As a result, two violations were documented. The violations consisted of operating a vessel with improper lights and operating a vessel with an unserviceable fire extinguisher. Verbal guidance was given on occasion to be compliance with the laws of the state. After the rangers were off of the lake GSP Dispatch contacted them reference a boat without lights at Buford Dam. The rangers made contact with the boat. A citation was issued for failure to display anchor light.

On September 1st, RFC Brandon Pierce and Sgt. Lee Brown patrolled Forsyth County the opening day of dove season. Numerous fields were checked containing nineteen hunters. The checks resulted in no violations being documented.
On September 1st, RFC Brandon Pierce and a Gwinnett County Police Department Officer patrolled Lake Lanier for boating safety/fishing activity for the holiday weekend. A total of eight boats and four fishing licenses were checked. As a result, five violations were documented. The violations consisted of towing a skier with a PWC without an observer on board, operating a vessel with improper registration, operating vessel without fire extinguisher, operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's, and allowing a person to ride the bow/gunwale. Verbal guidance was given on numerous occasions.
HALL COUNTY On August 30th, RFC Eric Isom and his K9 "Colt" conducted an afternoon search by vessel for a possible downing victim on Lake Lanier. RFC Isom also checked several boats and fishing licenses while on vessel patrol.
On August 31st, RFC Eric Isom assisted Hall County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for evidence recovery search in a wooded environment near Lake Lanier.
On September 1st, RFC Mark Stephens responded to a boating incident at Port Royale Marina where a young child broke his leg. Forsyth County Fire and Rescue treated and transported the child to the hospital.
On September 1st, RFC Mark Stephens was patrolling Lake Sidney Lanier by vessel when he observed an individual throwing a cast net near Burton Mill Park. Officer Stephens confiscated 526 Bream and issued citations to the individual.
On August 31st, RFC Mark Stephens assisted with the GBI in trying to locate evidence related to a homicide that occurred near Lake Sidney Lanier in Hall County Georgia.
On August 31st, Cpl. Jason Roberson arrested a subject for operating a vessel under the influence in Lake Lanier.
On August 26th, Cpl. Adam Loudermilk and RFC Mitchell Crump were patrolling Lake Lanier for boating and fishing activity. The rangers assisted a boat that had mechanical problems by towing them back to Little River boat ramp.
On August 31st, Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC Barry Britt patrolled Lake Lanier for boating and fishing violations. Two violations were documented, towing skier after sunset and operating a vessel with improper lights.
On September 1st, RFC Mitchell Crump and a Gwinnett County P.D. Officer patrolled Lake Lanier for boating and fishing activity. The officers issued citations for allowing

underage to ride in a moving vessel without wearing a PFD. The officers also arrested a subject for boating under the influence and operating with improper lights.
JACKSON COUNTY On August 27th, RFC Eric Isom and his K9 "Colt" attended community helpers' day at Jefferson Elementary. Ten classes visited RFC Isom's station. He explained the duties of a Conservation Officer, gave the classes safety tips, and Colt demonstrated his abilities in evidence recovery.
On August 30th, RFC Eric Isom met with a landowner in Jackson County off Hwy 129. RFC Isom preformed a courtesy inspection of his dove field and explained the law in preparing a dove field.
On September 1st, RFC Eric Isom and his K9 "Colt" worked the opening day of dove season. RFC Isom located one adult subject and a juvenile hunting before the opening season at twelve o'clock. RFC Isom located a baited field before being hunted and flagged the field as baited. He advised the hunters that they could not hunt this area. RFC Isom checked five dove fields and forty-nine hunters. Two fields were found to be baited with crack corn, birdseed, and wheat. The Fields were flagged, all hunting was stopped, and all illegally killed wildlife was confiscated. RFC Isom issued citations, written warnings, and verbal warnings for hunting over bait, possession of illegally taken wildlife, hunting with an unplugged shotgun, hunting without a license, and hunting without a HIP permit.
On September 1st, RFC Isom and Wildlife Tech Brandon Walls responded to a hunting incident on a dove field were an eleven year olds firearm discharged striking a thirteen year old in the leg. Jackson County Emergency personal stabilized the victim at the scene. He was then flown to Eggleston Children's Hospital in Atlanta.
FRANKLIN COUNTY On September 1st, Cpl. Craig Fulghum and Captain Mark Padgett patrolled Lake Hartwell by patrol boat. Cpl. Fulghum issued 4 boating citations and 1 citation for fishing without a license. The boating violations included 100 foot violations, towing skier without observers, and allowing underage children to ride in a moving vessel without wearing life jackets.
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On September 1 , Ranger First Class Tim Vickery and Corporal Bill Bunch were patrolling for dove hunting activity in Franklin County when they noticed some hunters in a pasture near a house on Strange Road. The Rangers pulled down the driveway and noticed several individuals dressed in camouflage sitting near a pasture fence on the edge of the yard. They also saw a couple of hunters in the pasture. While talking to the hunters and checking their guns and licenses, Cpl. Bunch noticed birdseed and millet scattered around the fence and in the yard. While checking the hunters in the pasture, RFC Vickery noticed a strip that had been mowed close to the ground that had millet scattered on it. The Rangers talked to the landowner and determined that he had put the seed out. He stated that he would be responsible for the baited area and was written a

citation for unlawful enticement of game. One of the other hunters was also written a warning for hunting without a license. The Rangers posted the area with No Hunting Baited Area signs.
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On September 1 , RFC Vickery and Cpl. Bunch were patrolling when they heard a shoot off of Andrews Road in Franklin County. The Rangers pulled up to the field and began checking licenses and guns. There were three adults on the field. Ranger Vickery checked two of the hunters that were in possession of a total of 41 mourning doves. Ranger Bunch checked the other individual who was in possession of 48 mourning doves. One of the subjects that Ranger Vickery checked stated that he had only shot 6 or 7 of the birds in his possession, but that someone had just left the field with 7 or 8 others that he had shot previously. He stated that the other subject standing next to him had shot the other 35. His friend agreed and was cited for taking over the daily bag limit. Ranger Bunch also charged the individual he checked for taking over the daily bag limit. The Rangers confiscated the 89 doves.
MADISON COUNTY On September 1, RFC Shane Sartor and Wildlife Tech Eric Wood patrolled Madison County checking dove fields. Citations were issued for hunting over bait and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
COLUMBIA COUNTY On September 1st, Cpl. Ryan Swain and Cpl. Brian Hobbins were on boat patrol at Clarks Hill Lake. The two Officers found 1 subject operating a PWC without a CGA PFD. A vessel stop was performed. The operator was found to be under the influence of Alcohol. The operator was arrested and committed to the Columbia County Jail for BUI and Operating a PWC W/O CGA PFD.
LINCOLN COUNTY On September 2nd, Sgt. Doyte Chaffin and Cpl. Brian Hobbins checked an in progress Dove Shoot off Hwy 47. Officer's investigation found the field to be baited. Officers flagged the field and cited 6 subjects for hunting over bait and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The doves were seized and taken to a needy family.
WARREN COUNTY On September 1st, Sgt. Doyte Chaffin and RFC Brian Adams checked an in progress Dove Shoot. Officer's investigation found the field to be baited. Officers flagged the field and cited 3 subjects for hunting over bait and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The doves were seized and taken to a needy family.
HANCOCK COUNTY On September 2nd, RFC Brian Adams checked an in progress Dove Shoot. Officer's investigation found the field to be baited. RFC Adams flagged the field and cited 1 subject for hunting over bait.

TALIAFERRO COUNTY On September 1st, RFC Leroy Ficklin and RFC Bobby Timmerman patrolled the county for dove hunting activity. Several in progress dove shoots were checked. No citations were issued. One subject was warned for no HIP license.
WILKES COUNTY Sgt. Brian Carter and Cpl. Mark Patterson caught two subjects with over the bag limit of mourning doves on Saturday September 1st. Both subjects were issued a citation and the doves were confiscated.
LAKE OCONEE On Saturday September 1st, Cpl. David Allen and RFC Richard Tanner patrolled Lake Oconee checking for safety compliance. Several vessels were stopped and operators were cited for violations including failure to obey regulatory marker, towing skier between sunset and sunrise, operating PWC between sunset and sunrise, and operating vessel under the influence.
On Saturday September 1st, at approximately 9 PM, Cpl. David Allen and RFC Richard Tanner were patrolling Lake Oconee when they noticed a PWC traveling toward them. The Rangers took evasive maneuvers to avoid colliding with the PWC and attempted to stop the vessel. After approximately 100 yards, the vessel came to a stop. During the vessel stop, the Rangers noticed the operator was showing signs of alcohol impairment and Cpl. David Allen asked the operator to complete field sobriety exercises. At the conclusion of the exercises it was determined the operator was under the influence of alcohol. The operator was placed under arrest for operating a vessel under the influence and operating a PWC between sunset and sunrise and transported to the Greene County Jail.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
TWIGGS COUNTY While patrolling for dove hunting activity in Upson County on Saturday, September 1st, RFC Billy Bryant received a call around 6:00 p.m. from Captain Bob Lynn and Corporal Robert Stillwell requesting K-9 assistance in Twiggs County. The Rangers requested K-9 Drake to locate a shotgun that a suspect hid after running from the Rangers on a baited dove field. RFC Bryant and K-9 Drake arrived on scene around 7:30 p.m. and began searching for the gun. At approximately 8:00 p.m., K-9 Drake located the shotgun.
UPSON COUNTY On September 1st, while listening for dove hunting activity in Upson County with RFC Keith Page, Cpl. Susan Morris heard radio traffic from the Upson County 911 dispatch of a complaint of gun shots being fired in the county. Morris notified the 911 dispatch that she would respond to the complaint. When she arrived and started checking the hunters, she noticed they were hunting in a briar patch which had been recently bush hogged - the

ground was covered with wheat. Six hunters were on the field and all were charged with hunting over bait.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
TURNER COUNTY On August 27th, Cpl. Greg Wade received a complaint that an individual was attempting to take an alligator with a baited alligator hook. Cpl. Wade and Ranger Chad Hulsey conducted an interview with the suspect, who then directed them to the pond where he and a friend had placed the hook. The officers then contacted the landowner and found the two individuals did not have permission to be hunting on the property. Both subjects were charged with hunting alligators out of season, hunting with unlawful devices, and hunting without permission.
DOUGHERTY On August 26th, Corporal Robbie Griner and RFC Jon Penuel patrolled Lake Worth for boating activity. During the patrol the rangers encountered a vessel with a subject riding on the gunwale. After stopping the boat for the violation, it was determined that the operator was under the influence of alcohol. He was transported to the Dougherty County Jail and charged with operating a vessel under the influence, child endangerment, and allowing a subject to ride the gunwale.
On September 1st, Ranger Chris Carlisle and Sgt. David Ruddell patrolled Chickasawhatchee and Albany Nursery WMA during the quota dove hunt. While checking hunters at Albany Nursery, Ranger Carlisle encountered a hunter who was not permitted for the quota hunt. A citation was issued for hunting without a quota hunt permit and a warning for failure to participate in migratory bird HIP program.
On September 1st, Ranger Chris Carlisle and Sgt. David Ruddell were patrolling around sunset when they heard several shots nearby. After further investigation, the officers located a group of hunters shooting dove going to a roost. Several citations and warnings were issued including hunting with an unplugged shotgun, hunting without a license and hunting migratory birds after hours.
COLQUITT COUNTY On September 1st, RFC Jon Penuel was patrolling for dove activity when he located three subjects hunting crows. As Ranger Penuel was checking the first hunter, he noticed that the two other hunters had disappeared into the woods. After searching the area for approximately 30 minutes, RFC Penuel located a subject and a young child hiding in the brush. Both adult subjects were issued warnings for hunting out of season and the subject that fled was charged with failure to allow inspection.
On August 29th, Cpl. Greg Wade and Cpl. Al Greer investigated a complaint of an individual illegally taking an alligator. During an interview with the suspect, it was discovered that two others had assisted in the taking of the alligator. All three subjects

were charged with hunting alligators out of season, hunting with unlawful devices, and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
Cpl. Greg Wade with illegally taken alligator.
LAKE SEMINOLE On August 31st, Sgt. Rick Sellars, RFC Tony Cox, and Ranger Jace Heard conducted a boating patrol citing two subjects for taking game-fish while bow-fishing, and one for fishing without a license. On September 1st, Sgt. Rick Sellars, RFC Tony Cox, Cpl. Randy Davis, and rangers Jace Heard and Kevin Goss conducted alligator hunting patrols, citing three subjects for hunting without a license, one for possession of illegal weapon [rifle], and a vessel operator for BUI. STEWART COUNTY On September 1st, Sgt. Butch Potter and Cpl. Scott Carroll conducted a patrol on Lake WF George to check hunters during the opening of alligator season. During the patrol, five hunters were cited for hunting alligators in an unauthorized area.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On August 19th, RFC Jamey O'Brien and Sgt Don Dasher patrolled and checked boat landings for boating/fishing violations, no violations were detected. On August 25th, RFC Jamey O'Brien and Cpl. David Sims patrolled the Savannah River, areas checked were I 95 bridge, Ebenezer Landing and Tucksee King Landings. Several vessels were checked, verbal guidance was given to an individual who did not have his

fishing license on person. Rangers O'Brien and Sims also assisted the Effingham County Sheriff's Department when a call came through about a truck in the river. According to witnesses, a subject was attempting to back down onto the boat ramp at Ebenezer Landing when his clutch malfunctioned on his truck, as a result his truck and empty boat trailer both rolled into the river and were completely submerged under water. A towing/recovery team was able to quickly locate the truck and trailer and remove it from the water. No one was injured during the incident.
On August 31st, RFC Jamey O'Brien, Cpl. Eddie Akins and Cpl. David Sims patrolled the county for illegal alligator hunting activity. Several boat landings and local areas along the Savannah River were checked. One alligator hunter was checked, no violations were detected.
On September 1st, RFC Jamey O'Brien, Cpl. Eddie Akins and Sgt. Don Dasher patrolled for illegal dove hunting activity, no violations were detected. Rangers also patrolled the Savannah River by boat for illegal alligator hunting activity and one vessel was checked with no violations.
EMANUEL COUNTY On August 28th Cpl. Dave Sims received a complaint of a deer being dumped in a creek on County Road 141 near Kite in Emanuel County. Cpl. Sims determined the buck deer had been dragged behind a vehicle from property located off Cow Ford Branch Road several miles away. Cpl Sims located the subject that dumped the deer as well as the subject that shot the illegal buck while hunting on a crop damage permit. Violations were noted for violation of a deer control permit and littering. The subjects volunteered to retrieve the deer from the creek and properly dispose of it.
On September 1st, Cpl. Dave Sims approached a dove shoot when someone shouted and the four hunters ran from the field. Cpl. Sims apprehended two of the hunters who ran to the adjacent property and within minutes had the identity of the other two. Cell phones were called and the runners returned to the property. Cpl. Mike Wilcox arrived at the scene and assisted with evidence collection and interviews. Three adults were charged and two juveniles were given verbal guidance. Violations were noted for unlawful enticement, hunting over bait, hunting with an unplugged shotgun and refusing inspection of license.
BULLOCH COUNTY On September 1st, Cpl. Eddie Akins, Sgt. Don Dasher and RFC Jamey O'Brien worked the opening day of dove season in Bulloch County. Their efforts resulted in 60 hunters being checked with a total of 339 birds being killed. Verbal guidance was given to two hunters for failure to have a HIP permit.
PIERCE COUNTY On September 1st, SGT Patrick Dupree, Cpl. Jason Shipes, RFC Mark Pool & RGR Sam Williams patrolled for dove-hunting activity. Two active shoots were located, one of which was baited with cracked corn. Seventeen violations were encountered on the fields

including hunting over bait, possession of illegally-taken wildlife, taking over the limit, hunting with unplugged shotguns & hunting without licenses. Eighty-two illegally-taken doves were confiscated.
APPLING COUNTY On the opening weekend of dove season, RFC Chase Altman and RFC Clint Jarriel worked a complaint of hunting from a public road in front of a residence. Four subjects were found to be driving roads and hunting birds. One subject was charged with hunting from a public road and hunting without a license. Warnings were given for hunting with an unplugged shotgun and hunting without permission.
JEFF DAVIS COUNTY While on patrol on opening day of dove season, RFC Altman and Cpl Barnard checked a field in Jeff Davis County. This resulted in two violations for hunting w/o a license, and one violation for over the limit of doves.
TATTNALL COUNTY On September 1st, RFC Clint Jarriel and RFC Debbie Brannen patrolled fields in Tattnall County in an effort to check hunting for the opening of the 2012 dove season. Many fields were checked along with numerous hunters (Resident & Non-Resident). There was verbal guidance given to young people about hunting doves along with their equipment. One baited field was discovered and the officers confiscated 14 doves due to illegal violations. Violations included: hunting with an unplugged shotgun, replacement of the HIP(Hunter Information Program)Stamp on the license, and hunting over bait.
LAURENS COUNTY On August 25th , Cpl. James McLaughlin assisted Cpl. Michael Crawley with an ongoing investigation in Laurens County that originated in Washington County. Cpl. Crawley received information that a 9-point buck was killed at night in Washington County. After speaking with all parties involved, numerous violations were documented, ranging from hunting deer at night to trapping without a license. Several violations were also detected at the taxidermist. The officers are still working on the case.

On September 1st, Cpl. Dan Stiles and RFC Allen Mills checked hunters on a dove field in Laurens County. Three of the hunters did not have hunting licenses or HIP licenses. Seven violations were documented.
DODGE COUNTY On August 26th, at approximately 5:00p.m., RFC Allen Mills was on patrol at Dodge PFA when he observed two individuals fishing from the bank. One of the anglers was fishing without a WMA license and was issued a written warning. RFC Mills also gave 7 visitors to the area verbal guidance in reference to G.O.R.P requirements.
TELFAIR COUNTY While on routine patrol on August 24th, Cpl. James McLaughlin heard on the radio that an irate citizen was in the Courthouse threatening to kill the employees about a dispute with his taxes. Cpl McLaughlin responded to the County Offices along with officers from the Telfair County Sheriff's Office. The situation was quickly diffused and no one was injured.
WILCOX COUNTY On September 1st Cpl. John A Stokes, Cpl. James McLaughlin and Sgt. Wade Fulford patrolled for dove hunting. One person was found to be over the limit of birds and a few hunters did not have HIP license.
WHEELER COUNTY On September 1st, RFC Rodney Horne and Sgt. David Reckley were patrolling dove hunting in Wheeler County. RFC Horne and Sgt. Reckley located two baited fields. These two fields resulted in twelve violations which consisted of unlawful enticement of wildlife, hunting doves over bait, hunting with an unplugged shotgun, hunting without a license, and hunting while privileges are suspended.
COFFEE COUNTY On September 1st, Sgt. Damon Winters, RFC Joe Hilton, RFC Tim Hutto, and RFC Keith McDonald, along with the Georgia State Patrol Aviation Unit worked a high visibility aggressive patrol intended to achieve the greatest amount of contact with the hunting public as possible during the time of the detail. During the first two hours of the detail, several dove fields were identified, but the shoots had not started yet. Once the air unit located active dove shoots, the ground teams were able to check five shoots in just over an hour and several violations were documented. The air unit had to go re-fuel and return on station. On the way to re-fuel, RFC Hilton observed a vehicle parked in the woods behind the "Sand Ridge" area of Coffee County, RFC Hilton advised the pilot to circle the area. As they circled, RFC Hilton observed a large patch of marijuana and a subject leaving the patch getting into his vehicle and driving away. RFC Hilton called Sgt. Winters and advised him of what he had observed and that he was following the vehicle so that he could direct Sgt. Winters to stop the vehicle. Sgt. Winters was able to stop the subject approximately five miles away from the marijuana patch. Sgt. Winters called Coffee County SO and advised them of the situation. It was found that the suspect had warrants in Florida, and he was arrested and transported to the Coffee County Jail. RFC

Hutto and RFC McDonald were sent to secure the area where the marijuana was growing. They were able to use K9 Gage to track where the suspect had been. Coffee County units arrived at the scene, along with the rest of the DNR units and it took approximately four hours to seize the plants. This was the second largest marijuana arrest in the past eight years. The number of plants seized was 631 with an ongoing investigation.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRYAN COUNTY On Aug. 26th, RFC Jack Thain and Cpl. Phillip Scott patrolled the St. Catherine's Sound area, citing one boater for operating a vessel without enough life jackets.
On Sept. 1st, Cpl. Phillip Scott and Ranger Trey Taylor patrolled northern Bryan Co. checking three dove fields and 13 hunters. No violations were found. Later that evening, they patrolled the boat ramps and WMA in south Bryan, citing three persons at Ft. McAllister ramp for fishing without licenses.
On Sept. 1st, Sgt. James Shelton and Cpl. Jay Morgan conducted a salt-water patrol from the Ogeechee River down to Sapelo Sound. No violations were found.
LIBERTY COUNTY On Sept. 1st, RFC Jack Thain and Ranger Jason Miller patrolled Liberty Co. checking three dove fields and 13 hunters. One hunter was cited for hunting doves with an unplugged shotgun.
WAYNE COUNTY On September 1, 2012 RFC Randy Aspinwall, Sgt Mark Carson, Cpl Chris Ridley, Ranger Kiel Toney, and Ranger Kate Hargrove patrolled Wayne County for dove hunting activity. A baited dove field was found with 2 hunters on the field. Citations were written for hunting over bait. Other fields and hunters were checked throughout the county and citations were written for over the bag limit (32 doves), unplugged shotguns (x2), and no hunting license.
LONG COUNTY On Saturday, September 1st, while on patrol for the opening day of dove season, Cpl Bobby White and Ranger Jeremy Reese checked a baited dove shoot. 5 citations, and 2 warnings were written and 8 doves were confiscated. The field was baited with cracked corn.
BRANLTEY COUNTY On September 1st, Sgt. Chris Hodge, Cpl. Billy Reed, and RFC John Evans were on patrol for dove hunters when they discovered a baited dove field near the Buffalo Creek area of Brantley County. Officers checked all hunters and cited several of them for violations for hunting with unplugged guns, hunting over bait, and also cited the owner of the field for unlawful enticement of game. Officers also confiscated all birds taken from the field.

On the night of September 1st, Sgt. Chris Hodge was working night hunting activity in Brantley County. Around 11:30 p.m. that evening, Sgt. Hodge observed a pickup truck pull into the field and shine its headlights in several directions across the field. Sgt. Hodge then stopped the vehicle to question the occupants and discovered that there were two firearms in the vehicle. Both subjects admitted that they were looking in the field to shoot a deer. Both subjects were cited for Hunting Deer at Night and released.
CAMDEN COUNTY On September 1st, while on foot patrol, Cpl. Wil Smith noticed a suspicious truck traveling down a dirt road towards where his vehicle was parked. When the driver spotted Cpl. Smith's vehicle, the driver turned the truck around and left the area quickly. Cpl. Smith ran back to his patrol vehicle and pursed the truck. When Cpl. Smith stopped the vehicle, he detected a strong odor of alcohol on the driver's breath. After failing several field sobriety exercises, the driver was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence of alcohol. A test of the driver's breath revealed a BAC% 0.115.
GLYNN COUNTY On August 26th, RFC David Brady completed an investigation in which two subjects had set a hook to catch an alligator in a pond by a nearby residence. The subjects had posted information on the internet and subsequently RFC Brady was able to make contact them. Both men were cited for Hunting Alligators out of season and Possession of Alligators.
CHATHAM COUNTY On August 26, Ranger Kate Hargrove, Cpl. Chris Moore and Sgt. Cindy Miller patrolled the salt waters of Chatham County after dark. Several boats were checked. Two individuals were cited for operating a vessel without having enough life jackets.
On August 27, Cpl. Chris Moore and Sgt. Cindy Miller patrolled the salt waters of Chatham County early in the morning checking flounder fishermen. One individual was cited for gigging fish illegally in salt water. The individual had gigged a Sheepshead. On September 1, Cpl. Bill Bryson and Sgt. Cindy Miller patrolled Grays Reef. The Rangers checked several boats at Grays Reef. One boat was cited for undersized Black Sea Bass and over the limit of Black Sea Bass.