Field operations weekly report, 2012 September 22-29

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report September 23-29, 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)
CARROLL COUNTY On September 28th, Cpl. Eric Brown responded to Roopville Elementary School in reference to two female students that were missing. Cpl. Brown was the first on scene and assisted school officials and the Carroll County Sheriff's Office in a search for the girls. During the search, it was determined that the girls had possibly ran away. After four hours of searching, the girls were located unharmed in a field about a mile from the school.
CATOOSA COUNTY On September 23rd, RFC McConkey was patrolling known hunting locations in Catoosa Co. and found a vehicle at a location where bait had been located in the past. The Ranger checked the hunting license status of the subject on his vehicle computer and found him not to have all the licenses needed to hunt big game in Georgia. The Ranger entered the woods and located the subject on the four acre tract of property. The subject was found to be hunting deer over bait and charged with the violation. The subject was warned on the license violation.
GILMER COUNTY On September 28th, RFC Joe Hill was patrolling Rich Mountain WMA and the Chattahoochee National Forest when he drove up on a party with several juveniles and young adults drinking alcoholic beverages. RFC Hill issued several citations for possession of alcohol by underage person. The juveniles were released to their parents.
MURRAY COUNTY On September 29th, Cpl. James Keener and Cpl. Shawn Elmore responded to a complaint from Cpl. Jones (off duty) in the area of Couch Road and Hwy 225 in reference to a deer having been killed with a firearm. After making contact with witnesses, the officers called for assistance from RFC Brooks Varnell and K-9 "Rock." The three officers used the K-9 to track the suspect to a residence. K-9 "Rock" alerted on the trunk of a small car in the driveway of the residence where the illegally taken deer was located inside a cooler within the trunk. K-9 "Rock" was then used to backtrack the suspect to the location where the deer was harvested. After a lengthy investigation, the officers were able to make an arrest and recover not one but two deer that had been killed with a firearm during the archery season. The suspect was subsequently charged with hunting out of season (2 counts), possession of illegally taken wildlife (2 counts), hunting without a license, and hunting without a big game license.

Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
RABUN COUNTY On Saturday September 29th , Cpl. Derek Dillard and a Northeast Georgia Drug Task Force Agent searched an area on US Forest Service property for some marijuana plants. The officers located several plots with marijuana plants growing in them and decided to conduct surveillance on the plots for a while. Two subjects were encountered harvesting the marijuana and a foot chase ensued. Captain Mark Padgett, Sergeant Steve Seitz, and RFC Kevin Dyer along with a Georgia Department of Corrections tracking dog team arrived on scene and assisted with the search for the subjects. Subsequently the two subjects were located near the area and arrested. A search warrant was conducted on the residence of one of the subjects that lived near the area. The officers seized twelve marijuana plants and other evidence from the residence that linked the subjects to the marijuana plots. The two subjects were each charged for manufacturing marijuana and one of the two subjects was additionally charged with possession of a firearm during commission of a felony and aggravated assault on a police officer.
DAWSON COUNTY On September 29th, RFC Brandon Pierce, along with Sgt. Lee Brown, RFC Mitchell Crump, David Shattuck, and Cpl. Anthony Coleman with the Georgia State Patrol conducted a road check on Dawson Forest WMA. Several vehicles and licenses were checked. As a result a few minor traffic violations were documented. Verbal guidance was given on occasion to be in compliance with the laws of the state. RFC Pierce noticed that an individual had bought a sportsman's license and failed to get a deer harvest record. RFC Pierce got some information and was able to print the subject out a new license containing a deer harvest record. The subject was appreciative and was released. On September 29th, Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC Mitchell Crump were patrolling on the City of Atlanta Tract of Dawson Forest WMA. The Rangers observed a truck backed into a side road. The Rangers stopped to investigate. There were four subjects at the back of the truck consuming alcohol. RFC Crump also observed a can used for smoking marijuana with suspected marijuana on it and also more suspected marijuana on the top of a twelve pack of beer. One subject was arrested for possession of marijuana and unlawful consumption of alcohol on a WMA. The others were issued citations for unlawful consumption of alcohol on a WMA and one of them was also issued a citation for possession of alcohol by an underage person.
Cpt. Steven Turner responded to a call when a 22 year old male fell 20-plus feet at Cochran Falls in Dawson County on September 29th. Local rescue crews from Dawson County assisted the victim on the ground, before a long-line rescue was performed and Cpt. Turner airlifted the victim out of the area. View video footage of the dramatic longline helicopter rescue (courtesy of FOX 5 Atlanta). Click here to learn more about longline rescues on our blog.
FORSYTH COUNTY On September 29th, RFC Brandon Pierce assisted an individual in the registration of their vessel. Due to several issues the vessel was unable to receive a registration. After the

paperwork was finished the subject should receive the registration. Officer Pierce also gave advice to be in compliance with the laws of the state on boating. On September 29th, Sgt. Lee Brown was called by Wildlife Technician III David Shattuck to see if he could assist with an injured raccoon in the south end of the county. Sgt. Brown responded to the area and found a raccoon dead on the curb at the address given to him by W/L Tech Shattuck. Sgt. Brown picked up the raccoon and disposed of it. The complainant was called by Sgt. Brown and advised that the situation had been handled.
GWINNETT COUNTY On September 27th, while patrolling off of Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Cpl. Eric Sanders assisted a stranded motorist. This motorist was in the lane of traffic on a very busy four lane highway. Cpl. Sanders was able to assist them with getting their vehicle off of the highway and to safe place on the shoulder of the highway.
ROCKDALE COUNTY On September 25th, Cpl. Eric Sanders conducted an investigation into some trash that he found dumped. The investigation started with a trash pile and tag number off a vehicle. Cpl. Sanders tracked down the owner of the vehicle and was able to make two littering charges. Two subjects were involved in the dumping of the trash. On September 25th, Cpl. Sanders checked a stand baited for deer. One subject was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait. Cpl. Sanders had been checking this stand since last deer season. On September 26th, Cpl. Eric Sanders took Hunter Ed CD's to two subjects. This will enable the subjects to complete the course and attend the upcoming class at Johnson Park. On this same day Cpl. Sanders went to the Wal-Mart in Conyers and dropped off the new Hunting Regulations.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
NEWTON COUNTY On September 23rd, RFC Freddie Hays found two subjects hunting deer over corn, one which was a juvenile that was accompanying his uncle. The adult was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait and the juvenile was given verbal guidance that hunting big game over bait was illegal.
WALTON COUNTY On September 23rd, RFC Freddie Hays was given an in progress complaint from Grovetown GSP dispatcher. RFC Hays contacted the complainant while in route to complaint. The complainant advised RFC Hays that he had encountered someone hunting on his hunting lease that had harvested a fawn deer with bow and he had found five baited deer stands also on the property. RFC Hays meet with the complainant and went to the area where the stands were and documented that they were baited. While checking the property RFC Hays found some dried blood under a stand and a spent 270 cal. rifle casing. The complainant provided the name of the person that he had

encountered hunting earlier. RFC Hays went to the subject's residence and interviewed the subject, whom admitted to hunting and harvesting two deer from the stands on the complaint property. One deer had been taken several days prior with a 270 rifle and another earlier that day with a bow. Citations were issued for hunting w/o permission, hunting w/o a license, hunting big game over bait, hunting deer out season and possession of illegally taken wildlife. Written warnings were given for other license violations.
On September 23rd, RFC Hays received information that a subject had been hunting deer with a shotgun during archery season and hunting over bait. RFC Hays made contact with the subject about the allegations the next day. The subject admitted to hunting with a 12 gauge shotgun. During this investigation RFC Hays also discovered that the subject did not possess any of the required hunting licenses and was hunting w/o permission. The subject was issued citations for hunting big game over bait, hunting w/o a license, and hunting out of season. Written warning was issued for other license violations.
GREENE COUNTY On Sunday, September 23rd, while patrolling Greene County, Cpl. Derrell Worth encountered two individuals archery hunting over bait. The hunters were each issued citations for hunting big game over bait.
On Saturday, September 29th, Sgt. John Harwell and Cpl. Derrell Worth encountered one archery hunter that was hunting over bait. The individual was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait.
MCDUFFIE COUNTY On September 25th, Sgt. Matt Garthright responded to a possible missing hunter. Officers' investigation found that the subject was not engaged in hunting activity. Officers found the subject deceased from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident was turned over to the McDuffie County Sheriff's Office.
WILKES COUNTY A hunter was reported lost on the evening of Saturday, September 22nd during an early rifle deer hunt on Clarks Hill WMA. Cpl. Mark Patterson got involved in the search for the lost hunter after being notified by Wilkes County Sheriff's Office. Sgt. Matt Garthright also responded to the call as well. During the early morning hours of September 23rd, this subject was located with the aid of a helicopter. This subject was deceased when found. Cpl. Jeff Billips, a Critical Incident Reconstruction Team member, was then called to start the reconstruction process along with G.B.I. Cpl. Julian Wilkins and Sgt. Doyte Chaffin were called the morning of Sept. 23 to assist with this case. Once G.B.I. arrived it was determined this was not a hunting incident. This case was turned over to G.B.I. All the above DNR officers assisted G.B.I. during the day with the investigation. RFC Phillip Nelson and WT Kevin VonSeggern also responded to the scene later in the day and assisted with a search of the wooded area for any possible evidence.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)

MERIWETHER COUNTY On September 29th Cpl. Keith Waddell, Cpl. Wanda Roberts and Sgt. Brent Railey participated in a Green Wing program with Ducks Unlimited at Big Red Oak Plantation in Gay, Georgia. Approximately 80 children shot shotguns, participated in archery, and practiced with the shooting simulator.
TALBOT COUNTY On September 28th Cpl. Jeremy Bolen investigated a hunting without permission complaint. An enforcement officer on Ft. Benning had located two hunters off the military base - the two hunters were dragging a hog they had killed. The officer determined the two hunters did not have written permission to be on the private property. Additionally, one did not have a hunting license. Cpl. Bolen spoke to the landowner and determined the owner had not given the two hunters permission to hunt on his property. The landowner requested the two offenders be given a warning for the first offense and informed them not to return to his property. Both of the hunters were issued written warnings for hunting without permission. One was issued a citation for hunting without a license.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
DODGE COUNTY On September 24, RFC Allen Mills received a call from Dodge County 911 in reference to alligator carcasses dumped on a dirt road. RFC Mills responded to the location and found two alligator carcasses over eight feet long discarded on the side of the road. RFC Mills recalled two alligators recently harvested at the Dodge County PFA that were similar in size. RFC Mills contacted the manager at the PFA and obtained a copy of the harvest sign out sheets. RFC Mills then contacted the state alligator biologist and had him provide the contact information for those individuals who had signed out the two alligators. RFC Mills discovered that one of those individuals lived only .5 miles from where the carcasses were discarded. RFC Mills then made a visit to that address and met with the individuals involved. They admitted to dumping the alligator carcasses in the road. One charge for littering was documented and the individuals agreed to remove the

carcasses from the roadside.
On September 28th, RFC Allen Mills was conducting an area check at the Dodge County PFA. RFC Mills conducted a boating safety inspection on two vessels preparing to leave the boat ramp. One vessel had only new type IV throwable devices in the vessel, and had left the newly purchased PFD's in the vehicle by mistake. A violation for operating a vessel without CGA PFD's was documented. TELFAIR COUNTY On September 27, RFC Allen Mills and Sgt. David Reckley patrolled the Horse Creek WMA during its primitive weapons big game hunt. Twelve licenses were checked and verbal guidance was provided for minor violations. On September 29th, RFC Allen Mills and Cpl. John Stokes patrolled the Horse Creek WMA during its primitive weapons big game hunt. Fifteen licenses were checked and verbal guidance was provided for minor violations. LAURENS COUNTY On September 25th, Cpl. Stiles received information concerning possible marijuana cultivation in a location of previous hunting without permission complaints in Laurens County. On September 26 Cpl. Stiles and a drug unit investigator from the Laurens Co. Sheriff's office entered the property and located a suspected marijuana plant. A subject living adjacent to the property was questioned and a search of the residence was conducted. The subject was arrested for manufacturing marijuana and other related violations by the Laurens County Sheriff's Office. On September 27th, Cpl. Stiles recorded two Public Service Announcements for the Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section to be broadcast on a local television station in Dublin, GA. Cpl. Stiles was also interviewed on camera for an upcoming show on the same television station providing information to the public

concerning hunting regulations, hunter education, and the upcoming big game hunting seasons. ECHOLS, CLINCH & WARE COUNTY On September 27th, 28th & 29th Sgt. Patrick Dupree, Cpl. Jason Shipes, RFC Mark Pool, RGR Sam Williams, RFC Chris Carlisle, RFC Jon Penuel, RFC Billy Bryant & K9 Drake, and RFC Tim Hutto & K9 Gauge conducted patrols for opening weekend bear hunting activity. The officers encountered over 90 individuals hunting bears on hunting clubs around the Okefenokee Swamp perimeter and the adjacent timberlands. Four hunters were charged with hunting bears over bait. One hunter was charged with possession of illegally-taken wildlife and a 140 lb. bear was seized that was taken over bait. One hunter was charged with hunting without a big game license. Two hunters were issued written warnings for hunting without a hunting license. Three hunters were issued written warnings for hunting bear without wearing fluorescent orange.
RFC Tim Hutto inspects one of the baited bear hunting sites near where a bear was illegally harvested on September 27th.

Sgt. Patrick Dupree, RFC Chris Carlisle, Cpl. Jason Shipes, RFC Sam Williams, RFC Billy Bryant & K9 Drake with the illegally-taken bear seized in Echols County on September 27th.
CHARLTON COUNTY On September 29th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree, RFC Sam Williams, RFC Mark Pool, RFC Chris Carlisle, RFC Tim Hutto & K9 Gauge, and RFC Billy Bryant & K9 Drake attended a Wounded Warrior's hunt meeting and supper held at Toledo properties north of St.George. The officers met and thanked the wounded veterans for their service in addition to speaking with and answering questions from approximately 60 guests including Sheriff Pope (Coffee County) and Joe Hopkins (president of Toledo properties.)
CLINCH COUNTY On September 29th, Cpl. Jason Shipes, RFC Billy Bryant and Stephen Foster State Park manager Brian Gray responded to a report of a hunting incident north of Fargo. The incident involved a 60-year old female that had fell from her tree stand. She suffered fractures to her hips and legs from the fall and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Cpl. Shipes determined that she was reaching for her arrow quiver while climbing into the stand, lost her grip and fell approximately 15 feet to the ground.

Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
CHATHAM COUNTY On September 27, Ranger Kate Hargrove and Sgt. Cindy Miller were on salt water patrol in the Tybee area of Chatham County. The two Rangers checked several recreational fishermen. One boat the Rangers checked had 4 people fishing. The captain of the boat said he was a salt water guide but did not have his guide license with him. A quick check with the Brunswick Office revealed the captain did not have a salt water guide license. The captain was cited for salt water guide fishing without a salt water guide license.
BRYAN COUNTY On Sept. 23rd, Ranger Trey Taylor and Cpl. Jay Morgan patrolled the areas from St. Catherine's Sound to the Ogeechee River. Several fishermen were checked with speckled trout and spot-tail bass. One boater had bought a used boat the previous year but was had not transferred the registration into his name. He was advised to transfer the registration into his name.
LIBERTY COUNTY On the evening of Sept. 28th, Cpl. Jay Morgan and Ranger Trey Taylor patrolled the St. Catherine's Sound and Medway River areas, checking for persons cast netting for shrimp. One boater was cited for operating a vessel without lights. On Sept. 29th, RFC Jack Thain and Ranger Trey Taylor were checking a hunting club's property near Fleming, where there had been a complaint of night hunting activity. They observed a truck from which a spotlight was used to shine clear-cuts and power lines. They stopped the truck and found a 15 yr. old male driver, a 25 yr. old female passenger, and a 20 yr. old male passenger who had a .22 cal. rifle, a .30-06 cal. rifle, and a shotgun, all of which were loaded. All three subjects were cited for hunting deer at night and hunting without permission.
WAYNE COUNTY On September 26, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. RFC Randy Aspinwall received a phone call from a confidential informant. The CI stated that two subjects had killed two trophy bucks that night. RFC Aspinwall knew the suspects and went to an area where one of the suspects had dumped deer carcasses before. Aspinwall found two large buck carcasses. He followed vehicle tracks from the site to the suspect's home. After collecting evidence, RFC Aspinwall obtained a search warrant. RFC Aspinwall, Cpl Bobby White, and RNG Jeremy Reese executed the search warrant that night. They found a cooler with deer meat in it and the rack from a 10 point buck at the skinning shed. The suspect then gave a written statement admitting his night hunting foray. He also stated that the biggest buck was at the other suspects home. RFC Aspinwall and RNG Reese then went to the home of the other suspect. They spoke with the other suspect and he too gave a written statement of his part in the night hunting. He then turned over a huge 9 point buck. Citations were written for hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle, and hunting from a public road.

GLYNN COUNTY On September 26, RFC David Brady was recognized at the DNR Board Meeting and received the Life Saving Award from Board Chairman Phillip Watt and Commissioner Mark Williams. RFC Brady received the award for his life saving efforts off of St Simons Island on East Beach back in June.