Field operations weekly report, 2012 September 2-8

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report September 2-8, 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 September 8th, Cpl. Byron Young and Cpl. Chip Cox responded to a call for assistance from the Bartow County Sheriff's Office. Bartow deputies were at the Etowah River at Hwy 411 and observed several ATV's and Jeeps riding in the river. The officers called DNR to assist with 4 wheel drive trucks to get into the area. Cpl. Young and Cpl. Cox assisted the deputies in removing the off road vehicles from the river. The operators of the vehicles were charged by the Sheriff's office for unlawfully operating an off road vehicle in a waterway.
On September 6th, Cpl. Chip Cox received a call from Bartow County Sheriff's Office requesting that he help with the search for a lost hunter on Allatoona WMA near the Wilderness Camp area. It was late in the afternoon and the hunter had been walking for several hours and was exhausted. In a three way conversation with the lost hunter and Bartow 911 dispatcher, Cpl. Cox determined that the hunter was near the old Eagle Tower on Allatoona Lake. Cpl. Cox told the man to walk downhill, to the lake, and wait until he arrived in a patrol boat. Cpl. Cox located the man on the shoreline of Allatoona Lake, picked him up, and then took him to within 100 yards of where he had parked his vehicle. Although thirsty and tired, the hunter was unharmed.
CARROLL COUNTY On September 2nd, Cpl. Eric Brown was patrolling Carroll County for dove activity. Early that morning two fields were checked and one subject was cited for hunting with an unplugged shotgun. Later that evening, Cpl. Brown checked a field with seven hunters. The field was found to be baited. Six hunters were charged with hunting over bait and one juvenile was verbally warned for hunting dove over bait. All hunters were warned for illegal possession of wildlife and 57 birds were confiscated from the field. Upon investigating and taking statements, the landowner was charged with placing bait where others hunt.
On September 3rd, Cpl. Eric Brown was patrolling south Carroll County for dove activity. One field was located that morning in the middle of a soybean field. The field was found to be baited and four hunters were cited for hunting doves over bait.
FULTON COUNTY On September 8th, RFC Chad Cox checked a piece of property in the city of Fairburn that had been baited with corn and salt. Four baited deer stands were located earlier in the week by Cpl. Eric Brown. RFC Cox found four people hunting in the deer stands over the bait. Two of the subjects were charged with hunting big game over bait. One was warned for hunting big game over bait. The fourth subject, a juvenile, was given a verbal warning for hunting over bait.
POLK COUNTY On September 8th, Sgt. Rick Dempsey was checking a site baited for illegal hunting in Polk County. Sgt. Dempsey encountered a male subject with archery equipment near the

baited site and as Sgt. Dempsey approached the subject he got an uneasy feeling about the demeanor and facial expression of the subject. Sgt. Dempsey approached with caution and asked the subject if he had any weapons and the subject replied that he had only a knife. Upon further search Sgt. Dempsey found a sawed-off shotgun with a pistol grip concealed under the subject's camo jacket. The subject was placed under arrest and charged with hunting without a license, hunting without a big game license, hunting over a baited area, possession of a firearm by convicted felon and possession of a sawed-off shotgun.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
DAWSON COUNTY On September 3rd, RFC Brandon Pierce and Sgt. Lee Brown patrolled Dawson Forest WMA for hunting, fishing, and boating safety activity. A total of five fishing licenses, one hunting license, two boats, and numerous GORP (Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass) passes were inspected. As a result, three violations were documented. The violations consisted of operating vessel without CGA PFD's and allowing an underage child to ride in moving vessel without wearing PFD. Verbal guidance was given on numerous occasions concerning the GORP pass.
On September 4th, RFC Barry Britt certified 27 Hunter Education students at a 2 hour Hunter Education internet course.
FORSYTH COUNTY On September 3rd, RFC Brandon Pierce and Sgt. Lee Brown patrolled Forsyth County for dove hunting activity. A total of three fields were checked for proper licenses and legal limit of birds. As a result, twenty-nine hunters were checked and one violation was documented. The violation consisted of failure to participate in the migratory bird HIP program. Verbal guidance was given on occasion to be in compliance with the laws of the state.
FULTON COUNTY On September 8th, Cpl. Eric Sanders received a complaint from Johns Creek P.D. about illegal hunting. Cpl. Sanders met with the Johns Creek Officers. One subject was found hunting without a hunting license and without a big game license. Citations were issued for these infractions. Another subject was found to be hunting deer over bait. A citation was issued for this infraction.
GWINNETT COUNTY On September 6th, Cpl. Eric Sanders conducted an Online Hunter Education Class at the Bass Pro Shop in Lawrenceville. A total of 30 students were certified in Hunter Education.
On September 7th, Cpl. Eric Sanders conducted a HIN inspection at Bass Pro Shop in Lawrenceville. During the inspection a boat was found to be stolen. At this time the case is still under investigation.

On September 8th, Cpl. Eric Sanders was patrolling for deer hunters for the opening day of Archery Season. He issued citations for hunting without a license, hunting without a big game license and hunting without hunter education.
HALL COUNTY On September 3rd, RFC Barry Britt and a Gwinnett County P.D. Officer was patrolling Lake Lanier when they observed a vessel operating with its docking lights on just after sunset. The operator of the vessel had been consuming alcoholic beverages and was charged with boating under the influence.
On September 8th, Cpl. Adam Loudermilk and RFC Mitchell Crump patrolled Lake Lanier for boating and fishing activity. The rangers issued written warnings for operating a vessel without PFD's (boater escorted to the dock) and for failure to obey regulatory marker.
On September 8th, RFC Barry Britt worked a special detail at the Dragon Boat Races on Lake Lanier. He ensured that vessel passing through the area did not interrupt the boat races with large wakes.
On Sept. 3rd, Cpl. Adam Loudermilk patrolled Lake Lanier. During the patrol he worked one boating accident that resulted in a broken arm. He also assisted RFC Eric Isom with working a drowning at Van Pugh Park.
ROCKDALE COUNTY On September 4th, Cpl. Eric Sanders assisted a neighbor in getting her four horses back into the pasture on Bethel Road.
On September 4th, Cpl. Eric Sanders taught an On-Line Hunter Education Class at Johnson Park in Conyers. A total of 11students were certified in Hunter Education. Two of the students were kids with disabilities.
On September 6th, Cpl. Eric Sanders presented a program to the employees of the Georgia Power Company. The program was on Hunter Safety.
TOWNS COUNTY On September 7th, Cpl. Jesse Cook was on foot patrol in the Chattahoochee National Forest looking for deer bait. He was patrolling in an isolated part of the forest when he encountered two subjects. When one of the subjects saw Cpl. Cook he turned and started to walk away. Cpl. Cook requested that the man come back to him. After a couple of second the man turned and walked back. Cpl. Cook inquired about what they were doing in such an isolated part of the woods. One of the subjects said they were looking for a place to hog hunt and had gotten lost. He said that they had gotten lost. Cpl. Cook requested identification and both men produced North Carolina identifications. Cpl. Cook finally asked the one man that had walked away what he had hidden; the man originally denied hiding anything but finally admitted that he had hidden a bag of ginseng that they

had gathered. All subjects walked back to where the man had hidden the ginseng. One bag of ginseng was confiscated and officer will consult with United States Forest Service Agents reference to prosecution.
MADISON COUNTY On September 8, RFC Shane Sartor checked an area that had been baited for deer hunting. While checking the property for hunters, he observed two men standing near a truck getting their bows and preparing to go hunting. As he observed them he noticed them smoking what appeared to be marijuana. The men went into the woods. RFC Sartor followed the men through the woods to see if they were headed to the bait. Neither man went in the direction of the bait so RFC Sartor approached the men to check licenses. During the license inspection, RFC Sartor asked about the marijuana and both admitted to smoking marijuana before entering the woods. He performed field sobriety exercises and determined both to be hunting under the influence. They were arrested and transported to the Madison County Jail. Both were charged with hunting under the influence, violation of the Georgia controlled substance act, and one was charged for hunting without big game license.
STEPHENS COUNTY September 8th Cpl. Bill Bunch was patrolling U.S. Forest Service property in an area where he had received a tip about someone hunting deer over bait. He located the hunter and issued a citation for hunting big game over bait. The subject had placed salt and some powder substance around his stand.
HART COUNTY On September 5th, Sgt. Stan Elrod responded to a complaint from the State Operations Center about a possible trespassing violation at a dairy. Upon arrival, Sgt. Elrod say a hunter drop his shotgun and walk away from it. Soon afterwards a Hart County Deputy arrived to assist. Sgt. Elrod asked the deputy to watch this hunter while he rounded the others up. Elrod located three more hunters. Shortly after all the hunters were found, the landowner arrived. He informed Sgt. Elrod that he did not want the men hunting on his property and signed a landowner's affidavit on sight. Elrod issued citations for hunting without permission, hunting with unplugged gun, and hunting without a license.
JACKSON COUNTY On September 3rd, RFC Eric Isom and his K9 partner "Colt" responded to a landowner's complaint in reference to fishing without permission. RFC Isom located a vehicle that possibly was involved and deployed Colt for a track. Two subjects were located fishing on the complainant's property. The subjects received a citation and warning for fishing without permission.
On September 5th, RFC Eric Isom and his K9 partner "Colt" conducted an interview with a media reporter. RFC Isom explained the duties of the department, how Rangers transition from boating safety patrol to patrols focusing on game and fish violations. RFC Isom also talked about the functions of the Departments K9 Handling Teams.

On September 6th, RFC Eric Isom finished a Hunter Education Class at Maysville Baptist Church. Twenty-three students attended and completed the two-day class.
On September 8th, RFC Eric Isom ran the Laser Shot Hunting Simulator at Wal-Mart in Commerce for their outdoor celebration day. The hunting simulator was used to promote hunting in Georgia for kids and adults. RFC Isom also answered questions from the public.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
WILKES COUNTY On September 2nd Captain Thomas Barnard and Corporal Mark Patterson patrolled Wilkes County for dove hunting activity. Several fields were checked during the early morning hours. One field was found to be baited. Four adults and several juvenile hunters were on the field. Citations and warnings were written for hunting over bait and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
On September 3rd Corporal Julian Wilkins and Corporal Mark Patterson checked a dove shoot that was found to be baited. Seven adults and some juvenile hunters were on the field. Citations and warnings were written for unlawful enticement, hunting over bait, and possession of illegally taken wildlife. A total of 51 dove were confiscated from this field.
On September 8th Corporal Mark Patterson checked an area known to have baited deer stands. One subject was cited for hunting big game over bait.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY On September 3rd Sgt. Brian Carter and RFC Phillip Nelson checked a dove shoot in Oglethorpe County in the area of Salem that was baited. Five individuals were issued citations and warnings for hunting over bait and possession of illegally taken wildlife. A total of 43 dove were confiscated by the rangers.
OCONEE COUNTY On September 2nd Sgt. Brian Carter and RFC Tim Butler checked several dove shoots in Oconee County. Three violations for hunting over bait and one for hunting with an unplugged shotgun were documented.
COLUMBIA COUNTY On September 8th and 9th Sgt. Doyte Chaffin, Cpl. Ryan Swain and RFC Bobby Timmerman assisted with Setup Georgia Triathlon Event. The event was held at West Dam Park. The officers assisted with water security.
On September 8th, Sgt. Doyte Chaffin and RFC Bobby Timmerman were patrolling the rope swing area of Euchee Creek on a complaint of underage drinking and use of narcotics in the area. Officers' investigation found 3 subjects that were in possession of

marijuana less than 1 ounce. The subjects were committed to Columbia County Jail on possession of marijuana charges.
MORGAN COUNTY On Saturday September 8th, RFC Ricky Boles checked a baited club in Morgan County. RFC Boles found two subjects hunting deer over bait. Both subjects had also shot two deer. RFC Boles issued the subjects citations for hunting big game over bait and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
WALTON COUNTY RFC Fred Hays and Cpl. David Allen were patrolling Walton County when they checked a small dove field behind a residence. The small field was baited with bird seed. Citations were written to the landowner for unlawful enticement of game. Other citations were written for hunting without licenses.
RFC Fred Hays, Cpl. David Allen, and Sgt. Brian Carter went to headquarters for the monthly HIN inspection. Ten vessels were inspected.
LAKE OCONEE Cpl. David Allen responded to a boating incident on Lake Oconee. The two vessels hit while trying to stay under a bridge during a storm. After further investigation, no report was filed due to no injuries and damage less than $2000.00 on either vessel. The damage was limited to transfer marks left by each vessel's rub rails.
BURKE COUNTY On September 8th, RFC Grant Matherly and WLTech Steve Kyles were checking dove hunters on Di-Lane Plantation WMA when they encountered one subject in possession of marijuana. RFC Matherly charged the individual with possession of a controlled substance.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
HARRIS COUNTY On September 8th Cpl. Mitch Oliver located a truck parked on a tract of property where he had never seen anyone hunting in the past. Cpl. Oliver felt that the owner of the vehicle was hunting and decided to run the truck's tag to get the driver's information. The officer then checked to see what hunting license the truck's owner had and learned that the hunter only had a valid resident hunting license. Cpl. Oliver walked a short piece down the gravel road leading into the property and encountered a subject carrying a bow. After a check of the hunter's license, it was verified that he was missing a big game license and deer harvest record. After speaking with the hunter it was apparent that the man was new to hunting and had purchased what license he believed to be necessary. Cpl. Oliver issued the hunter a written warning for hunting without a big game license and verbal guidance on hunting without a deer harvest record.

On September 8th Cpl. Mitch Oliver presented a hunter development program at the first annual Sportsman's Hunterama put on by Coopers General Store in Waverly Hall.
HEARD COUNTY On the afternoon of September 2nd Ranger Russell Epps and Sgt. Jim Bradfield were patrolling for hunting activity when they head a distant shoot in the lower portion of Heard County. Ranger Epps and Sgt. Bradfield were able to locate the shoot in a clear cut. The area that was being hunted was inspected and a large amount of sunflower seeds were located on the logging road. Six citations were issued for hunting doves over bait and eleven doves were confiscated.
LAMAR COUNTY On September 3rd RFC Keith Page and Sgt. Tim Kendrick located a dove shoot on Hwy 36. While checking the hunters on the field, the rangers noticed that the field was baited with wheat. Several license violations were also identified and one hunter was found to be hunting with an unplugged shotgun. The landowner was issued a citation for unlawful enticement of game and each of the other hunters were issued warnings for hunting over bait.
MONROE COUNTY On the morning of September 3rd Cpl. Tony Wynne was patrolling for dove hunting activity on Highway 42 south of Forsyth. Near Old Zebulon Road he heard shooting from farther south. After several attempts he found a trail off of another road that led into a clear-cut. Wynne parked his vehicle and began walking into the area. As he walked in, a vehicle containing six hunters was headed toward him. He stopped the vehicle. The hunters got out and Wynne checked licenses and shotguns. When he asked if anything had been done to the clear-cut, all the hunters said nothing had been done. Still holding the licenses of the hunters, Wynne told them he wanted to make a quick check of the area. Wynne checked the area and found that wheat had been spread about 100 yards along one of the trails on the clear-cut. Wynne then went back and told the hunters what he found. He told them they had been hunting over bait and showed them the wheat he had picked up from the trail. He wrote six citations for hunting over bait.
MUSCOGEE COUNTY On September 8th Cpl. Jeremy Bolen was checking hunting activity on Standing Boy WMA. Cpl. Bolen located a vehicle parked in an unauthorized access area. Two hunters came walking out of the woods and Cpl. Bolen informed them about the violation. The hunters also failed to sign in. Cpl. Bolen issued a written warning for the violation. The hunters left the area and Cpl. Bolen utilized K-9 Ruger to back track the hunters back to their hunting area. Cpl. Bolen located a ground blind that was baited with a corn block approximately 15 yards in front of the blind. While walking back to the truck, Cpl. Bolen noticed the hunter's vehicle drive past his location. Cpl. Bolen later pulled the subjects over and asked them about the baited area. They admitted to hunting from the ground blind but denied knowing about the bait. Cpl. Bolen issued a citation for the violation.

PEACH COUNTY On September 3rd Cpl. John Harkins and Ranger David Fisher checked hunters shooting dove on a sunflower field. While doing so, they found one particular hunter had 28 doves. He was charged with taking/possessing over the limit.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
WORTH COUNTY On September 4th, Cpl. Robbie Griner completed an investigation into a night deer hunting case. The investigation began when Griner received a call from a citizen who had heard shots fired close to his home around 10:00 PM. Upon hearing the shots, he went outside and observed a man attempting to retrieve a dead deer from his front yard. The violator fled the scene but the complainant was able to provide the officer with a vehicle description and possible tag number. The next day, with assistance from Cpl. Greg Wade, Griner located the vehicle and identified a possible suspect. When the officers made contact with the individual, he stated that he had been expecting them to show up and was ready to take full responsibility for his actions. He was charged with hunting deer at night, hunting out of season, hunting from a public road, and hunting from a vehicle. A female that was present when the violation took place was cleared of any direct involvement in the violations and not charged.
MILLER COUNTY On September 3rd, rangers discovered a baited dove field and cited 3 individuals for hunting over bait.
SEMINOLE COUNTY On September 2nd, Corporal Randy Davis and Ranger Kevin Goss worked a boating safety patrol on Lake Seminole. A subject was issued a citation for towing a skier on a personal watercraft without an observer. Two juveniles were assisted off the water after they became stranded on the water without gas and navigational lights.
On September 2nd, Sgt. Rick Sellars, RFC Tony Cox, and Ranger Jace Heard conducted a boat patrol on Lake Seminole to check alligator hunters. One vessel was observed hunting on the Florida side of the Chattahoochee River, and was stopped after moving into and hunting Georgia waters. The subjects were licensed Georgia hunters and were advised to stay within the State boundaries on the lake. Another vessel was stopped and the operator was cited for operating a vessel without navigational lights and alligator hunting with an illegal weapon.
On September 5th, twelve Region V personnel responded to a Child Abduction Response, to search for a missing 4 year old child near Lake Seminole. The missing child was found deceased near the residence. Rangers stayed on scene throughout the night to assist with crime scene security.

Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
EVANS COUNTY On September 8th, RFC Debbie Brannen patrolled Evans for hunting activity. Several dove shoots were located and a total of 8 licenses were checked resulting in one violation for hunting with an unplugged shotgun, one verbal warning for allowing a juvenile to hunt unsupervised, and a verbal warning for failure to participate in the HIP program.
On September 9th, RFC Debbie Brannen checked a dove shoot. There were 4 hunters checked with one violation for hunting with unplugged shotgun and two violations for failure to participate in the HIP program.
LAURENS COUNTY On September 3rd, Cpl. James McLaughlin and Cpl. John Stokes located an early morning dove shoot. After inspecting the hunters and the hunting area, it was determined that the hunters were hunting over cracked corn and sunflowers. The hunters were charged with hunting doves over bait and a warning was issued for taking protected wildlife. One hunter was in possession of a turtle dove.
On September 3rd, Cpl. Stiles was patrolling for dove hunting activity in Laurens County. Cpl. Stiles contacted RFC Horne to assist with checking a field. When the officers concluded checking the field additional shots were heard coming from another location nearby. Cpl. Stiles and RFC Horne split up to locate the hunting activity. Cpl. Stiles located four adults and one juvenile hunting doves on a field baited with cracked corn. The two officers documented four violations for hunting over bait.
DODGE COUNTY On September 2nd, while checking dove fields, Cpl. James McLaughlin located a field with three hunters hunting doves. While inspecting the hunter's licenses it was determined that the hunters were hunting over broadcast sunflower seed. Violations were documented on the field for hunting over bait and hunting without a license.
On September 2nd, at approximately 2020 hours, RFC Allen Mills received a call from a fisheries associate in reference to illegal fishing at Dodge county PFA. RFC Mills arrived on scene at approximately 2045 hours and discovered two adult males and one juvenile male fishing from a vessel. Three violations were documented; two for fishing between hours of sunset and sunrise on a PFA and one for operating a vessel w/o lights during hours of darkness.
On September 3rd, at approximately 1330 hours; RFC Allen Mills conducted an Information and Education program for a local hunting club in Dodge County prior to a dove shoot. RFC Mills handed out hunting regulations and business cards to the approximately 90 hunters after reminding the hunters of the legal requirements for hunting doves in Georgia (licenses, plugged shotgun, daily bag limit, etc...).

On September 8th, at approximately 1030 hours, RFC Allen Mills was conducting a patrol at the Dodge county PFA. RFC Mills provided verbal guidance to a church group of 17 individuals in reference to the new G.O.R. P. requirements. RFC Mills noticed a vessel with two adult males that approached the boat ramp. One of the individuals did not have any licenses. RFC Mills ran the individual through Active Outdoors and discovered that the licenses had been revoked due to failure to pay child support. RFC Mills also ran the individual through MCT and discovered that the individual had active warrants for his arrest for failure to appear. Two violations were documented, fishing without a license and fishing without a WMA license on a PFA. The individual was then transported to jail by the Dodge County sheriff's office to be held for the Bibb County sheriff's office for the warrants.
LANIER COUNTY On September 7th, at 10:00P.M., Cpl. Tommy Daughtrey received a call about a subject who was missing at the Alapaha River. The subject missing was attempting to swim and walk the river from the "Berrien Beach" area to the Hwy. 37 bridge area near Lakeland. The subject told his friend that he planned to be out of the river by dark. The subject was dropped off at the Berrien Beach area at 1:00 P.M. The subject failed to realize that the distance he was trying to cover was approximately 18 miles. Cpl. Daughtrey notified RFC Tim Hutto and RFC Joe Hilton of the situation. RFC Joe Hilton, who is a FLIR operator for GSP helicopter pilot Sgt. Jeff Rhodes, notified Sgt. Rhodes of the missing person. Cpl. Tommy Daughtrey and RFC Hutto arrived at the Alapaha River area, where they met with Lanier County Sheriff Nick Norton. Numerous attempts were made to call the missing subject's cell phone with no answer. At approx. 1:00 A.M. the search was called off until daylight. The helicopter could not fly due to the weather.
At daylight, on September 8th, RFC Tim Hutto and Cpl. Tommy Daughtrey put a boat on the river in Lakeland and travelled upriver 18 miles to the Berrien Beach area looking for the missing subject. The subject was located by RFC Hilton and Sgt. Jeff Rhodes from the air by helicopter. The subject was picked up and flown to an awaiting ambulance near the 37 bridge in Lakeland. The subject had lost his water, food, a shoe and cell phone during the ordeal. He had drunk river water to keep hydrated. The subject was dehydrated, exhausted and had numerous mosquito bites, but was otherwise ok.
LOWNDES COUNTY On September 7th, at 10:45 P.M., Cpl. Tommy Daughtrey received a call from S.O.C. about two females who were stranded on the Withlacoochee River in Lowndes County. Cpl. Daughtrey, who was already working a missing person incident in Lanier County on the Alapaha River, called Lowndes 911 and learned that Lowndes fire and rescue was already on scene at the Withlacoochee River. Cpl. Daughtrey requested assistance from Cpl. Greg Wade from Region V to assist with the rescue effort on the Withlacoochee River on the Lowndes/Brooks county line. Four people were found stranded on the river.
BULLOCH COUNTY On Sunday September 2nd, Cpl. Eddie Akins, Cpl. Shaymus McNeely, Cpl. Dave Sims, Cpl. Mike Wilcox, Sgt. Don Dasher, RFC Jamey O'Brien and Captain Scott Klingel

responded to a drowning incident at Rocky Ford Landing on the Ogeechee River. The victim was located after a two day effort. Numerous agencies assisted in the recovery effort. The agencies involved were Bulloch County Sheriff's office, Statesboro-Bulloch County Fire Department, Georgia State Patrol Dive and Rescue Team, Burke County Dive Team, American Red Cross and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
EMANUEL COUNTY On September 3rd, Cpl. Dave Sims checked a small dove shoot in central Emanuel County. Of the five hunters on the field three were found to be in violation. Three violations were noted for hunting without a license, three violations failure to participate in the HIP and one violation for hunting with an unplugged shotgun.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRYAN COUNTY On Sept. 2nd, Cpl. Jay Morgan and Ranger Jason Miller patrolled the Belfast River area to St. Catherine's Sound. No violations were found.
On Sept. 2nd, Sgt. James Shelton and RFC Jack Thain patrolled the Ogeechee River around the King's Ferry Ramp area. No violations were found and the patrol was cut short due to severe thunderstorms.
On Sept. 3rd, Sgt. Shelton, Cpl. Morgan, Ranger J. Miller, and Ranger Trey Taylor patrolled the areas near Ossabaw Island and St. Catherine's Sound. One boater was cited for not having a throwable PFD on board. Later, Cpl. Morgan cited a person at the Richmond Hill WMA shooting range for violation of range rules for shooting at plastic targets, shooting at the ground in front of them causing the bullets to ricochet up off the ground and over the berm, and failure to pick up targets/brass/trash.
CHATHAM COUNTY On September 2, Ranger Kate Hargrove and Sgt. Cindy Miller patrolled the salt waters of Chatham County. The two Rangers checked several boaters and recreational fishermen. One individual was cited for possession of undersized fish. The individual had a total of 36 short fish.

On September 3, Ranger Kiel Toney and Sgt. Cindy Miller patrolled the salt waters of Chatham County. The two Rangers checked several fishermen and boaters. Two individuals were cited for undersized fish. They had five short spotted sea trout.
CAMDEN COUNTY On Saturday, September 8th, Cpl. Billy Reed, Cpl. Wil Smith, RFC John Evans, RFC David Brady, Game Management, Fisheries Management, and Crooked River State Park Staff participated in the 1st Annual C. Mo's Kids Family Fun Day at Crooked River State Park. Over 1000 people attended the event which allowed kids to participate in several different activities. Officers and technicians gave instruction in use of the Fishing Simulator, the Laser Shot, Boating and Water Safety, Tree Stand Safety, 3-D Archery shooting, Salt Water fishing, and Pellet Rifle shooting. The Camden County Sheriff's Office, The Camden County Long beards Chapter of the NWTF, and the Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation also participated in the event as well.

GLYNN COUNTY On September 7th, Region VII honored one of their own with a 30 year career. After 30 years of service Cpl Billy Reed is retiring from the State. Col Eddie Henderson was at the retirement luncheon to give Cpl Reed his shadow box with his badge and gun.