Field operations weekly report, 2013 January 13-19

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report January 13-19, 2013
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 December 30th, Cpl. Byron Young foot patrolled off East Pleasant Valley Road in Adairsville and located one person deer hunting without the required hunter orange. The man was issued one citation for hunting deer without fluorescent orange.
On January 2nd, Sgt. Mike Barr and Cpl. Byron Young completed an investigation of an illegally taken buck in the Cartersville area. During December both Sgt. Barr and Cpl. Young received information of a large buck being killed in the City of Cartersville. After several interviews and investigative work the officers were able to determine that an unlicensed hunter had harvested the 12 point buck on December 7th and purchased a hunting and big game license the following day on December 8th. Cpl. Young located the buck at a Cartersville Taxidermist. On the evening of January 2, Sgt. Barr and Cpl. Young interviewed the hunter and he admitted to killing the deer and purchasing a license the following day. The hunter was charged for hunting without a big game license and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The hunter was warned for hunting without a license and failure to obtain a deer harvest record. The Rangers were surprised at the size of the buck taken very close to the City of Cartersville.

On January 7th, RFC Bart Hendrix and Ranger Zack Hardy patrolled Allatoona Lake by vessel for boating and fishing activity. The warmer weather had a lot of people out on the lake engaged in early season fishing. During the vessel patrol, the two rangers checked 14 boats and 18 fishing licenses. Three citations and two warnings were issued for fishing without a license and operating a vessel without a coast guard approved personal flotation device (life jackets).
On January 12th, Sgt. Mike Barr and Ranger Zack Hardy patrolled Allatoona Wildlife Management Area (WMA) by ATVs. Many complaints had been received about the illegal use of all-terrain vehicles on the WMA. During the patrol, Ranger Hardy encountered a man on an ATV inside the WMA that had a shotgun, .22 caliber rifle, .44 caliber handgun, and a .22 caliber pistol. The man said he was going to target practice on the WMA. The Ranger advised him that target practicing on WMA's is only allowed in authorized areas. The subject was given a citation for illegal use of the ATV on the WMA and verbally warned about the target shooting. Ranger Hardy located two other people who were also found target shooting on the WMA. They were issued warnings for the violations and advised the same about authorized areas for target shooting. Sgt. Barr also issued two citations for illegal use of ATVs on the Allatoona WMA near Hardin Bridge Road.
On January 12th, Cpl. Byron Young and RFC Brooks Varnell patrolled Allatoona Lake. The officers checked 17 vessels and 30 fishing licenses. The officers issued 4 citations for fishing without a license. Two of the citations were issued to fishermen fishing a bass tournament. To purchase a fishing license on-line, go to www.gofishgeorgia.com.
CARROLL COUNTY On January 18th, Cpl. Eric Brown along with the Carrollton Police Department arrested one subject for hunting turkey out of season on the city spray field property and an outstanding arrest warrant.
CHEROKEE COUNTY On December 31st, RFC Bart Hendrix responded to a hunting without permission complaint off Batesville Road. RFC Hendrix located one person hunting on the property that had killed an 8 point buck. The man was charged with hunting without permission and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The buck was processed by Sandy's deer processing to be donated to a needy family on Cherokee County.
On January 7th, Cpl. Lee Burns received a call from RFC Bart Hendrix regarding multiple gun shots being fired on the Allatoona WMA near Macedonia Cemetery. Cpl. Lee Burns located the shooter set up on Howell Road where the WMA road ended at a cul-de-sac. The older man was in the road and shooting a .270 rifle towards the WMA property. The man was talked with about the potential safety issue of shooting a high powered rifle on the road and also received a written warning for illegal target practice on a WMA.

COBB COUNTY On January 6th, Cpl. Lee Burns patrolled the Chattahoochee River in Cobb County at Veterans Memorial Highway. Cpl. Burns checked two bank fishermen and found neither to have a fishing license. Cpl. Burns checked both persons information and found one to have an outstanding felony arrest warrant from Fulton County. Cpl. Burns confirmed the warrant and arrested the wanted man. Both men were issued written warnings for fishing without a license.
DOUGLAS COUNTY On January 12th, Cpl. Eric Brown and RFC Daniel Gray were patrolling Douglas County for waterfowl activity in reference to a complaint received about shooting waterfowl after legal hours. One subject was cited for hunting waterfowl after legal hours.
FANNIN COUNTY On January 1st, RFC Cody Jones responded to a complaint of hunting without permission. Upon arrival, RFC Jones interviewed the complainant and the shooter. The shooter claimed to have shot the deer on his own property before the deer ran across the road and died on a neighbor's property. After investigating the area, tracks, and blood trail, it was clear that the suspect shot across a public road at a deer standing on his neighbor's property. RFC Jones also found mineral block within 200 yards of the area on the suspect's property. The suspect was charged with hunting without permission, hunting big game over bait, and discharging a firearm across a public road.
FULTON COUNTY On January 10th and 13th, Cpl. Lee Burns, Cpl. Chip Cox, RFC Chad Cox, Ranger Zack Hardy, RFC Brooks Varnell and Cpl. Byron Young worked the Atlanta Boat Show at the World Congress Center. The Rangers exhibited Allatoona Lake's newest patrol vessel, an Edgewater Patrol Boat. This is one of seven new vessels within the state purchased to assist in curbing boating incidents throughout Georgia's public waterways. The Rangers also discussed boating safety laws with the public, let kids enjoy the DNR fishing simulator, and made sure all had access to current boating, fishing, and hunting regulations.

On January 17th, Sgt. Mike Burgamy, Cpl. Eric Brown, Cpl. Susan Morris, and Cpl. Jeremy Bolen attended Sportsmen's Day at the State Capitol. During the event Rangers ran the Fishing Simulator, Hunting Simulator, and exhibited a fur and skull display containing mammals of Georgia.
GILMER COUNTY On January 7th, Sgt. John VanLandingham was patrolling the Rich Mountain WMA Cartecay Tract for GORP compliance. While checking a group of kayakers he discovered one of them to be in possession of marijuana and a glass smoking pipe. The suspect was cited for possession of marijuana less than one ounce and possession of drug related objects.
On January 13th, Cpl. James Keener and RFC Joe Hill patrolled the Cartecay Tract of Rich Mountain WMA for hunting activity and GORP compliance. The officers checked a total of six users for GORP compliance. Four of the users had the pass and two did not have the required GORP license. Verbal guidance was given for the violations. On January 16th, Cpl. James Keener and RFC Joe Hill patrolled Carters Lake at Ridgeway boat ramp. The officers witnessed two subjects fishing in a cove using a hand line. The officers went to the fishermen to check their fishing license and found the two did not have a fishing license. One subject appeared to be very nervous so Cpl. Keener checked the subject for weapons. While checking the subject Cpl. Keener felt pills in the subjects pocket and when asked about it, the subject said they were prescription pills he got from a friend. One subject was issued a citation for fishing without a license and released. The other subject was arrested for violation of the Georgia controlled substance act and fishing without a license. On January 18th, RFC Joe Hill investigated an unlawful dumping violation on Owltown Road with Gilmer County Sheriff Deputy Dewitt. The officers found a suspect who stated that her trash was picked up by a local trash collection company. RFC Hill called the company and verified they picked the trash up the day before. The owner of the company stated the trash may have fallen off his truck, but he was not going to say it did. RFC Hill and Deputy Dewitt went back to the owner of the trash and explained the trash company did not admit to losing the bags, and since her name was in the bags, she was responsible for the trash dump. The owner's husband met the officers at the dump site and cleaned up all the trash from the area.
MURRAY COUNTY On December 15th, Cpl. James Keener and Wildlife Technician Larry Etheridge responded to a complaint of hunting without permission. The suspect had allegedly fled the area after being confronted by the landowner. After exhausting all efforts to locate the suspect, officers were able to investigate the complaint further by the use of a firearm that had been retrieved from the scene. During the course of the following week, the owner of the firearm was identified and questioned. Another subject that the firearm had been loaned to was also questioned. Statements were gathered from all witnesses and suspects and a photo line-up was generated and given to the witnesses. The suspect was positively identified and an arrest warrant was issued for hunting on lands of another without permission.

On December 31st, Cpl. James Keener, Cpl. Casey Jones, Sgt. John VanLandingham, and RFC Cody Jones were patrolling the Coosawattee WMA in the area of Ball Ground Road when they stopped a vehicle that had been observed entering and leaving the management area very suspiciously. After the vehicle was stopped, consent to search the vehicle was given and an amount less than 1 oz. of suspected marijuana was located in the driver's possession. The driver was subsequently charged with possession of marijuana, less than one ounce and released.
On January 11th, Cpl. James Keener and RFC Joe Hill patrolled the Coosawattee WMA for hunting activity and illegal ATV use. While on patrol the officers encountered two subjects riding dirt bikes on WMA property. The officers issued verbal warnings due to their age and released them to their parents. Later in the evening the officers encountered two subjects who threw trash out at a WMA gate. The officers issued citations for littering to both suspects.
On January 12th, DNR Rangers performed a concentrated patrol in Murray and Whitfield Counties. During the patrol officers issued two citations to waterfowl hunters for waterfowl license violations, and two citations to rabbit hunters for hunting without a license and hunting within 50 yards of a WMA road.
PICKENS COUNTY On January 8th, Cpl. James Keener responded to Jasper Middle School to assist the Pickens Co. Sheriff's Office and other agencies with a school evacuation and traffic control in response to a suspicious item found inside the school.
WHITFIELD COUNTY On December 30th, Cpl. Casey Jones responded to a complaint where he found three hunters to be hunting property where they did not have permission. All three subjects were cited for hunting on lands of another without permission.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
UNION COUNTY On January 14, RFC Kevin Dyer and RFC Cody Jones interviewed a subject in Union County in reference to an investigation into a bear that was killed illegally this past summer. After the interview RFC Jones issued the subject a citation for illegal possession of wildlife.
FORSYTH COUNTY On January 19th, Sgt. Lee Brown was patrolling the county for duck hunters. Several duck hunters were checked during the morning. A verbal warning was given to a juvenile for hunting with an unplugged shotgun.

Later in the day Sgt. Lee Brown and RFC Mitchell Crump patrolled Lake Lanier by boat. Several boats and fishermen were checked. A citation was issued for fishing without a license and a written warning was issued for possession of illegally taken fish. Verbal guidance was also given throughout the boating patrol.
GWINNETT COUNTY On January 13th, Cpl. Eddie Tompkins located several large household items and bagged garbage dumped beside and in the middle of Old Freeman Mill Road. Cpl. Tompkins collected evidence and located the house that the items were removed from. A male subject was cleaning the house out after purchasing the house earlier in the week. The subject admitted to dumping the items in the roadway and in the ditch. He stated "Where else was he supposed to put the junk the dump was closed on Sunday." The subject was cited for littering.
LUMPKIN COUNTY On January 19th, RFC Mitchell Crump was checking duck hunters at Lumpkin Park. A written warning was issued for hunting without a GA Waterfowl License.
HART COUNTY On January 19th, RFC Brandon Pierce patrolled Hart County WMA for any duck/other hunting activity. As a result, a total of five duck hunters were checked for proper licenses and equipment. No violations were documented but verbal guidance was given.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
GREENE COUNTY On Friday, January 18, RFC Richard Tanner was patrolling Greene County when he encountered a 19 year old female skinny dipping at a public boat ramp. RFC Tanner asked the young lady to get dressed. The young lady explained to RFC Tanner that she was dared by her friend to jump in the lake. The Ranger explained to the young lady that sort of behavior was not allowed at that area. The subject was given verbal guidance and released.
On Saturday, January 19, Sgt. John Harwell and RFC Richard Tanner were patrolling Redlands WMA when they encountered a male and female engaging in sexual acts approximately 20 feet off of the public road. The Rangers informed the individuals that type of activity was not allowed and released them with verbal guidance.
On Saturday January 19, Sgt. John Harwell and RFC Richard Tanner patrolled Greene County checking waterfowl hunting activity. The Rangers check 12 individuals hunting waterfowl. No violations were noted.

COLUMBIA COUNTY On January 13th Sgt. Doyte Chaffin and RFC Brian Adams patrolled the Savannah River for boaters and fishermen. Officers issued several citations and warnings for fishing without license and boating safety violations. One subject that had been warned for fishing without a license two weeks prior was arrested and transported to jail for fishing without license again.
LINCOLN COUNTY On January 19th Cpl. Brian Hobbins patrolled Clarks Hill Lake for waterfowl hunters. Cpl. Hobbins checked 15 separate groups of hunters. He issued several citations and warnings for various license violations.
BURKE COUNTY On January 19th, RFC Brian Adams and RFC Grant Matherly worked a complaint of illegal waterfowl hunting outside of Gough, in Burke County. The Rangers located 4 subjects in a swamp off Hwy 305. While checking the hunters RFC Adams found that they had thrown crack corn out into the water in an attempt to attract the waterfowl. The four hunters were charged with hunting waterfowl over bait.
Later that evening RFC Matherly worked a night hunting complaint in Burke County. No activity was observed.
WILKES COUNTY On Sunday, 01/13 Sgt. Brian Carter and Cpl. Mark Patterson located a duck roost being shot by four individuals. Each hunter was charged with hunting waterfowl after hours and possession of illegally taken wildlife. Eight Wood Ducks were confiscated by the Rangers.
On Friday, 01/18 Cpl. Julian Wilkins and Cpl. Mark Patterson conducted surveillance on a trap line that had snares set in an illegal manner. Contact was made with the responsible party who was charged with illegal use of snares.
On Saturday, 01/19 Sgt. Brian Carter and Cpl. Mark Patterson checked several hunters during a patrol of the Fishing Creek WMA. Violations documented include driving on a closed road, hunting without a WMA license, hunting without a Georgia Waterfowl license, hunting without a HIP permit, and failure to sign a federal waterfowl stamp. Later in the day the Rangers responded to hunting without permission complaint involving the hunting of hogs with dogs. Seven subjects were charged with hunting without permission and one warning was written for hunting without a license.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY On Saturday, 01/19 RFC Phillip Nelson took a fifteen year old and a sixteen year old duck hunting for the first time as part of the hunter ed. and hunter development program. RFC Nelson successfully called in several ducks for the hunters.

ELBERT COUNTY On Saturday 01/19 Cpl. Julian Wilkins and RFC Phillip Nelson caught four subjects shooting a waterfowl roost. The subjects were charged with hunting waterfowl after legal hours, possession of illegally taken wildlife and one was charged with hunting without a federal waterfowl stamp.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
HARRIS COUNTY On January 19th, Sergeant Jim Bradfield, and Corporal Jeremy Bolen located a duck shoot on private property. The officers checked a total of 6 hunters. One hunter did not possess any hunting license. The hunter was issued citations for hunting without a license and hunting waterfowl without a Georgia Waterfowl license and a written warning for hunting without a Federal Waterfowl Stamp. Another hunter did not possess a Federal Waterfowl Stamp and was issued a citation for the violation and a written warning for hunting with an unplugged shotgun.
HENRY COUNTY On January 19th, RFC Kevin Godbee, RFC Travis Sweat and Deputy Ranger Joe Sebo were listening in the area of Lester Mill Road and Bill Gardner Parkway. Both RFC Godbee and RFC Sweat had been working a baited pond at this location for several weeks. The Rangers heard shooting in the area and were able to locate three duck hunters hunting the baited pond. One of the violators was cited for the unlawful enticement of game. The second violator was cited for hunting ducks over bait. He also received warnings for not having his Georgia Waterfowl License and for not signing and attaching his Federal Duck Stamp to his hunting license. The third violator was a juvenile and was not charged in the incident.
JONES COUNTY On the morning of January 18th, Ranger Derek Cobb and Ranger Jeremy Reese checked the Ocmulgee River for waterfowl hunters. Several hunters were checked and no violations were discovered.

On the morning of January 19th, Ranger Derek Cobb, Ranger Jeremy Reese, Corporal Josh Copelan and Corporal Bubba Stanford located 3 waterfowl hunters on a farm pond. The officers discovered cracked corn and wheat in the edge of the water along the bank. The hunters were charged with hunting waterfowl over bait and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
MUSCOGEE COUNTY On January 13th, Corporal Jeremy Bolen checked fishing activity at Lake Oliver marina. Corporal Bolen checked a fisherman and noticed that the person had 16 spotted/largemouth bass in his possession. One of the largemouth was shorter than the legal limit. The subject was issued a citation for possession over the daily creel limit and a written warning for possession of illegal size fish. The fish were confiscated and donated to a food shelter. PUTNAM COUNTY On the evening of January 13th, Corporal Bubba Stanford and U.S.F.S. Officer Zach Nichols interviewed a subject in reference to an unlawful dumping case on Cedar Creek WMA. The subject was charged with one count of unlawful dumping.

Region V- Albany (Southwest)
MITCHELL COUNTY Ranger Chris Carlisle located three subjects shooting ducks after legal hours. The hunters were charged with several violations that included; hunting waterfowl after-hours, hunting without a federal duck stamp, hunting without a Georgia waterfowl license, and failure to participate in the migratory bird HIP program. Two wood ducks were seized.
TIFT COUNTY Cpl. Robbie Griner responded to a reported drowning near Brookfield. Ranger First Class Jon Penuel provided a small patrol boat and other recovery equipment. Rescue divers entered the water and located the missing person and the sunken vessel. The Rangers assisted with securing the scene and rendering aid to a survivor involved in the incident.
On the evening of January 12th, Cpl. Greg Wade received information from a citizen who reported gunshots near his home. Wade responded and quickly located five individuals hunting ducks around a small pond. The hunters were charged with several violations that included; hunting waterfowl after hours, hunting with illegal ammunition, hunting without proper licenses, and hunting with unplugged guns.
DECATUR COUNTY On January 13th, RFC Tony Cox and Ranger Jace Heard responded to a hunting incident in which a juvenile hunter sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the leg. The incident occurred during a hunt with deer dogs. Sgt. David Ruddell also responded as a member of the Critical Incident Reconstruction Team.
On January 14th, RFC Tony Cox and Ranger Jace Heard responded to a citizen complaint of a subject hunting deer along a Railroad Right of Way. One subject was arrested at the scene, and transported to the Decatur County Jail, where he was cited for hunting without a license and without a big game license. A warrant was also taken on the subject for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. A rifle and 6 sets of deer antlers were seized in this incident. On January 19th, RFC Tony Cox and Ranger Jace Heard conducted a waterfowl patrol on Lake Seminole. One hunter was cited for taking over the limit of ducks and the officers confiscated 13 Blue Bill ducks in this incident.
LEE COUNTY On January 18th, RFC Randy James located two hunters shooting ducks over bait. The two were cited for hunting ducks over bait, over the limit, illegal ammo (lead shot) and no federal duck stamp. Eleven wood ducks were confiscated.
On January 19th, RFC Randy James located four hunters shooting ducks over bait. The four were cited with hunting ducks over bait, hunting with illegal ammunition, several license and federal duck stamp violations. Nine wood ducks were confiscated.

Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
CHARLTON COUNTY On January 18th, Cpl. Jason Shipes received a complaint in reference to someone hunting ducks without permission and over bait along the Satilla River. Cpl. Shipes, RFC. Mark Pool and Cpl. Josh Chambers responded to the area to investigate. Upon checking the area the officers found a large amount of cracked corn distributed along the edges of an oxbow lake next to the Satilla River. The next morning shots were heard coming from the baited lake before legal shooting hours. As the officers approached the area they located three adults and one juvenile. Each adult was charged with hunting without permission and hunting over bait. Additional citations were issued for hunting waterfowl without a state waterfowl license, using illegal ammunition and hunting before legal hours.
CLINCH COUNTY On January 13th, Corporal Jason Shipes, Corporal Josh Chambers, and RFC Mark Pool assisted the Georgia State Patrol with a road check north of Homerville. Two subjects were issued citations for failure to record deer harvest. One of those subjects was also issued a warning for taking over the season limit of antlered deer.
WARE COUNTY On January 19th, Corporal Josh Chambers, Corporal Jason Shipes, RFC Mark Pool, and Ranger Daniel North patrolled Satilla River access points. While checking fishermen near the Jamestown area, two subjects were issued citations for fishing without a license.
BEN HILL COUNTY On Jan 19th, Cpl John a Stokes, while patrolling for duck shoots, found a roost shoot. One juvenile who was eleven years old was given verbal guidance.
On Jan 19th, Cpl John A Stokes & RFC Allen Mills held an HIN inspection at Bowens Mill. Six vessels were inspected.
LAURENS COUNTY On January 13th, Cpl. Stiles patrolled the Riverbend WMA. Three waterfowl hunters and two rabbit hunters were encountered. One violation was documented and verbal guidance was given for other violations.
TATTNALL COUNTY On January 16th, RFC Clint Jarriel answered a call from the Forestry Department in Tattnall County. A fire got away from a subject and caused damage to surrounding property. The fire was started with materials that are illegal to burn. The subject was charged with unlawful dumping(less than 500lbs). Burning is included in this charge.

TOOMBS COUNTY Cpl. Chase Altman and Sgt. Jon Barnard were working a complaint of illegal duck hunting in north Toombs County on January 18th, when shots were heard coming from a pond not far from where they were patrolling. One violation of hunting waterfowl after hours was documented.
EVANS COUNTY On January 19th, RFC Debbie Brannen checked several duck hunters along the Canoochee River. Verbal guidance was given to three individuals for not signing their federal duck stamp.
TATTNALL COUNTY On January 20th, RFC Debbie Brannen checked a duck shoot resulting in violations for hunting without a license, hunting without the Georgia waterfowl stamp, hunting without the federal waterfowl stamp, hunting without the H.I.P. license, hunting with illegal ammunition, hunting without hunter safety certification and possession of illegally taken wildlife. RFC Brannen was assisted by Cpl. Dave Sims.
TOOMBS COUNTY On January 18th, Sgt. Jon Barnard and Cpl. Chase Altman were listening for hunters hunting ducks after legal hours. They heard shots coming from a hunting club in the area. Cpl. Altman dropped Sgt. Barnard off to investigate the shooting. Sgt. Barnard located two hunters in a boat, in a pond next to a hunting camp. One of the hunters was observed shooting after legal shooting hours. The hunters were stopped by Cpl. Altman, who issued the hunter a warning for hunting ducks after legal hours.
BERRIEN COUNTY On January 14th, Cpl. Morty Wood investigated a report of illegal burning on King Road on Berrien County. The violation of illegal burning was addressed with a man cleaning out an old barn for a friend.
On January 19th, Cpl. Morty Wood checked duck shoots in the West Berrien community. Violations of taking over the limit, hunting without federal waterfowl stamp, and hunting without license on person were addressed.

Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
MCINTOSH COUNTY On January 18, 2013, Ranger Kate Hargrove, Cpl. Chris Ridley, and Sgt. Wayne Hubbard worked a detail near Sapelo Sound in an attempt to detect illegal shellfish activity. They observed an individual picking oysters in an unapproved area. When approached it was determined that the man was in possession of 8 bushels of oysters. This was 6 bushels over the 2 bushel non-commercial limit. Citations were issued for picking shellfish in an unauthorized area and possession of commercial quantities of oysters by a non-commercial picker.

BRYAN COUNTY On Jan. 18th, RFC Jack Thain and Ranger Trey Taylor checked a boat at Ft. McAllister boat ramp and cited the operator for operating a vessel without a current registration.
On the evening of Jan. 18th, RFC Thain and Ranger Taylor received a complaint regarding raccoon hunters on the Richmond Hill WMA whose hunting dogs had gotten onto a private hunting club's property. Two hunters were cited for hunting without permission.
On Jan. 19th, Rangers Trey Taylor and Jason Miller conducted a boat HIN/registration inspection at Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery, assisting in the registration of eight boats.
OFFSHORE/FEDERAL WATERS On Jan. 13th, Cpl. Phillip Scott, Rangers Jason Miller and Trey Taylor patrolled offshore of Ossabaw and St. Catherine's Islands, checking several fishermen at the CAT and KTK reefs.