Department of Natural Resources 
Law Enforcement Division 
Field Operations 
Weekly Report October 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 Division. 
 
 Region I- Calhoun (Northwest) 
BARTOW COUNTY On October 17th, Cpl. Byron Young responded to a call of a live alligator off Akin Way in Carterville. Bartow County Animal Control and Cpl. Young located a 6  foot live alligator tied to a truck on Akin Way. The person stated that he picked up the alligator on I-16 south of Macon, Georgia. When questioned what he planned on doing with the alligator, he stated he planned on eating it and maybe making something out of the hide. The man was issued a citation for possession of a game animal. 
Alligator illegally possessed by a person in Cartersville, Georgia. On October 19th, Cpl. Byron Young and RFC Zack Hardy checked a baited area off Barnsley Garden Road. The officers located one hunter hunting in the immediate area of a salt block, molasses block, and where corn had been previously been placed. The hunter was hunting with a .22 magnum rifle and a .44 magnum handgun. He was not wearing a fluorescent orange vest, but had one in his pocket. The hunter stated he was hunting squirrels but would have also shot a deer. The Rangers determined that there were several hunting violations and addressed violations for hunting deer without fluorescent orange and hunting over bait. 
 
 CHEROKEE COUNTY On October 19th, RFC Bart Hendrix, RFC Brooks Varnell, and DNR K-9 "Rock" checked a complaint that RFC Hendrix had received earlier of people hunting without permission and over bait near the Walmart in Canton. While checking the area, the Rangers found a man hunting over a broadcast feeder with whole kernel corn. The man did not have permission to hunt the property and admitted to placing the feeder and corn out about a week earlier. The hunter also did not have a big game license and was not wearing his required fluorescent orange vest while in his deer stand. The Rangers cited him for hunting without permission, hunting big game over bait, hunting without a big game license, and hunting deer without wearing the required fluorescent orange. 
On October 19th, Cpl. Lee Burns checked two hunters that had harvested a four point buck. The male hunter shot the buck and was accompanied by a female on her first whitetail deer hunt. The female did not have a hunting license or a big game license. Cpl. Burns gave verbal guidance to the female for the violations, as she did not possess a firearm but was providing assistance during the hunt. 
On October 19th, Cpl. Lee Burns conducted a foot patrol for a mile on one of the boundaries of McGraw Ford WMA. McGraw Ford is an archery only wildlife management area and annually gets complaints of people deer hunting with firearms. Cpl. Burns noticed a hunter on adjoining property deer hunting without the required fluorescent orange. While approaching the hunter, the man started putting on his fluorescent orange vest. Cpl. Burns checked the hunter who did not have any other violations. Cpl. Burns talked with the hunter about the use of the fluorescent orange vest for safety while deer hunting. On October 19th, Sgt. Mike Barr and Cpl. Lee Burns checked a hunter in Cherokee County hunting on 500 acres that he managed. He stated that he was managing the property for older and larger bucks. He showed the Rangers a picture of an eight pointer taken last year with a 20  inch inside spread on the rack. The hunter was proud of letting younger bucks grow and get to an older age before harvesting the animal. 
Cpl. Lee Burns checking deer hunter along Shoal Creek, Cherokee County. 
 
 GILMER COUNTY On September 29th, RFC Joe Hill received a call from Sgt. McClure with Gilmer County Sheriff's Office referencing a hunting complaint. Sgt. McClure had been dispatched to a complaint of three subjects' coyote hunting without permission. RFC Hill met Sgt. McClure and the three hunters at Gilmer County Detention Center. RFC Hill talked to the hunters and found two of them to be Tennessee residents and one to be a Georgia resident. All three admitted to coyote hunting and none had a hunting license. The landowner did not want to press charges of hunting without permission. The three subjects were cited for hunting without a license. 
FANNIN COUNTY On October 15th, RFC Cody Jones patrolled Cooper's Creek WMA during the quota hog/dog hunt. He issued 16 citations and warnings for violations including hunting from a WMA road, hunting without orange, hunting without a WMA license and violating quota regulations. 
On October 19th, RFC Cody Jones checked an area baited with corn and encountered a South Carolina man hunting approximately 80 yards from the bait. The subject was charged with hunting big game over bait. 
On October 19th, RFC Cody Jones went to check a baited area and encountered the suspect on a single lane road leading into the baited area with a black bear in the bed of his truck. The hunter agreed to show RFC Jones where the bear was killed and approximately 60 yards away was the baited area that RFC Jones was initially in route to check. The hunter admitted to placing about 10 bags of corn and a mineral block in the area for hunting season. The suspect was charged and the bear was confiscated. 
 
 POLK COUNTY On October 19th, RFC Chad Cox was checking a baited deer stand in the western part of the county and located a 13 year old hunting over the bait who was not wearing a fluorescent orange vest. After speaking with the child RFC Cox was then able to locate an adult over 150 yards away in another stand. RFC Cox issued the adult citations for allowing a child to hunt without hunter education certifications and also unlawful enticement of game. RFC Cox explained to each subject about how to register for a hunter education class. 
On October 19th, RFC Chad Cox was checking a baited deer stand and heard two shots from the area where the stand was located. As RFC Cox neared the stand he could see two people sitting on the ground with no fluorescent orange vest on. RFC Cox spoke to the subjects and they advised there was another subject up the hill in the stand. RFC Cox located a male subject hunting with a crossbow in the stand. RFC Cox issued the subject in the stand a citation for hunting big game over bait and verbally warned him for taking his orange vest off. RFC Cox also issued one citation for hunting without fluorescent orange to the subject that was hunting on the ground. The other subject was a juvenile, who had shot earlier at the deer. 
HARALSON COUNTY October 15th and 17th, RFC Daniel Gray and Hunter Education Volunteers conducted a Hunter Education Class prior to opening weekend of firearms deer season. 21 individuals received their hunter education certification. 
October 19th, Capt. Johnny Johnson and RFC Daniel Gray patrolled Haralson County and checked multiple baited deer stands. Citations were issued for hunting big game over bait and for deer hunting w/o fluorescent orange. 
CARROLL COUNTY On October 19th, Cpl. Eric Brown and Ranger Mark Puig were patrolling Carroll County for deer hunting activity. A complaint was received of someone crossing some land in front of another hunter. The rangers responded and found a dove field adjacent to the property. Three hunters on the field were found hunting dove over bait. Wheat was found in and around where the hunters were located. They were cited for hunting dove over bait and illegal possession of wildlife. Twenty eight doves were confiscated from the hunters. Later that morning another complaint of someone hunting without permission was received. The rangers responded to the area and found three subjects searching for a deer. The hunter's deer stand was approximately 30 yards off the property line. It was determined that the hunter shot the deer across the fence on the complainant's property. He was charged with hunting without permission. 
 
 Region II- Gainesville (Northeast) 
DAWSON COUNTY On October 19th, RFC Mitchell Crump and Ranger Shane Brown were patrolling Dawson Forest WMA. The rangers encountered a subject hunting deer on the WMA which was closed to deer hunting. The subject was issued citations and warnings for hunting deer on a closed WMA and hunting without wearing fluorescent orange. 
On October 19th, RFC Barry Britt and DNR Board Member Nancy Addison patrolled Dawson County. During the patrol they checked a couple of hunters on Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area (WMA) who were confused about the deer hunting dates on the area. Verbal guidance was given to the hunters. They also checked several Georgia Outdoor Recreation Passes (GORP), while patrolling the GORP areas on the WMA. Later that evening they patrolled Amicalola Falls State Park and the National Forest Service property north of Amicalola Falls State Park. They did not see any hunting activity while patrolling the National Forest Service property. 
FORSYTH COUNTY On October 19th, RFC Mitchell Crump and Ranger Shane Brown found were trash had been dumped. Through the investigation the rangers located the subject who dumped the trash. A written warning was issued for littering. 
GWINNETT COUNTY On October 15th, Ranger Shane Brown and Cpl. Eddie Tompkins located two subjects hunting over whole kernel corn in a two man ladder stand. One subject was hunting with a bow and the other was hunting with a .243 rifle. Neither of the subjects was wearing the required fluorescent orange nor did they have permission to be on the property hunting. The subjects were given citations, warnings or verbal guidance for hunting over bait, hunting without florescent orange, hunting with an illegal weapon, hunting without first obtaining a deer harvest record, and hunting without permission. 
On October 15th, Ranger Shane Browns and Cpl. Eddie Tompkins taught a hunter education class at Ivy Creek Baptist Church in Buford. A total of 45 students were certified in Hunter Education. 
On October 19th, Sgt. Lee Brown and Cpl. Eddie Tompkins located a subject hunting deer without permission and over bait. The Rangers also questioned the subject about a deer killed from the baited area earlier during bow season. The subject admitted to killing a doe deer over bait. The subject was given citation, warnings or verbal guidance for hunting over bait, hunting without permission, and failure to record deer harvest. On October 19th, Sgt. Lee Brown and Cpl. Eddie Tompkins checked three hunters and found two of the hunters did not have all the state required licenses. Warnings were issued for hunting without a hunting license and hunting without a big game license. 
 
 HABERSHAM COUNTY On October 14th, Corporal Derek Dillard responded to a call of a guy fishing without permission on private property on the Soque River. The property's caretaker was speaking with the guy at his car at Jackson Bridge on Highway 197 when Corporal Dillard got on scene. The guy admitted to fishing on the property but he said he was not going to keep any of the fish. Corporal Dillard saw several clues of possible marijuana possession and upon a consensual search, marijuana was found in the subject's car. The guy was arrested and charged with simple possession of marijuana and fishing without permission. He was transported to the Habersham County Detention Center by Sergeant Greg Chastain. 
On October 19th, RFC Chad Chambers located a subject hunting over bait and hunting on private property without permission off Arlo Todd Road in Habersham County. RFC Chambers had located the subject's deer stand and mineral block the evening before while on foot patrol. The subject was charged with hunting big game over bait and issued a warning for hunting without permission. 
On October 20th, RFC Chad Chambers and Captain Thomas Barnard were patrolling the Highway 255 alt. area of Habersham County when they witnessed a subject leaving a piece of property and pulled over to check him. The subject had killed a four point buck that morning and had the deer in the back of the truck. The officers inspected the hunter's license and determined he had not recorded the deer on his harvest record. The subject was issued a citation for failure to record the deer harvest. 
HART COUNTY On October 18th, Cpl. Craig Fulghum received a complaint about a subject that had killed a red-tail hawk in northern Hart County. Cpl. Fulghum investigated the complaint and found a dead red-tail hawk in the yard right beside the house. After talking to the homeowner Cpl. Fulghum determined it was shot with a .22 caliber rifle by a man at that residence. Cpl. Fulghum issued a citation for taking at totally protected species and the hawk was kept as evidence. 
On October 19th, Cpl. Craig Fulghum was checking property in southern Hart County where there was several baited deer stands. Cpl. Fulghum caught two subjects hunting deer over bait and one subject was not wearing an orange vest. Cpl. Fulghum also determined that one of the subjects was a convicted felon from an aggravated assault charge in Madison County in the late 90's. That subject was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was transported to Hart County Jail and the 30-06 rifle was seized as evidence. 
On October 19th, while patrolling Hart County Cpl. Craig Fulghum drove up on a truck that was parked on the side of a road and noticed a man in camouflage at the driver's door. The man had blood on his hands and a deer heart showing the man in the truck. Cpl. Fulghum checked the hunter's license and asked to see the deer. After seeing the deer Cpl. Fulghum determined it was a doe and Hart County was closed to doe harvest on 
 
 opening weekend. The man was issued a citation for taking an antlerless deer in a closed county and the deer was confiscated. 
On October 20th, Cpl. Craig Fulghum was checking a property in southern Hart County where there was several baited deer stands. Cpl. Fulghum caught one adult and one juvenile hunting over bait. The adult was from South Carolina and was hunting without a license and a big game license. He also was not wearing an orange vest. Also Cpl. Fulghum had been checking the stand for several weeks and had noticed two 30-06 rounds in the deer stand that were shot from the prior weekend. After confronting the hunter it was determined that a button buck was killed on October 13th with a 30-06. The juvenile was taken to a family member and the adult was arrested and taken to Hart County Jail. He was charged with non-resident hunting without a license and big game license, no orange vest, hunting big game over bait, taking wildlife with an illegal weapon, and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The buck was confiscated. 
On October 19th, RFC Brandon Pierce patrolled the county for any hunting activity for the opening day of firearms deer season. Numerous hunters and licenses were checked. As a result, citation and a warning were issued for hunting without a license and hunting without a big game license. 
FRANKLIN COUNTY On October 19th, RFC Tim Vickery and Captain Thomas Barnard were working Franklin County when they received a call from a landowner stating that three hunters were on his property with dogs and that they were not wearing their fluorescent orange. RFC Vickery and Capt. Barnard drove to the area and located a vehicle with a dog box. After a short walk RFC Vickery encountered the three subjects loading up two dead hogs into a different vehicle. They were not wearing their fluorescent orange, and did not have any with them. The subjects admitted to baying and killing a hog on the complainant's property. Two of the subjects were cited for hunting hogs without wearing fluorescent orange and warned for hunting without permission. The third subject was a juvenile and was not cited. 
MADISON COUNTY On October 19, RFC Shane Sartor and Sgt. Stan Elrod patrolled in areas where bait had been located and in areas of complaints for trespassing. During the morning patrol, three areas were checked. On the first stop, the rangers issued one citation for hunting without orange and two warning for hunting over bait. On the second stop a citation was issued for hunting over bait. On the third area checked, a total of seven citations were issued for hunting over bait, hunting without orange and hunting without hunter safety certification. 
HALL COUNTY On October 13th, Cpl. Jason Roberson responded to a shots fired call in North Hall County. Investigation revealed that the hunter had no license and was hunting without permission. Citations and warnings were issued for the violations. 
 
 On October 14th, Cpl. Jason Roberson seized two deer that were being held without a permit. 
On October 19th, Sgt. Mike Burgamy and Ranger Kevin Goss were patrolling Hall County when they encountered two subjects hunting without orange. Upon further investigation, they were also found to be hunting over bait and with license issues. They were issued several citations/warnings for the violations. 
BARROW COUNTY On October 19th, at 0855 hours Ranger First Class Mark Stephens was patrolling Barrow County on Manning Gin Rd. Officer Stephens observed an individual's hunter orange vest hanging from a vine several feet below an individual hunting in a deer stand. Officer Stephens walked into the woods and observed a salt block and a pile of whole kernel corn in front of the deer stand. Stephens advised the individual to come down from the stand. Officer Stephens notice the presence of beer cans located under the deer stand where the individual was hunting. Officer Stephens performed a series of field sobriety exercises and concluded that the hunter was under the influence of alcohol. Officer Stephens arrested the individual and subsequently located marijuana on the individual. Officer Stephens also discovered that the hunter was a convicted felon. Officer Stephens charged the hunter for hunting under the Influence of alcohol, hunting big game over bait, hunting without fluorescent orange, possession of marijuana (misdemeanor  less than 1 oz.), and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Officer Stephens secured the prisoner in his patrol vehicle and began to exit the property when he observed the individual's partner hunting without fluorescent orange. Officer Stephens wrote a citation to that particular hunter for hunting without fluorescent orange and wrote warnings on hunting without a license and hunting without a big game license. The arrested hunter was transported to the Barrow County Detention Center for processing by officer Stephens. 
BANKS COUNTY On October 19th, Cpl. Adam Loudermilk, Cpl. Jason Roberson, and Sgt. Mike Burgamy patrolled Banks County. During the patrol the Rangers issued citations and warnings for hunting big game over bait, hunting without orange, and hunting without a license. 
JACKSON COUNTY On October 19th, RFC Eric Isom and his K9 partner Colt checked a property with several baited stands. Colt located one subject hunting off his ATV. Also a man and his wife were located hunting a double ladder stand further into the property. RFC Isom issued written warnings to the two males and a verbal warning the female for hunting big game over bait. 
Later that day RFC Isom and Colt checked another property and located a subject hunting over a mineral block. He was issued a warning for hunting big game over bait. 
On October 20th, RFC Eric Isom and his K9 partner Colt located one subject hunting over a mineral block and Come-er-deer. Also a second person was located at a different stand, 
 
 hunting over a mineral block and corn. Both subjects also were not wearing florescent orange. Citations and warnings were issued for hunting big game over bait and hunting without wearing florescent orange. On another property RFC Isom and Colt were patrolling for a landowner who believed that someone was hunting on his property without his permission. Colt located a freshly killed buck and a hunter on the landowner's property. The hunter received a citation for hunting without permission. The buck was confiscated and donated to feed the hungry program. 
Region III- Thomson (East Central) 
COLUMBIA COUNTY On October 19th, Cpl. Ryan Swain and RFC Robert Timmerman cited three individuals for hunting big game over bait. 
On October 19th, Cpl. Ryan Swain and RFC Robert Timmerman performed an I and E program at Evans Town Center by participating in Columbia Co Public Safety Day. 
MCDUFFIE COUNTY On October 19th, RFC Leroy Ficklin and RFC Grant Matherly responded to a Night Hunting complaint in Southern McDuffie County. Upon arrival at the scene, three subjects were apprehended and charged for hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road, hunting from a vehicle, and hunting without permission. 
On October 19th, RFC Leroy Ficklin apprehended and cited one subject for hunting big game over bait. 
On October 20th, RFC Leroy Ficklin performed a concentrated patrol of McDuffie PFA. Two subjects were written warnings and citations for fishing violations. 
TALIAFERRO COUNTY On October 19th, RFC Leroy Ficklin apprehended and cited four subjects for hunting big game over bait. 
WARREN COUNTY On October 19th, Capt. Mark Padgett, Sgt. Matt Garthright, Sgt. Doyte Chaffin, Cpl. Michael Crawley, RFC Brian Adams and K-9 Storm performed a concentrated patrol of a hunting club. The officers detected and cited 8 subjects for hunting big game over bait. Several subjects were also cited for various hunting violations ranging from orange violations to license requirements. 
On October 19th, Cpl. Brian Hobbins and Sgt. Matt Garthright cited four subjects for hunting big game over bait, one without license, one no orange, and one failure to record deer harvest. 
 
 On October 19th, Cpl. Brian Hobbins apprehended and cited a subject for hunting without permission and license violations. The subject fled the scene by vehicle when confronted by the landowner. The complaint was put out over the radio as a BOLO. Several minutes later Cpl. Hobbins performed traffic stop on the BOLO vehicle and apprehended the subject. Cpl. Hobbins was assisted by Captain Mark Padgett and Sgt. Matt Garthright. 
JEFFERSON COUNTY On October 13, RFC Matherly responded to a complaint of night hunting in South Jefferson County. When RFC Matherly arrived on scene he spoke with one of the land owners and was told that he had seen a blue Chevy truck riding down the road by his property and it had shot two times. While RFC Matherly was talking with the complainant, Jefferson County Deputy Sgt. Chip Evans stopped a truck up the road from the incident location which was from Florida, and had four subjects inside the vehicle. RFC Matherly notified Sgt. Boswell and RFC Billips to come and assist with the investigation. After four hours of investigation the Rangers located two spent cartridges, a rifle on the side of the road, and a deer that had been shot in the hind quarters in the woods close to where the gun had been hidden. All four subjects were arrested and transported to the Jefferson County Jail. The subjects were charged with: hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle, hunting from a public road, hunting without permission, and discharging a firearm from a public road. 
MCDUFFIE COUNTY On October 19, RFC Matherly responded to Whitaker Cr. in McDuffie County for a complaint of Night Hunting. While in route he was advised a deputy had arrived on scene and had 5 subjects stopped. When RFC Matherly arrived he found that the subjects had shot at two deer in a field which had a residence in the rear of it. He contacted RFC Ficklin to respond as well. After interviewing the subjects he found one had shot with a 308 rifle and one had shot with a 12 gauge shot gun loaded with buck shot. The three adults were charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road, hunting from a vehicle, discharging a firearm from a public road, and hunting without permission. Subjects were given appearance citations and released. The two 16 year old juveniles were turned over to their parents. 
OCONEE COUNTY On October 13th RFC Tim Butler patrolled for deer and dove hunting activity. RFC Butler issued two citations for hunting big game over bait, six citations for hunting dove over bait, one citation for hunting without a license, and four warnings for possession of illegally taken wildlife. 
WALTON COUNTY On October 19th RFC Tim Butler and RFC Niki Spencer checked a hunting club with numerous baited deer stands. Three hunters were cited for hunting big game over bait. 
 
 WILKES COUNTY On October 19th Sgt. Brian Carter and Cpl. Mark Patterson checked areas known to have baited deer stands. Seven hunters were found to be hunting big game over bait and three hunting without fluorescent orange. 
OGLETHORPE COUNTY On October 19th RFC Phillip Nelson checked areas known to have baited deer stands. Four violations for hunting big game over bait and seven hunting without fluorescent orange violations were documented. 
HANCOCK COUNTY On October 20, RFC Richard Tanner issued citation for illegal buck reference QDM. 
WALTON COUNTY On October 19, Cpl. David Allen issued citations for hunting without permission and possession of illegally taken wildlife. 
On October 19, RFC Nikki Spencer issued citation for big game over bait. 
JONES COUNTY On October 19, RFC Nikki Spencer assisted in a hunting incident involving fatality. 
GREENE COUNTY On October 19, Cpl. Derrell Worth issued 7 citations for big game over bait, 1 citation for failure to record deer harvest, 2 possession of illegally taken wildlife (6 point buck confiscated), 1 nonresident hunting without big game license, 1 illegal use of ATV on WMA, 2 without fluorescent orange, 1 without hunting license, 1 allowing juvenile to hunt unsupervised, 2 unlawful enticement of game, 1 nonresident hunting without a hunting license, and 1 possession of firearm by a convicted felon. 
RICHMOND COUNTY On opening day of firearms deer season, October 19, Cpl. Ben Payne and Sgt. Max Boswell patrolled Richmond County checking baited deer stands and complaint without permission properties. Several baited areas were checked in the morning. A total of 7 citations were written including hunting big game over bait, hunting without permission and hunting deer without fluorescent orange. 
In the afternoon Cpl. Payne and RFC Billips patrolled Richmond County checking baited deer stands. No violations were written. The officers also responded to a lost hunter on Yuchi WMA. After 30 minutes the lost person was located and taken to his vehicle. The officers worked night hunting complaints into the night and into the early morning. 
 
 Region IV- Macon (West Central) 
BALDWIN COUNTY On the afternoon of October 14th, Ranger Matt Johnson and Cpl. Lynn Stanford investigated an illegal trapping complaint. Several snares were located along a fence line. A suspect was identified and charged with trapping without a license and warned for trapping with an unlawful device. 
Snare set along fence line. On the morning of October 17th, Ranger Jeremy Reese and Cpl. Josh Copelan responded to a report that a hunter fell from a tree stand. Once on scene, the officers discovered a hunter had fallen approximately 15 feet to the ground while attempting to exit his stand. The hunter received numerous injuries and the incident is still under investigation. BUTTS COUNTY On October 9th, RFC Freddie Hays conducted a hunter Education Program at Indian Springs State Park and certified 19 students. 
 
 CRAWFORD COUNTY On the morning of October 19th, Ranger David Fisher checked areas where he had located baited deer stands on the days leading up to opening day. Several citations and warnings were issued for hunting big game over bait, unlawful enticement of game, and hunting deer without fluorescent orange. 
On the morning of October 19th, Cpl. Josh Swain and Sgt. Tony Fox checked multiple baited deer stands. One subject was encountered and charged for hunting deer without fluorescent orange and hunting big game over bait. The officers also spotted a four wheeler parked near a gate to another hunting club, and they waited for the hunter to return in order to conduct a compliance check. Upon his return to the ATV, the hunter was found to have been hunting without the required fluorescent orange  it was also discovered that the individual was a non-resident hunting without any licenses and had been hunting deer over bait. The officers then followed the subject back to his hunting camp where they encountered two more subjects walking from their deer stands back to the camp. One subject was charged for hunting deer without fluorescent orange and the other was charged with being a non-resident hunting with a resident license. 
On the afternoon of October 19th, Ranger David Fisher and Sgt. Tony Fox were patrolling for deer hunting activity when they entered a piece of property where a baited deer stand had been previously located. One hunter was issued citations for hunting big game over bait and hunting deer without fluorescent orange. 
JASPER COUNTY On October 10th, RFC Freddie Hays conducted a Hunter Education Program at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center and certified 9 students. 
On October 18th, RFC Freddie Hays was returning from a section meeting and encounter a black GMC Yukon that was weaving and ran off the road on two occasions. RFC Hays activated his blue lights and conducted a traffic stop. During RFC Hays' investigation it was discovered that the driver of the vehicle was taking six different types of prescription drugs. RFC Hays contacted the Jasper County Sheriff Office and turned the driver over to a deputy for field sobriety testing for driving under the influence of drugs. 
On Saturday October 19th, RFC Hays checked several areas in Jasper County where he had previously located baited deer stands. RFC Hays issued citations to four subjects for hunting big game over bait and two subjects for hunting without wearing fluorescent orange clothing. 
JONES COUNTY On the morning of October 19th, numerous DNR Law Enforcement Rangers responded to a hunting incident on Cedar Creek WMA. One hunter was located deceased and the incident is still under investigation by DNR's specialized C.I.R.T. (Critical Incident Reconstruction Team). 
 
 LAMAR COUNTY On October 19th, RFC Keith Page located a man on Zebulon Road who was found to be hunting over bait. Page had been checking the stand since the beginning of bow season without any success. The man had removed a large feeder from in front of his stand, however he left a white salt block about 25 yards from the stand. The man was charged with hunting big game over bait. 
On October 19th, RFC Keith Page was patrolling Lamar County near Tharpe Road. After hearing a shot very close to his location, RFC Page located a group of hunters that were all from Florida. One of the men that came out of the woods was found to be hunting without obtaining any licenses. RFC Page charged the man with hunting without a license (non-resident) and hunting without a big game license (non-resident). 
MONROE COUNTY On Saturday morning, October 19th, Sgt. Tim Kendrick and Cpl. Tony Wynne checked a baited area in north Monroe County. As Wynne went to check one baited stand, Kendrick went to check another. As Kendrick approached, a hunter in the stand fired a shot and killed a doe. Kendrick got the hunter out of the stand and checked his license and pointed out that the hunter had killed the deer over bait because corn was strewn on the ground in front of the stand. The hunter also was not wearing fluorescent orange. The hunter was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait and given a written warning for hunting without fluorescent orange clothing. 
On the same morning, Kendrick and Wynne proceeded to another hunting club not far away and after a long walk to the back of the club, found another hunter hunting over bait. He was given a citation for hunting big game over bait. 
PEACH COUNTY On October 15th, Sgt. Tony Fox was patrolling a tract of property for hunting activity when he encountered two personal watercraft that had been dumped in a wooded area. The sergeant found the crafts' engines had been removed and the hull identification plates destroyed. Sgt. Fox was able to retrieve the "secondary" identification numbers and, upon checking the registration information, found that both vessels were reported as stolen from an adjacent county. The items were towed from the area and secured for investigators from the appropriate jurisdiction. 
PUTNAM COUNTY On the morning of October 19th, Ranger Jeremy Reese and Cpl. Lynn Stanford located 2 hunters hunting deer over bait and without wearing fluorescent orange. The hunters were issued the appropriate citations in state court. 
TROUP COUNTY On October 19th, Cpl. Jeremy Bolen and RFC Russell Epps checked a hunting club which had baited deer stands. One hunter was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait and a written warning for hunting deer without fluorescent orange. Another hunter was issued a citation for hunting deer without fluorescent orange. 
 
 On the morning of October 19th, Sgt. Jim Bradfield, Cpl. Jeremy Bolen and RFC Russell Epps were patrolling an area of Troup County when Sgt. Bradfield stopped and checked a pick-up truck that had blood on the tailgate. In the bed of the truck Sgt. Bradfield noticed a small five point buck that did not meet the antler restrictions for Troup County. While interviewing the individuals, the Rangers were able to determine the location of the property in Troup County where the buck had been harvested. The Rangers then traveled to the location and began looking for any evidence. Cpl. Bolen was able to utilize K-9 Ruger to locate the area and then locate a shell casing that the individual had ejected from his rifle. Upon further investigation of the area, it was also determined that the individual had taken the illegal deer while hunting over a baited area. The individual was charged with taking of an illegal antlered deer in an antler restricted county, hunting big game over bait, and was given a warning for failure to record deer harvest. 
 
  Region V- Albany (Southwest) 
MACON COUNTY On October 19th, Ranger Jesse Harrison and RFC Clint Martin conducted a check of a dove field and found it to be baited. The five hunters were cited for hunting over bait. One hunter was also cited for taking over the daily bag limit and a one was given a warning for hunting with an unplugged shot gun. A total of 49 doves were confiscated. 
CRISP COUNTY On October 19th, Cpl. Bob Holley was on patrol in Crisp and Sumter Counties. During his patrol one hunter was cited for hunting without a license and for hunting without a big game license. 
LEE COUNTY On October 19th, RFC Randy James encountered individual hunting doves without a license. The hunter was cited for hunting without a license and 4 doves were confiscated. 
STEWART COUNTY On October 20th, while patrolling Hannahatchee WMA Cpl. Steve Robinson located and cited two deer hunters who were hunting without WMA license. 
CALHOUN COUNTY On Sunday October 20th, Cpl. Scott Carroll located a non-resident deer hunter not wearing the required amount of fluorescent orange. During an inspection of the hunters license Cpl. Carroll discovered the hunter had purchased a resident license instead of the required non-resident license. Through a brief interview Cpl. Carroll determined the purchase to be fraudulent and the hunter was issued a citation for the incorrect license and a citation for fluorescent orange. 
RANDOLPH COUNTY While patrolling on October 19th, RFC Jim Atchley and RNG Quinn Fogle responded to a call in reference to a possible QDM (Quality Deer Management) violation. Upon arrival the rangers located a hunter whom had harvested an illegal buck. The hunter was cited for QDM violation and a warned for a harvest record violation. The deer was seized and donated to a charitable facility. 
DECATUR COUNTY On October 19th, Sgt. Rick Sellars and RFC Tony Cox conducted deer hunting patrols on Silver Lake WMA. Two hunters were located and cited for hunting on a closed WMA and one for hunting deer without wearing fluorescent orange. 
 
 Region VI- Metter (Southeast) 
ECHOLS COUNTY On October 19th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree and Ranger Daniel North encountered an individual fishing in Tom's Creek at the Woodpecker Route. The same individual was issued a written warning several weeks ago for fishing without a license and instructed on how to obtain a license. This time the individual was charged for the violation. 
On October 19th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree and Ranger Daniel North patrolled several dog-deer hunting leases for deer hunting activity. More than 20 hunting licenses were inspected. The officers discovered six individuals that did not possess a current season's deer harvest record and one that did not have the required dog-deer hunting license. All were given verbal guidance for the license violations and instructed to obtain the proper licenses before resuming their hunt. Two other hunters were given verbal guidance for hunting deer without fluorescent orange. The hunters were wearing faded, drab-orange tee-shirts that did not meet the fluorescent orange requirement. They were instructed to wear the proper color and minimum amount of orange. 
CHARLTON COUNTY On October 19th, Ranger Sam Williams was patrolling for deer dogging activity near Winokur when a small group of hunters were encountered trying to catch hounds that had lost the trail of the deer they were pursuing. Two of the hunters were not wearing any fluorescent orange. During a check of their hunting licenses, one of the subjects stated he was not hunting, just driving the truck and helping to catch dogs. It was explained to the hunter that assisting in the hunt was hunting, even if the person was not in possession of a weapon. Written warnings were issued for the license violations and for hunting deer without fluorescent orange. 
WARE COUNTY On October 16th, Corporal Josh Chambers assisted the Ware County Sheriff's Office with an on-going narcotics investigation. Corporal Chambers and three Ware County narcotics officers patrolled several areas related to the investigation. As the officers patrolled one of these areas, they observed a large group of individuals standing in the road. As the officers approached the individuals, several tried to flee the area. The officers secured the fleeing individuals and discovered a small amount of marijuana on one of them. One vehicle near the fleeing individuals had a bag of synthetic marijuana in plain view. Corporal Chambers and one of the Ware County officers conducted a search of the vehicle and Corporal Chambers located approximately 22 grams of cocaine. Corporal Chambers and the Ware County officers then discovered stashes of illegal drugs in the woods nearby including numerous types of prescription pills, cocaine, synthetic marijuana, organic marijuana, and packaging items for the sale of the drugs. Two individuals were arrested for Violation of Georgia's Controlled Substance Act. A large amount of illegal drugs and related items were seized (see picture) along with a vehicle used in the illegal drug activity. 
 
 On October 19th, CPL Josh Chambers, CPL Jason Shipes and RFC Mark Pool observed an individual at a local gas station with a dead buck deer on top of his dog box. After a brief interview, it was determined that the deer had not been recorded as required on the hunter's deer harvest record. A violation for failure to record deer harvest was documented. The deer was not seized. 
CLINCH COUNTY On October 19th, while patrolling various dog-deer hunting clubs throughout the county, CPL Jason Shipes and RFC Mark Pool encountered a non-resident hunting without a hunting license, hunting big game without a big game license, and hunting deer with dogs without a deer dogging license. The violations were documented. 
WHEELER COUNTY On October 13th, Sgt. James McLaughlin and Cpl. Dan Stiles responded to a report of a possible hunting incident involving a fatality. Cpl. Morty Wood of the Law Enforcement Division Critical Incident Reconstruction Team (CIRT) also responded. The incident did not involve hunting activity. The three officers remained on scene and assisted the Wheeler Co. Sheriff's office and the GBI with the death investigation on the hunting club. The incident is still under investigation. 
On October 16th, RFC Rodney Horne received a hunting without permission complaint in progress on the Oconee River in Wheeler County. The complainant stated an individual was hunting deer without permission and had accessed his property from the river. RFC Horne responded and was able to make contact with the violator. The violator 
 
 was cited for hunting without permission, hunting without wearing fluorescent orange, and a violation for possession of illegally taken wildlife was also documented for the possession of two deer harvested illegally. 
TELFAIR COUNTY On Thursday, October 10th, 2013 RFC Rodney Horne responded to an unlawful burning complaint in Telfair County. RFC Rodney Horne located two violators burning tires and wood in a residential yard. The violators were cited for unlawful burning of egregious litter. On October 19th, RFC Rodney Horne arrested a person for Hunting under the Influence of alcohol. On the same date, RFC Rodney Horne cited a hunter for hunting deer without wearing fluorescent orange vest and documented two additional violations on two hunters for hunting without licenses on person. APPLING COUNTY On October 19th, Cpl. Altman and Ranger Gibbs were patrolling Appling County for illegal hunting on opening day. One group of deer dogging hunters was checked and one hunter was given a warning for not having a deer dogging license. 
 
 On the night of the October 19th, Cpl. Altman, Ranger Gibbs, and Cpl. Joyce were working the county for illegal night hunting activity. A vehicle was observed shining a light into a corn field from the public road. A traffic stop was initiated on the vehicle. The two subjects that occupied the vehicle were charged with hunting from a vehicle, hunting from a public road, and hunting hogs w/o permission. 
JEFF DAVIS COUNTY On October 19th, Cpl. Kevin Joyce was working illegal baiting activity on Bullard Creek WMA. One subjected was located hunting the baiting area. The subject was charged with hunting over bait and hunting without fluorescent orange. 
Also on October 19, Cpl. Kevin Joyce, RFC Debbie Brannen, and K-9 Briar patrolled Bullard Creek WMA during a managed deer hunt. One subject was located using K-9 Briar. The subject was charged with hunting deer without fluorescent orange. 
 
 On October 19th, Cpl. Chase Altman and Ranger Patrick Gibbs patrolled the opening day of firearms season hunt at Flat Tub WMA. Multiple individuals were checked resulting in one violation for hunting deer without fluorescent orange. 
TATTNALL COUNTY On October 19th, RFC Clint Jarriel and SGT Jon Barnard patrolled Rocky Range Rd for possible hunting without permission activity. Two subjects were found and violations were documented for, hunting without permission and hunting without fluorescent orange. 
BERRIEN COUNTY On October 18th, Cpl. Morty Wood was patrolling East Berrien County and saw a deer hanging from a cleaning rack at a local hunting club. Cpl. Wood entered the camp to check the legalities of the harvest of the 4-point buck. One the members of the hunting group claimed the deer and said he had shot it with a .270 rifle. Cpl. Wood explained that firearms season did not start until the next morning. Charges included hunting with an illegal weapon, non-resident hunting without a license, failure to record harvest, and possession of illegally taken wildlife. 
On October 19th, Cpl. Wood patrolled areas in Berrien County for deer hunting violations. Cpl. Wood located one hunter and addressed violations that included hunting without a license, hunting without a big game license, and hunting deer without fluorescent orange. During the patrol another hunter was found to be hunting without fluorescent orange and hunting without license on person. 
LANIER COUNTY On October 19, Cpl. Morty wood patrolled Lanier County for deer dogging violations. Several hunters were checked on various hunting clubs and several violations of hunting deer with dogs without a deer dog license were addressed. 
COFFEE COUNTY On October 19th, RFC Hilton was on routine patrol in Coffee County. RFC Hilton made contact with several subjects hunting deer. After a routine license check, RFC Hilton cited two individuals for a non-resident hunting without a license and a non-resident hunting big game without a non-resident big game license. Also RFC Hilton was patrolling the Satilla River corridor and made contact with a subject fishing and cited him for fishing without a license. 
LOWNDES On October 19th, RFC Keith McDonald checked property for hunting without permission. Two individuals were located hunting from a ladder stand on the property. After making contact, RFC McDonald determined they were hunting without a hunting license and without permission. 
 
 On October 20th, RFC Keith McDonald responded to a boating incident on the Withlacoochee River. An individual was thrown from the vessel. The vessel was still underway, circled and run over the operator. The individual suffered lacerations to his upper and lower leg. He was transported to South Georgia Medical Center. He is extremely fortunate and expected to make a full recovery. 
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal) 
GLYNN COUNTY On October 19, Cpl. Chris Ridley was working Hunting without permission complaint when he observed a vehicle parked along the side of the road in the problem area. Cpl. Ridley entered the property on foot and within a few minutes heard a shot. The subject was soon located and when asked about the shot he stated it wasn't him. Two more subjects were found on the property and one had shot an 8pt buck. The first subject was wearing his orange vest and was properly licensed. He was cited for Hunting without permission. The other two were cited for Hunting without permission, hunting without a license, Hunting without a big game license, and Hunting without fluorescent orange vest. The subject that shot the deer was also cited with possession of illegally taken wildlife. 
CAMDEN COUNTY On September 19th, Sgt. Chris Hodge was checking dog deer hunters in Camden County when he encountered a subject hunting from the road. The subject was cited for hunting big game from a public road. 
BRYAN COUNTY On Oct. 13th, Cpl. Phillip Scott and Cpl. Jay Morgan patrolled the St. Catherine's Sound and Ossabaw Sound areas. One fisherwoman was cited for fishing without a non-resident fishing license. One boater was cited and arrested for operating a vessel under the influence. 
On Oct. 14th, Cpl. Jay Morgan cited one person at the Richmond Hill WMA shooting range for violation of range rules (shooting during closed hours). 
On Oct. 19th, Ranger Jason Miller patrolled the Richmond Hill WMA areas. One deerdogging hunter was cited for hunting with deer-dogs on unpermitted property on a private hunting club off of the Bryan Fisherman's Co-op Rd. 
October 19th, while patrolling Richmond Hill Wildlife Management Area, Corporal Chris Moore and Ranger Jordan Crawford charged a hunter for hunting deer with dogs off permitted property. The hunting dogs were returned to their owner. Other violations documented were hunting without a license and failure to record deer harvest. 
 
 Ranger Crawford with hunting dogs 
LIBERTY COUNTY On Oct. 14th, Cpl. Phillip Scott cited three seafood dealers and crabbers for failure to turn in commercial harvest records. 
On Oct. 18th, RFC Jack Thain and Ranger Jason Miller were on patrol and cited one person for fishing without a license at Peacock Canal on Hwy. 17. 
On Oct. 19th, RFC Jack Thain and RFC Kiel Toney were checking deer hunters on opening day and cited one hunter in the Riceboro area for hunting deer without a big game license. 
On Oct. 19th, Cpl. Jay Morgan and Sgt. Cindy Miller patrolled the Fleming and Hinesville areas of the county, checking deer-dogging hunting clubs. At one club, one hunter was cited for hunting without a license, hunting without a deer-dogging license, and failure to have the deer-dog permit number displayed on his truck. A second hunter was cited for hunting without a deer-dogging license and failure to have the deer-dog permit number displayed. At another club, one hunter was cited for failure to have his deer-dog permit number displayed on his truck. Another hunter was cited for hunting without a hunting license and hunting without a deer-dogging license. 
 
 Cpl. Morgan checking a hunter's licenses 
WAYNE COUNTY On the evening of Oct. 19th, while checking for illegal night hunting, RFC Jack Thain and Cpl. Phillip Scott stopped and checked a car that had been seen shining a light. The rangers cited one person for hunting without a license and for hunting raccoons with an illegal weapon (high-caliber rifle).