Field operations weekly report [Nov. 17-23, 2013]

Department of Natural Resources
Law Enforcement Division
Field Operations
Weekly Report November 17-23, 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 The Pine Log WMA deer hunt was held from November 20th-23rd this year. DNR Law Enforcement officers worked the area during the hunt. RFC Zack Hardy ran into two young hunters that were proudly showing off a deer that their father killed while the three were hunting together.
Young Hunters with a Pine Log WMA deer CHEROKEE COUNTY On November 20th, RFC Hendrix attended a board meeting at River Ridge High School for the Career Technical and Agricultural Education Program. The committed discussed

expanding opportunities for students in the program that would prepare them for the work force upon completion of high school. On November 23rd, rangers conducted a night hunting surveillance detail due to an increase in night hunting complaints. Sgt. Mike Barr, Cpl. Lee Burns, Cpl. Byron Young, RFC Brooks Varnell and RFC Zackary Hardy set up at multiple locations around Cherokee County to deter the spot lighting. Cpl. Burns and RFC Varnell were set up near fields off Ball Ground Highway and Yellow Creek Road where several complaints had come from during the week. Shortly after 8:00 p.m. RFC Varnell had a Toyota truck come by his location shining a spot light across the field. Upon stopping the vehicle, RFC Varnell found a loaded Browning .22 LR Bolt Action Rifle, loaded .357 magnum, spot light and night vision. The rangers interviewed the two violators and both admitted to shining for deer. The rangers charged both subjects for hunting from a vehicle, hunting from a public road and hunting deer at night.
Browning .22 LR, .357 magnum, spot light and night vision COBB COUNTY On November 19th, RFC Hendrix responded to a complaint of illegal hunting near Powder Springs. Upon arrival RFC Hendrix met Officer Varnell with the Powder Springs Police Department who had already located the vehicle. Officer Varnell and RFC Hendrix immediately located 2 hunters not far from the truck. The hunters were hunting on the property that they had permission to be on and they had the appropriate licenses. There was a third hunter that was not easily located. RFC Hendrix foot patrolled the sewer line for the hunter but could not find him. The first 2 hunters were in communication with the third hunter and eventually talked him in to coming out of the woods. The hunter took RFC Hendrix back to the area that he was hunting. It was

determined that he was hunting without permission. The hunter knew he was hunting without permission and did not want to come out to meet the officers. It was also learned that the hunter was charged with hunting without permission just last deer season near this same location. The hunter was issued a citation for hunting without permission.
On November 23, RFC Brook Varnell was working in Cobb County when he located a truck parked on Corp of Engineer Property. The vehicle had evidence that the subject were possibly hunting in an area that's not open for hunting. Ranger Varnell deployed his K-9 Rock to track the subjects. One subject was located hunting in on the property over a baited area. The hunter told RFC Varnell that other two hunters were also on the property. The hunter took RFC Varnell to their location. One of the other hunters was also hunting over bait. All three subjects were charged for hunting without permission and two of the subjects were cited for hunting big game over bait.
GILMER COUNTY On October 22nd, RFC Cody Jones encountered two men who were hunting the Rich Mt. WMA rifle hunt. The hunters were unable to produce a WMA check-in permit and one of them did not have a big game license. RFC Jones issued written warnings for the three violations.
FANNIN COUNTY A joint investigation between DNR and the U.S. Forest Service was completed when charges were filed earlier this month. RFC Cody Jones and US Forest Service Agent Mike Tipton investigated a complaint of hunting over bait on U.S. Forest Service property. Surveillance was set up in the area and video taken of the suspect pouring out a bag of corn and hunting over the corn. Officers were able to determine the hunter's identity and after an interview, the suspect confessed. The charges were filed by the US Forest Service in federal court.
MURRAY COUNTY On November 23rd, Cpl. Casey Jones charged a Whitfield County man for hunting without permission. Cpl. Jones received a call from hunters who did not recognize a vehicle that was parked on their hunting lease. Shortly after arriving Cpl. Jones located the duck hunter walking out of a swamp located on the property.
WHITFIELD COUNTY On November 20th, Sgt. John VanLandingham and RFC Joe Hill responded to a complaint of someone hunting without permission. The officers were unable to determine which side of the property line the two hunters were on, but the hunters were found to be hunting over corn and neither had a hunting license or were wearing the required fluorescent orange.

HARALSON COUNTY November 23rd, Sgt. Ricky Dempsey and RFC Daniel Gray were working an in progress complaint of night deer hunting in Haralson County. The county dispatch gave out a call over the radio of a vehicle matching the same description of the one the Rangers were looking for. The vehicle was stuck in the mud on a gas-line, several miles from where the Rangers were working. The Rangers responded to the complaint, but later found out it was not the vehicle they were looking for. One individual was cited for VGSCA (possession of marijuana less than an ounce).
CARROLL COUNTY November 20th, Sgt. Ricky Dempsey and RFC Daniel Gray responded to an illegal hunting complaint in Carroll County. Upon arrival the Rangers located a four-wheeler and two hunters deer hunting within 300 yards of the ATV. The hunters were cited for hunting w/o license, hunting w/o big game license, hunting w/o fluorescent orange and hunting w/o hunter education.
On November 23rd, Cpl. Eric Brown and Ranger Mark Puig were patrolling Carroll County for waterfowl activity. While on the north end of the county a waterfowl shoot was located and 4 subjects were cited for hunting waterfowl over bait. Later that morning with the help of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, 2 subjects were cited for hunting deer without permission and 4 subjects cited for hunting waterfowl without permission on the same piece of property. A total of 15 ducks and 2 canada geese were confiscated.
PAULDING COUNTY On November 21st, Sgt. Ricky Dempsey and RFC Daniel Gray conducted a routine patrol on Paulding Forest WMA for the four day managed firearms deer hunt. One individual was cited for hunting w/o a license, hunting w/o big game license, and hunting w/o WMA license.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
DAWSON COUNTY On November 19th RFC Barry Britt conducted an On-Line Hunter Education Class. During this class a total of 20 students were certified in Hunter Education.
DEKALB COUNTY On November 19th Cpl. Eric Sanders conducted an On-Line Hunter Education Class in DeKalb County at Tucker Recreation Center. During this class a total of 28 students were certified in Hunter Education.
On November 18th Cpl. Sanders received a complaint in Stone Mountain area about illegal hunting behind a neighborhood. Cpl. Sanders checked the area on the 19th and located a ground blind and a pipe feeder with corn beside the blind. It just so happened, Cpl. Sanders was contacted by Parks and Rec about some property that they own on the 20th of November and that the property was the same property that the baited stand was

on. . But before going to his class in Rockdale County on the 21st, he checked the baited stand and caught a subject hunting deer with a crossbow in the ground blind. Cpl. Sanders asked him had he killed anything here and he stated yes, a 10 pt. buck deer on November 12th and over bait. The subject was charged with Hunting Deer over Bait, Hunting w/o permission and Possession of Illegally Taken Wildlife. The deer was confiscated and will be donated to Arabian Mountain Park Center for display.
On November 23rd Cpl. Eddie Tompkins two subjects criminal trespass warnings are locating the subjects on private property clearing trails. The subjects were in possession of a .22 caliber rifle and a machete. The subjects were escorted off the property and back to their residence.
FORSYTH COUNTY On November 18th RFC Barry Britt and Ranger Shane Brown conducted an On-Line Hunter Education Class. During this class a total of 63 students were certified in Hunter Education.
On November 22nd Sgt. Lee Brown received a complaint of hunting without permission. Sgt. Brown responded to the area along with deputies from the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office. Two subjects were located on the property. One was issued citations for hunting without permission and hunting deer without wearing fluorescent orange. The other subject was charged with accompanying a deer hunter without wearing fluorescent orange.
On November 23rd Sgt. Lee Brown, Cpl. Eddie Tompkins, and RFC Mitchell Crump checked duck hunters in Forsyth County. 7 hunters were checked and warnings were issued for failure to display registration and failure to sign federal duck stamp.
LUMPKIN COUNTY On November 29th Cpl. Eric Sanders was working a night hunting detail in Lumpkin County when a vehicle pulled into the area he was watching shining a spotlight. The vehicle was stopped and the subject was charged with hunting deer at night and hunting from a motor vehicle.
ROCKDALE COUNTY On November 21st Cpl. Eric Sanders conducted an On-Line Hunter Education Class in Rockdale County at Johnson Recreation Center. During this class a total of 28 students were certified in Hunter Education.
WALTON COUNTY On November 23rd Cpl. Eddie Tompkins located a subject that shot a deer across a public road. The subject was at a business location when he saw a deer standing across the road feeding on the shoulder of the road and he shot it. The subject was issued citation and warnings for discharging firearm across a public road, possession of illegally taken wildlife, hunting without fluorescent orange, and hunting without first obtaining a hunter education certificate.

HALL COUNTY On November 20th, at 0930 Ranger Kevin Goss received a complaint about hunting without permission off Gaines Mill Rd. in Hall County. When Ranger Goss arrived with Sgt. Mike Burgamy they determined that the complainant was mistaken about the property line, but they did determine that the hunter failed to log the deer he had harvested. After citing the hunter they seized the deer and donated the cleaned meat to a needy family.
On November 10th, Sgt. Burgamy was checking a complaint of hunting deer without fluorescent orange that he received last night off Poplar Springs Road. At approximately 0800, he encountered a subject hunting the area without orange. When questioned about last night, he admitted that it was in fact him also. He was educated about the law and issued a written warning.
At approximately 0900, Sgt. Burgamy was patrolling the area of E. Reed Road when he encountered a vehicle at Platt Park. As he approached the vehicle, two subjects were inside and moving as if they were trying to hide something. Sgt. Burgamy made contact with the driver and immediately smelled a strong odor of marijuana. After questioning the subjects, a small amount of marijuana, a glass pipe, and a lighter were seized as evidence and a citation was issued for Violation of the Ga. Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana (M).
JACKSON COUNTY On November 18th, RFC Eric Isom observed a hunter enter the woods wearing camouflage clothing and carrying a crossbow behind a residence near Commerce. RFC Isom waited awhile before going back to the location. RFC Isom deployed his K9, Colt to track the subject. The subject was found approximately 400 yards in the woods sitting on a milk crate without florescent orange. RFC Isom recognized the juvenile from a recent hunter education class. RFC Isom issued the subject a warning for hunting deer without wearing florescent orange.
On November 21st, RFC Eric Isom checked a property that was baited near Maysville. RFC Isom located a vehicle near the property and deployed Colt for a track. The subject was located hunting a baited stand. He received a citation and verbal warning for hunting big game over bait and hunting without a deer harvest record.
On November 23rd, RFC Isom checked a deer hunter coming out of his property near Jefferson. The hunter was not wearing fluorescent orange. RFC Isom issued him a warning for hunting deer without wearing fluorescent orange.
RFC Isom located a hunter's vehicle near Maysville and waited on the hunter to exit the woods. Once the hunter exited, RFC Isom asked for his hunting license. The hunter only had a big game license and a harvest record. When asked about the other required licenses. The hunter stated that he thought he had all of hunting licenses since he paid nineteen dollars at Wally World. RFC Isom was able to verify through the DNR license

system that the hunter did in fact purchase all the necessary licenses to hunt deer. RFC Isom printed out a new license for the hunter.
HART COUNTY On November 18th, RFC Brandon Pierce and volunteer instructor Steve White conducted a two hour Hunter Education Course at the Army Corps of Engineers Building. A total of five students attended the course and all were successfully certified.
On November 23rd, RFC Brandon Pierce patrolled the county for any hunting/boating activity. A total of eleven hunting licenses and one boat were checked. As a result, one citation was issued for hunting deer without fluorescent orange.
MADISON COUNTY On November 23, Sgt. Stan Elrod received a call about possible spotlighting activity in the Hull area. He responded to the area and located a vehicle in the suspected field. The subjects were raccoon hunting. One subject was cited for hunting without a license.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
LINCOLN COUNTY On November 23rd, RFC Robert Timmerman responded to a deer baiting complaint in Northern Lincoln County. Bait was located in a wooded area but no contact was made with any subjects hunting over the bait.
On November 23rd, RFC Robert Timmerman performed a concentrated waterfowl patrol of the upper Savannah River. Several citations and warnings were written for waterfowl license violations.
On November 23rd, Sgt. Doyte Chaffin and Cpl. Brian Hobbins performed a concentrated waterfowl patrol of Southern Lincoln County. Several warnings and citations were issued for waterfowl license violations.
GREENE COUNTY November 17-23, Cpl. Derrell Worth cited one subject for hunting without fluorescent orange, three without hunting license, two without federal duck stamp, one big game over bait, one for holding/possession of game animal without permit, one without Georgia waterfowl license, one without big game license, and one without a WMA license.
HANCOCK COUNTY On November 18 at 2:00 pm while patrolling a hunting property for activity, Sgt. John Harwell noticed a subject attempting to hide from him in a deer stand. The hunter was approached and found to be hunting without a hunting license or a big game license. After checking the subject's criminal history, the hunter was found to be a convicted felon. The hunter was arrested and cited for the violations.

WALTON COUNTY On November 18, RFC Niki Spencer taught a hunter education class. Thirty students were certified.
On November 23, RFC Ricky Boles taught a hunter education class in Social Circle. Forty five students were certified along with several young men from the local Boy Scouts Troop.
NEWTON COUNTY On November 19, RFC Niki Spencer taught an I&E program to the local Boy Scouts Troop. Thirty students attended the program.
ELBERT COUNTY On November 23rd Cpl. Julian Wilkins assisted the Elbert County Sheriff's Department in locating a subject that had fled from Deputies. The individual had fled on foot into a wooded area. After a brief search the subject was found hiding a short distance away and was taken into custody by Elbert County.
WILKES COUNTY On November 17th Cpl. Mark Patterson checked areas where deer bait had been previously located. During the days patrol two violations of hunting big game over bait, one violation for hunting without a big game license, and one failure to record deer harvest were documented.
On November 23rd Sgt. Brian Carter and Cpl. Mark Patterson patrolled for waterfowl hunting activity. Numerous waterfowl hunters were checked during the patrol. At one point the officers were in a position to observe a small boat occupied by three duck hunters that was in danger of taking on water over the bow of the boat. Contact was made with this group of hunters and it was discovered that there were no personal flotation devices on board. The vessel owner was charged for the offense.
BURKE COUNTY While working a night hunting complaint, Captain Mark Padgett observed a light being shined out the driver side window of a vehicle. The vehicle went down and turned around and then the passenger started shining the light looking into fields. Captain Padgett stopped the vehicle to investigate the violation further, no firearms were found inside the vehicle. He was assisted by RFC Jeff Billips. Both driver and passenger were charged with Blinding Wildlife.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
COWETA COUNTY On November 22nd, RFC Kevin Godbee and Cpl. Travis Sweat checked an area off of Hwy 85 south of Senoia. They found a hunter hunting deer over whole corn and deer cocaine. The hunter was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait and given a written warning for failure to record deer harvest.

FAYETTE COUNTY On Monday, November 18th, Cpl. Travis Sweat conducted a 2 hour hunter education review/test course in Fayetteville.
On the evening of November 23rd, RFC Godbee checked several baited deer stands that he and Cpl. Travis Sweat had located earlier in the week. RFC Godbee located a father and son hunting from one of the baited stands. The father was written a citation for hunting big game over bait. The son was a young juvenile and was not charged with any violations. Both hunters were wearing their orange.
HEARD COUNTY On the morning of November 23rd, Ranger First Class Russell Epps was patrolling Upper West Point Lake in Heard County for waterfowl hunting activity. RFC Epps checked 27 waterfowl hunters and one deer hunter. Nine citations and two warning were issued for hunting without permission, hunting without resident hunting license, hunting without non-resident hunting license, and hunting without Georgia waterfowl license. Many of the hunters were successful in taking gadwalls, green-wing teal, ring-necks, wood ducks, and a couple of mallards.
On November 23rd, Sgt. Jim Bradfield was patrolling in south Heard County and noticed a truck pulling a utility trailer with an ATV and a small buck loaded on it. The ranger stopped this truck and trailer to inspect the deer and the hunters' licenses. The hunter who had killed the deer had not recorded the kill of the spike buck on his harvest record. A large amount of blood and deer hair was noticed in the bed of the truck and when asked about the blood the hunter replied that was from the buck that the second hunter had killed the previous day. Sgt. Bradfield discovered that this buck was not recorded on the second hunter's harvest record either. Both hunters were issued citations for failure to record deer harvest. The second buck was located at a deer cooler checked in by the second hunter's name to verify the hunter's story.
HOUSTON COUNTY On the morning of November 23rd, Cpl. Robert Stillwell and Sgt. Tony Fox patrolled Flat Creek PFA in regards to a waterfowl quota hunt and located two hunters who had not been selected for the hunt. Officers issued written warnings for violation of quota hunt rules.
JASPER COUNTY On November 13th, RFC Freddie Hays completed an investigation of a subject hunting without permission and killing a hog. During RFC Hays' investigation, he also discovered that the subject was hunting deer over bait and that he did not possess any hunting licenses. RFC Hays checked the area and found the subject hunting from a ground blind on a food plot with a bucket feeder that was filled with corn located approximately 25 yards at the opposite end of the food plot. The subject was not wearing any fluorescent orange clothing. He admitted to hunting without permission and to killing the hog. The subject was charged with hunting without permission, hunting big game

over bait, hunting without fluorescent orange and was issued written warnings for hunting without license and hunting without big game license.
On November 13th, RFC Hays and Shooting Sports Coordinator Jeff East certified 18 hunters in a Hunter Safety Class taught at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.
On November 15th, RFC Hays was checking an area where he had previously located several baited deer stands. While he was checking the stands, he encountered a subject that had killed a 7 point buck from a stand that was baited with corn. The subject was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait and his deer was confiscated. The deer was donated to a needy family.
On November 23rd, RFC Freddie Hays and Sgt. Tim Kendrick were patrolling a hunting club in Jasper County when they spotted a hunter not wearing any fluorescent orange clothing in a tripod stand. RFC Hays and Sgt. Kendrick exited the patrol vehicle and RFC Hays asked the subject to unload his gun and come down out of the stand. Sgt. Kendrick checked the food plot and located some bait while RFC Hays was checking for hunting licenses. The subject was a resident of Florida and did not possess any hunting license. He was issued citations for non-resident hunting without a license and hunting without fluorescent orange clothing. He was issued written warnings for non-resident hunting without a big game license and hunting big game over bait.
MERIWETHER COUNTY On Saturday November 23rd, Sgt. Railey patrolled Joe Kurz WMA checking small game hunters. He found two squirrel hunters with loaded weapons within 50 yards of an access road and gave them verbal guidance about the violation.
On Friday November 22nd, Sgt. Brent Railey responded to the Roosevelt Institute in Warm Springs in reference to a raccoon that was acting strange. Sgt. Railey found the raccoon to have no fear of humans and being very weak. The raccoon was dispatched and disposed of in an appropriate landfill. It had had no known contact with people or other animals.
MONROE COUNTY On Friday November 22nd, RFC Keith Page, Cpl. Susan Morris and Major Doc Watson utilized a DNR helicopter to look for deer bait and duck bait in Upson and Lamar Counties. After locating multiple baited deer stands in Upson County, the rangers refueled and headed into Lamar County to check several places RFC Page suspected to be baited. While searching an area near the Monroe County Line, RFC Page spotted a truck parked on the edge of a field. Shortly after seeing the truck, Page spotted a white salt block sitting in the middle of a small food plot. The rangers then circled the area and found two deer stands in close proximity of the bait. From the air, the rangers could not tell if the stands were occupied by hunters. Knowing the hunter was close because the property was surrounded by a large swamp, RFC Page asked Major Doc Watson to land the aircraft and give him the opportunity to find the hunter. Major Watson agreed, and landed the helicopter in a nearby field. RFC Page exited the aircraft and immediately

located the man in one of the stands he had spotted from the air. While speaking to the man, RFC Page could smell a very strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. Page decided to perform field sobriety exercises on the man, which he failed. The man was arrested and charged with hunting under the influence of alcohol and hunting deer without wearing a fluorescent orange vest. A second man was also located and charged with hunting deer without wearing an orange vest.
PUTNAM COUNTY On the afternoon of November 21st, Rangers Jeremy Reese and Matt Johnson worked a hunting without permission complaint in northern Putnam County. The rangers observed 3 subjects (2 adults and 1 juvenile) with rifles, walk along a public road to a point where they could see into an open hayfield. The subjects began blowing deer calls in an attempt to attract deer. The rangers made contact with the hunters and citations were issued for hunting without permission, hunting from a public road, hunting without a hunting license and a big game license and 1 subject was charged with hunting with an illegal weapon (22 rimfire rifle).
SPALDING COUNTY On Tuesday, November 19th, RFC Kevin Godbee conducted a 2 hour hunter education review/test course in Griffin.
On November 23rd, Cpl. Travis Sweat investigated a complaint of duck hunting without permission on the Flint River. Upon arrival, Cpl. Sweat found a hunter who had floated down the river and accessed private property by boat. The hunter was cited for hunting without permission.
TAYLOR COUNTY On the morning of November 23rd, Cpl. Josh Swain located a duck shoot in which there was a group of ten hunters. One of the hunters was charged with hunting ducks without a federal duck stamp and warned for hunting without a Georgia waterfowl license.
On the afternoon of November 23rd, Cpl. Josh Swain was working an area where he had heard after-hours duck shoots in the past, when he encountered an out-of-state vehicle with several opened gun cases in the back. Swain waited at the vehicle, and upon the driver's return, the ranger was able to determine there were three men, all from another state, hunting on the property. Upon making contact with the hunters, Cpl. Swain found they lacked appropriate licenses. All three were cited for non-resident hunting without a big game license and non-resident hunting without a hunting license. They were also given warnings for hunting deer without fluorescent orange.
TWIGGS COUNTY On November 22nd, RFC Ronnie Beard received an anonymous tip in reference to an area baited with peanuts on Ocmulgee WMA. The area was currently open for a three day firearms deer hunt. While investigating the complaint, RFC Beard located an adult male and a juvenile female hunting in close proximity to the bait. The adult was wearing an orange vest while the juvenile was not. After interviewing the male, RFC Beard issued a

citation for placing bait on a WMA and advised the individual that anyone accompanying a deer hunter was must wear an orange vest.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
CLAY COUNTY On November 22nd, RFC Jim Atchley stopped and cited two subjects for blinding wildlife.
RANDOLPH COUNTY On November 23rd, RFC Jim Atchley worked a hunting without permission complaint, locating and citing two subjects for hunting without permission.
STEWART COUNTY On November 22nd, Cpl. Steve Robinson and Ranger Quinn Fogle were on routine patrol when they encountered two subjects that had failed to record their deer harvest, warnings were issued.
On November 23rd, Cpl. Steve Robinson and Ranger Quinn Fogle were on a patrol on Hannahatchee WMA when they encountered and issued warnings to two subjects using the shooting range without the required GORP license.
On November 23rd, Cpl. Steve Robinson and Ranger Quinn Fogle issued five hunters citations and warnings for non-resident hunting big game without big game license, nonresident hunting without license, hunting deer without obtaining harvest record and nonresident hunting with resident license.
TERRELL COUNTY On November 24th, Cpl. Steve Robinson and Ranger Quinn Fogle were conducting a patrol when they encountered two subjects hunting deer without license and florescent orange. Citations and warnings were issued for non-resident hunting without license, non-resident hunting big game without big game license, hunting deer without obtaining harvest record, and hunting deer without wearing florescent orange.
CRISP COUNTY On November 23rd, Cpl. Bob Holley and his K-9 were investigating a hunting without permission complaint in an industrial area in Crisp County. During a foot patrol of the area a subject was located hunting deer over bait. After a brief investigation, the subject was cited for hunting without permission and hunting big game over bait.
SCHLEY COUNTY On the night of November 20th, RFC Clint Martin was working a complaint when he observed a vehicle stop in the roadway adjacent to a pecan orchard and the passenger of the vehicle fire a rifle at a deer that was in the orchard. RFC. Martin stopped the vehicle and after a brief investigation, the driver and two occupants were arrested and charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a motor vehicle and hunting/discharging a

firearm from a public road. A bolt action 30-06 rifle and a 9mm handgun were confiscated from the vehicle. The following day Martin and CPL. Holley returned to the scene and conducted a K-9 search of the area for evidence. A shell casing was found on the grassy shoulder of the roadway that matched the type of cartridges that were recovered from the suspect's rifle. The casing was taken as evidence for comparison with the suspect's rifle and ammunition. TURNER COUNTY On November 23rd, RFC Chad Hulsey was on patrol when he heard gunshots coming from a cypress swamp. RFC Hulsey located the hunters and observed their activities from a distance as he waited for Cpl. Bob Holley to arrive and assist. The hunters were then checked and after a brief investigation it was found that the cypress swamp was baited with shelled corn. The four hunters were cited for hunting ducks over bait and one hunter was also cited for hunting waterfowl with illegal ammunition. A total of eleven Wood Ducks were confiscated.
RFC Chad Hulsey with illegally killed wood ducks.

DECATUR COUNTY On November 23rd, RFC Tony Cox was on patrol when he heard shots coming from Silver Lake WMA. Knowing the area was closed for small game and waterfowl hunting until later in the year, he proceeded to the location of the shots and found a group of waterfowl hunters shooting a pond. All were cited for hunting on a closed WMA and the waterfowl were confiscated.
Geese and ducks killed illegally on Silver Lake WMA

TIFT COUNTY On the evening of November 18th, Cpl. Greg Wade received a call in reference to someone shooting a deer from the roadway. The complainant stated that he had watched as a truck stopped in the roadway, near his gate, and shot. The truck then sped off, but returned a few minutes later, at which time the complainant ran out to the roadway and asked the driver if had had shot the deer. The driver stated that the subject in front of him had shot the deer and he didn't want to see it go to waste. The complainant got a vehicle description and the drivers name and told him to leave the area. Cpl. Wade arrived on scene shortly thereafter and located a shotgun shell lying in the road near the deer. After speaking with the complainant and getting the suspects name, Cpl. Wade was able to make contact with the suspect. After a short investigation, it was determined that the subject had indeed shot the deer from the roadway with #5 bird shot, and was attempting to retrieve it when he was confronted by the complainant. The violator was charged with; hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road, and hunting from a vehicle.

Illegally killed deer in Tift County
On the night of November 20th, Cpl. Greg Wade and Ranger Eric White were working a night deer hunting complaint when they observed the occupants of a vehicle actively hunting deer with a light. The vehicle was stopped for the violation and both subjects were charged with; hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road, and hunting from a vehicle.
BROOKS COUNTY On November 23rd, RFC Jon Penuel assisted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission with a detail to address hunting from the road complaints which had been received along the Ga/Fla state line. During the detail, two subjects were apprehended and charged with hunting from a public road, hunting from a vehicle, and hunting on lands of another without permission.

Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
LAURENS COUNTY On November 21st, Cpl. Dan Stiles presented seven I & E programs to Kindergarten classes totaling 155 children from NW Laurens Elementary School. Cpl. Stiles presented information on wildlife indigenous to GA and utilized animal pelts, skulls, and other examples to give hands on familiarization to the children. Cpl. Stiles also gave a taped interview to a reporter from TV 35 Dublin and discussed information related to indigenous wildlife of GA.
On November 22nd, RFC Rodney Horne conducted five I & E programs to 110 Pre-K children from NW Elementary School. RFC Horne presented information on wildlife indigenous to GA and utilized animal pelts, skulls, and other examples to educate the children concerning wildlife.
DODGE COUNTY On November 17th, RFC Allen Mills responded to a landowner complaint in reference to illegal hunting activity. RFC Mills arrived on scene and located the vehicle described to him by the landowner. After a short foot patrol, RFC Mills located the two subjects and conducted a brief interview. Violations for hunting without written permission and hunting deer without fluorescent orange were documented.
On November 23rd, RFC Allen Mills was working a night hunting complaint area. At approximately 2200 hours a vehicle pulled into the corn field that RFC Mills was watching. RFC Mills observed the vehicle turn into the corn field, then back up and turn into the hay field he was sitting in. RFC Mills stopped the vehicle and questioned the individuals. The driver stated that he had harvested two deer that evening and was going to dump the deer carcasses, which were in the back of the truck, on the edge of the hayfield that his uncle owned. After checking the driver's licenses, RFC Mills discovered that the hunter did not possess a deer harvest records sheet and had not recorded the two deer. A violation for failure to record deer harvest was documented.
APPLING COUNTY On November 23rd, Cpl. Altman and Ranger Gibbs were working a night hunting complaint in lower Appling County. Around 2300 hours, a truck was stopped shining a field in the area they were working. Two shotguns and a rifle were found in the truck, along with a mag light. The two men were charged with hunting deer at night, hunting big game from a public road, and hunting from a vehicle.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY On November 21st, Cpl. Kevin Joyce and RFC Clint Jarriel responded to a night hunting compliant. Upon arrival at the incident location Joyce heard a rifle shot. Joyce responded to the area of the shot and located a truck. The truck was occupied by three subjects. All three subjects were charged with hunting from a vehicle, hunting deer at night, and hunting from a public road. RFC Clint Jarriel interviewed the two subjects from the

original complaint. Both subjects admitted to the night hunting and were also charged with hunting from a vehicle, hunting deer at night, and hunting from a public road.
EMANUEL COUNTY On November 21st, Cpl. Shaymus McNeely responded to a hunting incident off GA Hwy 57, after a 43 year old white male arrived at the ER at Emanuel County Hospital suffering from injuries sustained during a fall from a tree stand. The incident is currently under investigation. While attempting to locate the incident scene Cpl. McNeely encountered a deer hunter not wearing the required fluorescent orange. The deer hunter also did not possess the required licenses. Citations were issued for; Hunting deer without wearing fluorescent orange, Non- resident hunting without non-resident big game license, and non-resident hunting without license.
On Friday November 22nd, RFC Clint Jarriel received a call that Trooper First Class Chris Calhoun had made a traffic stop on a vehicle after seeing a light shine from it. RFC Clint Jarriel responded to the call and after a brief investigation it was determined that the subjects were hunting deer at night. The subjects were charged for hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle, and hunting from a public road.
SCREVEN COUNTY On November 23rd, Cpl. Shaymus McNeely and Sgt. Don Dasher contacted two men shooting ducks in a pond off Antioch rd. while approaching the men to perform a license check officers observed a large amount of cracked and shelled corn in the edge of the water. The hunters were issued citations for; hunting ducks over bait and possession of illegally taken wildlife. Three hooded mergansers were confiscated.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On Saturday November 16th, RFC Jamey O'Brien was patrolling for illegal hunting activity and discovered a deer dogging club looking for their hunting dogs well outside of their permitted property. A violation of Failure to keep hunting dogs on permitted property was documented.
On Saturday November 23rd, RFC Jamey O'Brien was patrolling an area for hunting violations and once again found a deer dogging club outside of their boundaries. A violation for Failure to keep hunting dogs on permitted property was documented. Later in the day, RFC O'Brien located two subjects hunting without wearing orange. Two violations for Hunting without wearing fluorescent orange were documented.

On Sunday November 24th, RFC Jamey O'Brien completed a two week investigation involving a subject possessing two highly dangerous, exotic reptiles. Violations were documented for Possessing wild animals without a license/permit. The reptiles were a Gaboon Viper and a Puff Adder. Both snakes are very dangerous and highly toxic with the Gaboon Viper having some of the longest fangs of any snake species in the world.

BACON COUNTY On November 22nd, RFC Mark Pool was patrolling an area a night-deer hunting complaint area. While looking for a surveillance location, RFC Pool saw a vehicle traveling in his direction. RFC Pool hurried to a concealed location in a nearby field. The vehicle approached the field edge and someone began shining a spotlight from the vehicle. RFC Pool conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. There were three subjects inside the vehicle; RFC Pool also located a loaded .308 cal. rifle and a spot light that was used to illuminate the field in search of deer. All three of the subjects were charged with hunting deer at night, hunting big game from a public road, and hunting from a vehicle. All subjects were cited and released at the scene.
CLINCH COUNTY On November 22nd, Cpl. Jason Shipes received a complaint in southern Clinch in reference to deer dogs running on unpermitted property. The officer responded to the area and located several deer dog hunters. While Cpl. Shipes was in route to the area the complainant was able to send him a picture of the vehicle and tag of one of the hunters involved. Cpl. Shipes was able to locate the individual on another property attempting to catch dogs off of another piece of property not permitted for deer dogs. Cpl. Shipes also found that his vehicle did not display the permit number of the club as required by law. Citations for failure to keep deer dogs on permitted property and not displaying his permit number on the vehicle was documented.

COFFEE COUNTY On November 17th, RFC Hilton was working a night hunting complaint. RFC Hilton witnessed a vehicle shine the field he was watching and the field adjacent to his position. RFC Hilton then witnessed the vehicle shine the next field just down from his position. RFC Hilton initiated a traffic stop and interviewed the driver and passenger. Citations were issued for hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle and hunting big game from a public road.
Also RFC Hilton was on routine patrol on the 23nd and encountered several deer hunters. RFC Hilton issued three warnings for hunting deer without fluorescent orange, one citation for hunting without a license and one citation for hunting big game without a big game license.
LANIER COUNTY On Nov. 23rd, Sgt. Damon Winters and RFC Keith McDonald were patrolling in southern Lanier County and encountered a deer hunter. After compliance check three violations were documented for hunting deer without florescent orange, hunting without a license, and hunting big game without a big game license.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
CHATHAM COUNTY On November 20, Sgt. Cindy Miller checked a boat at the Skidaway Boat Ramp with two people on board. The operator of the vessel said they had killed an eight point buck on a small island. After a brief discussion and looking at his chart plotter he said they had killed the deer on Raccoon Key Island. Raccoon Key Island is part of the Ossabaw Island Wildlife Management Area Tract and can only be hunted through quota hunts. Both individuals were cited for hunting without permission. In addition one of the individuals was cited for hunting without a license and the other for hunting big game without a license.

BRYAN COUNTY On Nov. 17th, Ranger Jason Miller, Cpl. Jay Morgan, and Sgt. Phillip Scott patrolled the salt water areas from St. Catherine's Sound and Ossabaw Sound. Numerous fishermen were checked including a commercial crab boat and shrimp boat.
LIBERTY COUNTY On Nov. 23rd, RFC Jack Thain conducted a HIN/registration inspection detail at the Savannah Tech Campus on Airport Rd. Later, while checking deer hunters, he cited one hunter for hunting without a license off of Hwy. 119.
MCINTOSH COUNTY On November 18, Ranger Jay Bright responded to a landowner complaint of hunting without permission. Two subjects were located and admitted to hunting hogs on the property. Appropriate citations were issued.
On Friday, November 22, Ranger Kate Hargrove and Mrs. Kay Readdick met with first grade art class at Todd Grant Elementary and presented gift to winner of the Coast Fest Art Contest.
On November 23, Sgt. Wayne Hubbard was working in an area of McIntosh County where there had been several complaints of hunting deer at night. At approximately 8:20 p.m., Sgt. Hubbard observed a truck shine a field as it passed. When Hubbard pulled out some distance behind the vehicle he observed it shine another field further down the road. The vehicle was stopped and was found to contain two male subjects, a spotlight, a .270 rifle and a 12 gauge shotgun. Charges were made for hunting from a vehicle, hunting deer at night, and hunting from a public road.
On Saturday, November 23, Sgt. Wayne Hubbard, Cpl. Randy Aspinwall and Ranger Kate Hargrove patrolled Grays Reef and responded to landowner complaints in McIntosh County for hunting deer with dogs on unpermitted property, one citation was issued.
On Saturday, November 23, Cpl. Chris Ridley and Ranger Jay Bright worked the opening day duck hunt at Altamaha WMA. Five citations were issued for illegal consumption of alcohol on a WMA.
LONG COUNTY On November 20, Cpl. Bobby White presented an Information and Educational program on gun safety to a group of 25 students at the Long County High School.
BRANTLEY COUNTY On November 17th at about 4 a.m. RFC John Evans observed a subject in a car shine a clear cut and live oaks with his headlights and a handheld light. The suspect then shot at a deer under the oaks. RFC Evans stopped the vehicle. A search of the car yielded two raccoons the man shot earlier in a pecan orchard. The raccoons were confiscated and the man was cited for Hunting Deer at Night, Hunting From a Vehicle, Hunting From a Public Road, and Hunting Without a License.

On November 22nd, Ranger Colte Shaske and RFC John Evans took the Laser Shot program to the Bayview Retirement Home in Nahunta. Over 20 participants tried their skills several times and had lots of fun.
On November 23rd, RFC John Evans and Ranger Colte Shaske were working a night hunting detail when Ranger Shaske noticed a light over the trees south of their location. The Rangers observed the suspect shine off and on for almost 30 minutes before he shot at a deer. The Rangers stopped the suspect and upon investigation discovered he had warrants for his arrest in Ware County. The man was cited for Hunting Deer at Night, Hunting From a Public Road, Hunting From a Vehicle, and Giving False Statements to an Officer. He was transported to the Brantley County Jail to await extradition to Ware County.

CAMDEN COUNTY On November 17th Cpl. Craig Smith responded to a call in reference to deer dogs on unpermitted property. Cpl. Smith made contact with the dog owner and cited him for allowing dogs on unpermitted property. Another subject from the same hunting club was cited for not having his permit number displayed on his truck.