Field operations weekly report [Nov. 3-9, 2013]

Department of Natural Resources
Law Enforcement Division
Field Operations
Weekly Report November 3-9, 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 November 6th, RFC Zack Hardy completed a 4 month investigation on a houseboat that was sunk at Wilderness Camp Marina on Allatoona Lake. Through several interviews RFC Hardy was able to determine that the house boat was sunk intentionally. The person responsible cooperated and paid for the removal of the vessel from the lake.
On November 6th, Sgt. Mike Barr, Cpl. Byron Young, and RFC Zack Hardy responded to a hunting incident off Paga Mine Road. A 77 year old hunter accidentally shot himself in the right foot while exiting his jeep for the morning hunt. The hunter was using a .300 Win Mag rifle. At the Cartersville Medical Center officers discovered that the man's right foot sustained major damage and part of the foot was removed during surgery. PICKENS COUNTY On November 2nd, Cpl. James Keener investigated a complaint of illegal hunting near the community of Bent Tree. During the investigation, it was found that a juvenile had killed a deer over bait, he had not recorded the deer harvest, he was not wearing the required fluorescent orange and was in possession of illegally taken wildlife. This was the juvenile's first deer that he had ever harvested. Because of the suspect's age no charges were filed against the juvenile, however the parent was issued a citation for allowing a

juvenile to hunt without supervision. Guidance was given to the juvenile and parent to assist them with being legal hunters. On November 9th, Cpl. James Keener issued two citations for hunting big game over bait and a warning for failure to properly record deer harvest to two individuals on the same tract of land where a juvenile was caught hunting illegally the weekend before. MURRAY COUNTY On November 9th, DNR Rangers charged a man with trapping with an unlawful device, and failure to inspect traps within 24 hour period following an investigation of someone using snares to catch black bears and feral hogs on US Forest Service property in the Peeples Lake area. During the investigation Rangers collected evidence at the scene and had it finger printed in hopes of identifying the suspect. During the fingerprinting process, and under magnification, initials were discovered lightly etched into one of the items. Rangers used public records to establish a list of potential suspects. Rangers also used surveillance and patrols of the area in order to collect additional evidence and identify a suspect. During one of the patrols Rangers were able to identify a likely suspect based on his initials. A search warrant was obtained to search for specific evidence of the crime and the Rangers interviewed the suspect. The man confessed to having placed the snares, and photographic evidence of two bears being caught in the snares was located during the search warrant. No evidence of any wildlife being killed was found. One of the bears caught in the snare is believed to have escaped before the snare was checked by the suspect, and Rangers found a bear cub caught in the snare and were able to release the cub unharmed.
Picture one is a bear walking into the snare just before it is sprung. Picture two is the bear cub caught in the snare and attempting to chew his way out.

This is a photo of the bear cub taken by the Rangers just before they released it.
CARROLL COUNTY On November 8th, Cpl. Eric Brown responded to a Tree stand incident. Upon arriving on the scene and interviewing the victim, it appeared that the 60 year old white male was ascending the stand and slipped on the top rung of the ladder. The victim fell approximately 16 feet breaking a rib and possibly puncturing a lung.
HARALSON COUNTY On November 5th, Cpl. Eric Brown responded to a complaint in the Tallapoosa area of a suspect shooting a deer after hours. Upon arriving on the scene, Cpl. Brown met with Deputy Mapp of the Haralson County Sheriff's Office. The suspect indicated that a coyote had attacked the deer and injured the deer to the degree that it had to be euthanized. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the suspect shot the deer under a street light and no coyote was present. The subject was charged with hunting deer at night and illegal possession of wildlife.
POLK COUNTY On November 4th, RFC Chad Cox, RFC Daniel Gray and a volunteer instructor certified 23 students in Hunter Education at JL Lester WMA.
On November 7th, RFC Chad Cox attended a Career Day at Cedartown High School.
On November 9th, RFC Chad Cox and Ranger Mark Puig were checking a baited deer stand in the eastern part of the county and located a subject hunting over the bait. The

area was baited with corn and the subject was charged with hunting big game over bait and warned for not wearing his fluorescent orange vest.
On November 9th, RFC Chad Cox and Ranger Mark Puig were checking a baited deer stand in the western part of the county and located a male subject hunting in a ladder stand near a corn feeder. The subject was charged with hunting big game over bait.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
HABERSHAM COUNTY On November 7th, Cpl. Derek Dillard responded to a call of a doe deer that had been shot just after dark in a private field off of George Moss Road. Cpl. Dillard waited in the area until after 3 am. Cpl. Dillard worked the area the next 2 nights in an attempt to catch the poachers. While investigating the case Cpl. Dillard spoke to some of the Habersham County Deputies and was able to gather information that a group of young men were spotlighting in that particular area along with several other locations. Cpl. Dillard was given several names and vehicle descriptions of the poachers. On the night of November 9th, Cpl. Bill Bunch and Cpl. Dillard were working a night hunting detail. Cpl. Bunch stopped a truck that was spotlighting a field and while Cpl. Bunch was dealing with this vehicle, one of the vehicles that the poachers were believed to be driving rode by him. He contacted Cpl. Dillard who got a Habersham County deputy to stop them. Cpl. Dillard went and met with Deputy Jordan McKay and the vehicle he had stopped. Upon interviewing the 2 young men it was determined that a total of 6 deer and a bear had been spotlighted and killed the nights of November the 7th and 8th. Only 2 of the 6 deer had been picked up and they were later dumped to rot. A total of 4 young men were charged on numerous counts of night hunting.

TOWNS COUNTY On November 8th, Cpl. Jesse Cook, Game Management Technician Stacey Palmer, Hiawassee River Watershed Coalition Coordinator Sara Posey and students from Towns County High School 10th Grade Honors Biology class gathered at Cynth Creek Road on the Swallow Creek Wildlife Management Area. Three of the student leaders from Ms. Heather Moss class requested to conduct a project on litter in their community and the negative impact it has on our wildlife and environment. Participants picked up trash on just over one mile of management area road. The student leaders saved several pieces of trash to have for their class final project. Comments were made from participants after the cleanup concluded that they were not aware that the area which is managed by the

state for the enjoyment of all could be disgraced by a few uncaring individuals. An unbelievable 820 pounds of trash was collected in the short distance that the participants were able to cover in their time allotted. A heart felt request from the student of the Towns County High School 10th Grade Honors class. Please do not litter our State. To report a violation of any game and fish, boating or environmental laws, call the Georgia DNR TIP Line at 1-800-241-4113. If a life threatening emergency exists, call 911.
UNION COUNTY On November 7th, Cpl. Jesse Cook received a call for assistance from the Union County Sheriff's Office in reference to an unlawful burning case. Cpl. Cook responded to the Sheriff's Office where an interview was to be conducted of the suspect who was accused of burning a single wide mobile home, numerous tires and other items that are illegal to burn.
During the interview the suspect admitted to starting the fires. He made numerous antigovernment statements concerning the incident and made comments that officers conducting the interview along with government officials were the Anti-Christ. Cpl. Cook went to the area with RFC Kevin Dyer to take photographs and document evidence at the scene.
That afternoon Cpl. Cook secured warrants for the subject for Unlawful Burning of Egregious Litter, 1st Offense, Greater than 500 pounds or 100 cubic foot. This is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature and a bond was set by the Chief Magistrate Judge of Union County for $2,000 cash/ $4,000 property. Deputies from the Union County Sheriff's Office arrested the subject later in the evening.
On November 5th, RFC Dyer was contacted by a Lt. Conner with the Towns County Sheriff's Office. Lt. Conner stated that he was traveling in Union County and observed a hunter in a tree stand that was not wearing a fluorescent orange vest. The hunter's stand was located at the edge of a field and was visible from the road. RFC Dyer met Lt. Conner and the hunter at the edge of the field. RFC Dyer checked the subjects hunting license and found that he did not have a current big game license, but had purchased two sets of regular hunting license. RFC Dyer checked the area around the stand and located a pile of corn at the edge of the field within 60 yards of the tree stand. The subject was issued a citation for hunting deer without wearing a fluorescent orange vest and hunting big game over bait. He was also issued a written warning for hunting big game without a big game license.
WHITE COUNTY On November 9th, RFC Anne Wiley was working a night hunting complaint off Old Blue Creek Road in Cleveland. At approximately 9:15 pm, a vehicle stopped and shined the field and fired a shot. RFC Wiley stopped the vehicle which was occupied by two male individuals. Two firearms were located in the vehicle along with a spotlight. The vehicle had LED lights installed in the grill of the vehicle which were used to shine the field.

RFC Wiley cited the two individuals for hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle and hunting from a public road.
DAWSON COUNTY On November 9th, RFC Barry Britt charged a fisherman with fishing in a closed trout stream on the Amicalola Creek above Steel Bridge on Dawson Forest WMA and issued a written warning for entering the area without a GORP.
On November 9th, Wildlife Technician III David Shattuck received a complaint of subjects placing bait on Dawson Forest WMA. Wildlife Tech Shattuck investigated it and found the bait on the property line. He went back to the area before dark and located several subjects. Citations, warnings and verbal guidance was given for hunting big game over bait, hunting deer without wearing the required fluorescent orange, hunting without a license and hunting without a big game license.
GWINNETT COUNTY On November 4th, Cpl. Eric Sanders and Cpl. Eddie Tompkins conducted an On-Line Hunter Education Class at the Bass Pro Shop in Lawrenceville. During this class a total of 21 students were certified in Hunter Education.
LUMPKIN COUNTY On November 5th, RFC Mitchell Crump presented a program to the Gold Rush Trout Unlimited Chapter in Dahlonega.
On November 5th, RFC Mitchell Crump apprehended four subjects hunting deer at night. Citations and warnings were issued for hunting deer at night, hunting from a motor vehicle and hunting from a public road.
ROCKDALE COUNTY On November 3rd, Cpl. Eric Sanders was checking a deer stand previously documented as being baited. The subject was issued a written warning for hunting big game over bait.
On November 9th, Cpl. Eric Sanders was checking a deer stand previously documented as being baited. Citations and warnings were issued for hunting big game over bait and for hunting deer without wearing the required fluorescent orange.
HART COUNTY On November 6th, RFC Brandon Pierce ended an investigation that occurred in October. Five bags of trash were found by RFC Pierce that had been dumped on the Hart County WMA. RFC Pierce located the subject and issued one citation for the violation for unlawful dumping of egregious litter.
HALL COUNTY On November 5th, Sgt. Mike Burgamy taught a two hour hunter safety class at the Gainesville region office. Twenty students were certified.

On November 7th, Cpl. Jason Roberson responded to a hunting without permission complaint off Calvary Church road. He located a hunter without fluorescent orange. It was determined that the hunter had permission. The subject was issued a citation for hunting without wearing fluorescent orange.
On November 8th, Ranger Kevin Goss, Corporal Jason Roberson, and Sgt. Mike Burgamy, responded to a complaint of hunting of hunting without permission off of Strickland Lane. They located three vehicles and a makeshift camp adjacent to the property. After searching the property, Corporal Roberson located two individuals hunting without orange. After interviewing the subjects, Rangers determined the identity of the third suspect. They located fresh tracks heading towards a nearby trailer. Corporal Roberson and Ranger Goss responded to the trailer to look for the suspect. The tenant of the trailer came to the door and spoke with Corporal Roberson. He then began to lie continually about not having seen the suspect. After quite some time, he asked the suspect to come out and he did so. During the conversation, Corporal Roberson smelled the odor of burnt marijuana and observed what appeared to be a marijuana cigarette inside the residence. The Hall County (MANS) unit was notified and secured a search warrant for the residence. The search of the residence revealed numerous meth pipes and needles, a small amount of methamphetamine, illegal prescription pills, and marijuana. In all, three individuals were arrested on active warrants and the following violations were documented: hunting without permission, hunting without a license, hunting without orange, hunting without permission, littering, and interference with ranger's duties. Numerous drug charges were also taken out by the Hall County (MANS) unit.
On November 9th, Cpl. Jason Roberson located a subject hunting big game over bait. The hunter was in a stand that Cpl. Roberson had been checking since archery season that was approximately one and a half miles behind a locked gate. The hunter received a citation for hunting big game over bait and a warning for hunting without a license.
On November 9th, at 0710 Ranger Kevin Goss was on ATV patrol in Hall County when he came upon a hunter in a climber deer stand with no orange on. After talking to the individual about corn that had been poured out near where the man was hunting the hunter admitted to pouring out the corn. Ranger Goss wrote the hunter a ticket for hunting over bait and warnings for not wearing orange and license issues.
On November 9th, Sgt. Mike Burgamy and Ranger Kevin Goss were checking a baited deer stand located on Hog Mountain Road when they encountered an unoccupied vehicle on the property. Ranger Goss stayed with the vehicle while Sgt. Burgamy checked the stand. Sgt. Burgamy located a subject in the stand, with a bow, and without a fluorescent orange vest. A salt lick was in front of the stand approximately 20 yards away. The subject admitted to hunting deer over the salt. He was issued a warning for not wearing his orange vest. The Rangers had been checking this stand since opening day.

JACKSON COUNTY On October 9th, RFC Eric Isom and his K9 partner Colt were checking a bait stand in North Jackson County. Colt tracked someone to the whole corn but RFC Isom did not see anyone in the deer stand. Colt continued to track past the corn another 75 yards through the woods until RFC Isom spotted a hunter in a stand without orange. Whole corn was also found at this location. The following violations were documented, hunting big game over bait and hunting deer without wear fluorescent orange. Also the subject was instructed not to hunt the area until 10 days after the bait had been cleaned up.
RFC Eric Isom also checked a hunter in South Jackson County. The hunter possessed a lifetime hunting/fishing license but did not obtain a deer harvest record. RFC Isom explained to the hunter that everyone who is hunting deer in Georgia must obtain a harvest record. RFC Isom gave a verbal warning for hunting deer without a harvest record and offered to assist him in getting his harvest record.
BANKS COUNTY On November 5th, Cpl. Jason Roberson taught a two hour hunter safety class at the continuing education center. Fourteen students were certified.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
MORGAN COUNTY On Tuesday, November 5, RFC Ricky Boles taught a hunter safety course to 20 children at the Morgan County Sherriff's Office. During the course the youth were taught the importance of safe firearms handling, tree stand safety, wildlife identification, as well as laws pertaining to hunting in Georgia.
On November 5-6, Sgt. John Harwell, RFC Ricky Boles, RFC Richard Tanner, Wildlife Tech III Kevin VonSeggern and several Rangers with Parks and Historic Sites Division worked the Hard Labor Creek State Park managed deer hunt. The 140 hunters that participated in the hunt harvested 87 deer. The reduction in deer population is crucial to ensure a quality deer herd.
HANCOCK COUNTY While patrolling Hancock County on November 9, RFC Richard Tanner encountered two hunters on a hunting club that were hunting over bait. Neither hunter was wearing their orange vest. Upon further investigation, it was also noted that one of the hunters did not possess a valid hunting license. The infractions noted were hunting big game over bait x 2, hunting deer without wearing florescent orange x 2, non-resident hunting without nonresident hunting license, non-resident hunting without non-resident big game license, and hunting without harvest record. The hunters were charged appropriately for the offenses.

WALTON COUNTY November 10th, Sgt. John Harwell and RFC Niki Spencer responded to a night hunting complaint. One vehicle was stopped with three individuals. After interviewing each individual two guns and a deer were located in the area. Each individual was charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road, hunting from a motorized vehicle and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
COLUMBIA COUNTY On November 9th, RFC Robert Timmerman apprehended and cited one subject for hunting big game over bait.
LINCOLN COUNTY On November 9th, Cpl. Ryan Swain apprehended and cited one subject for hunting big game over bait and orange clothing violations.
On November 10th while investigating hunting without permission complaint, Cpl. Ryan Swain and RFC Robert Timmerman apprehended and cited one subject. The subject was charged with taking over the bag limit of antlered deer, failure to record deer harvest, and possession of illegally taken wildlife. A brief investigation revealed that the subject had killed several small bucks and did not record them on his license.
WASHINGTON COUNTY On November 9, Corporal Micheal Crawley while working hunting without permission complaint on Ohoopee Church Road, Corporal Crawley made contact with a subject that was found to be hunting without permission. After further investigation Corporal Crawley found the subject to be in possession of marijuana and cocaine, Corporal Crawley placed the subject under arrest and transported him to Washington County Jail for booking on 3 misdemeanor charges and a felony drug charge.
CLARKE COUNTY On November 8th RFC Tim Butler served on an alumni panel at the University of Georgia for current criminal justice students seeking advice and information in the criminal justice field. Alumni from several local, state, and federal agencies attended the panel.
OCONEE COUNTY On November 3rd RFC Tim Butler issued a man a citation for blinding wildlife.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY On November 3rd Cpl. Mark Patterson responded to a call in which a bullet had entered a residence. At the time of occurrence, four individuals were inside the home. The bullet entered the back of the home knocking items from a cabinet and finally coming to rest in a jacket that was hanging on a dining room chair. No one was injured in this incident.

WILKES COUNTY On November 3rd Cpl. Mark Patterson checked an area known to have baited deer stands. One subject was found to be hunting deer over corn, apples, and salt. The hunter was not wearing the required fluorescent orange.
ELBERT COUNTY On November 6th Cpl. Julian Wilkins cited an individual for failure to record deer harvest.
On November 7th Cpl. Julian Wilkins taught a hunter safety class certifying 26 students.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
COWETA COUNTY On Wednesday, November 6th, Sgt. Brent Railey attended the Georgia Deer Management Plan meeting in Newnan, along with several biologists and wildlife technicians from the Wildlife Resources Division. About 17 concerned hunters showed up to voice their opinions of the future of deer management in Georgia.
HENRY COUNTY On the evening of November 5th, at 9:30 pm, Cpl. Travis Sweat responded to a night hunting call in McDonough. Upon arrival, Cpl. Sweat patrolled the area in question looking for a subject on an ATV. Cpl. Sweat blacked out his vehicle and waited in the area that he thought that the subject would be hunting. After a short wait, Cpl. Sweat saw a blacked out ATV coming down the road to his location. Once the ATV was directly beside Cpl. Sweats patrol vehicle, he made a stop. Cpl. Sweat located a loaded Marlin 3030 with a large light zipped tied to the end. The subject admitted to the violation and Cpl. Sweat charged him with hunting deer at night.
JASPER COUNTY The weekend of November 8th-10th, Cpl. Susan Morris participated in a DNR sponsored program at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. The program, "Becoming an OutdoorsWoman", is a three day event, with three and a half hour classes which teach women all types of outdoor activities. The program offered over 25 different classes throughout the weekend and approximately 50 women attended.
On November 6th, RFC Freddie Hays and Sgt. Tim Kendrick were investigating a complaint of a subject that harvested over the season limit of bucks. RFC Hays and Sgt. Kendrick went to the subjects hunting club attempting to gather more evidence. While they were there, the subject showed up at the hunting camp. RFC Hays interviewed the subject about the complaint of killing over the legal limit of bucks. The subject admitted to killing three bucks and failing to record one of the bucks on his deer harvest record. The subject was issued citations for taking over the season limit of bucks and failure to record deer harvest. RFC Hays and Sgt. Kendrick then went to the taxidermy shop where he had taken the third buck and confiscated the 10 point rack and cape.

JONES COUNTY On the evening of November 8th, Ranger Jeremy Reese assisted with patrolling the Piedmont NWR hunt. Ranger Reese responded to the Round Oak area and searched, along with other officers, for a missing 14 year old hunter. The juvenile was located safe and stated that he had climbed down and had gotten lost.
On the evening of November 9th, Rangers Matt Johnson and Jeremy Reese checked baited deer stands. Two hunters were located hunting together and citations were issued for hunting big game over bait
MERIWETHER COUNTY On the evening of Friday, November 8th, Cpl. Keith Waddell was patrolling Joe Kurz WMA during an ongoing deer firearms quota hunt when he heard a shot near the lodge. Upon patrolling the area, he located a hunter. While checking the hunter, Cpl. Waddell asked the hunter if he had any luck with the shot he fired. The hunter replied that he missed a big nine point deer. Later that evening, Cpl. Waddell observed where the hunter had checked in a buck he had killed on the previous day. On November 9th, Cpl. Waddell and Cpl. Travis Sweat made contact with the hunter while the hunter was again hunting on Joe Kurz WMA and Cpl. Waddell issued him a citation for Violation of a WMA Quota Hunt Permit for hunting on an established buck only day after already harvested the one allowed buck.
On Saturday, November 9th, Cpl. Keith Waddell responded to a call at Bluford Fowler Road near Manchester where hunting club members had encountered two subjects hunting on their hunting lease. The subjects were not wearing fluorescent orange clothing and did not have permission to hunt the property. Upon conducting an investigation, Cpl. Waddell brought charges against the two suspects for hunting without permission and issued both warnings for not wearing fluorescent orange clothing while deer hunting.
On the evening of Thursday, November 7th, Sgt. Brent Railey was working the quota hunt at Joe Kurz WMA. After dark, a hunter brought a rifle to the check station and said he had found it on the ground at a parking area on the WMA. The hunter also described another truck that was parked in the same parking spot earlier in the day. Sgt. Railey attempted to locate the truck but was unable to do so. Sgt. Railey took possession of the rifle and kept it in a safe place. The next day the hunter who had misplaced the rifle came to the check station and claimed the rifle.
On Sunday, November 5th, Sgt. Brent Railey and Cpl. Keith Waddell responded to a complaint of hunting without permission near Lone Oak. They spoke with the members of a hunting club and determined that a neighboring landowner had walked about 50 yards over the property line and had begun setting up a climbing stand when one of their club members walked over to him and told him he was on their property. The hunter gave his name and left the area. Sgt. Railey and Cpl. Waddell went to the person in questions property and interviewed him. It was determined that it was a simple mistake on where

the property line was and the club members decided to not press charges against the hunter.
MONROE COUNTY On Wednesday, November 6th, Cpl. Tony M. Wynne presented a program on firearms safety to three different groups of Georgia Power employees at Plant Scherer as part of their safety day.
On Saturday, November 9th, Cpl. Tony M. Wynne assisted Sgt. Wanda Roberts with operating the Laser Shot and the Fishing Simulator during the Fall Festival at the Rock Ranch in Upson County. After leaving the festival, Sgt. Tim Kendrick called Wynne requesting assistance in south Monroe County with two non-resident hunters Kendrick had caught hunting with resident hunting and big game licenses and no fluorescent orange. The hunters were issued citations on the license violations and warnings on the fluorescent orange violations.
PIKE COUNTY On the afternoon of November 9th, at 5:30 pm, Cpl. Travis Sweat was checking a hunting club for possible hunting violations. Cpl. Sweat located three hunters all hunting without orange and hunting over bait. Cpl. Sweat also determined that one of the hunters had a strong odor of alcohol coming from his person. He also noticed numerous beer cans at the base of the tree the hunter was hunting from. Cpl. Sweat conducted field sobriety exercises on this hunter. Cpl. Sweat then arrested the subject, and made a total of nine charges to the three hunters. The charges included hunting under the influence, hunting big game over bait, hunting w/o fluorescent orange, hunting without a license, and hunting without a big game license.
On Tuesday, November 5th, Cpl. Travis Sweat completed an investigation into a night hunting complaint. Two suspects were charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a public roadway and hunting from a motor vehicle.
PUTNAM COUNTY On the evening of November 5th, Cpl. Lynn Stanford worked an illegal hunting complaint adjacent to BF Grant WMA. One hunter was located who had shot a deer and did not have the proper hunting licenses and citations were issued.
On the evening of November 8th, Ranger Matt Johnson and Cpl. Lynn Stanford responded to two separate trespassing complaints. While at the first complaint, two subjects were located hunting over bait and without permission and citations were issued for the violations. While at the second complaint, it was discovered that two suspects had traveled across county government property to retrieve a legally harvested deer. The two suspects were arrested and charged with criminal trespass due to the fact nobody is allowed on the property for safety reasons.

On the evening of November 9th, Cpl. Lynn Stanford and Sgt. Bo Kelly located a hunter hunting over a tripod feeder. The hunter received a citation for hunting big game over bait. On November 7th-9th Sgt. Bo Kelly, Cpl. Josh Copelan, Cpl. Lynn Stanford and Ranger Matt Johnson patrolled BF Grant WMA's first rifle hunt. Numerous hunters were checked and 3 citations were issued for harvesting illegal deer on a quality buck hunt. The deer were confiscated and donated to needy families.
Cpl. Stanford with an illegally taken deer donated to a local family. TROUP COUNTY On the morning of November 3rd, Ranger First Class Russell Epps and Cpl. Jeremy Bolen, with the assistance of K9 Ruger, followed up on a possible felon hunting with a firearm and hunting over bait complaint. The Rangers made contact with an individual coming out of the woods and began talking to him about who was on the property and if he had any luck that morning. The individual stated that he hadn't seen anything that morning but he had heard a couple of shots that sounded like it came from his buddies hunting with him. RFC Epps informed him that they were going to wait for the others to come out so they could check them also. The individual became impatient and stated that he was going to get his buddy out of the stand. Cpl. Bolen informed the individual that they would go with him to pick up his buddy. After locating multiple individuals on the property, RFC Epps and Cpl. Bolen were led by K9 Ruger to the area where the first individual had been hunting. K9 Ruger located a baited ground blind and an undersized antlered deer that the hunter had not informed the Rangers about. After further investigation, K9 Ruger and the Rangers located an illegally taken hen turkey that the individual had hidden in an abandon barn. The individual was arrested and charged with

possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, hunting big game over bait, QDM violation in an antler restricted county, hunting turkey out of season, and taking game with an illegal weapon. Two other citations and one warning were issued to three other individuals that were hunting on the property for hunting big game over bait and hunting deer without fluorescent orange.
On Saturday November 9th, RFC Russell Epps, RFC Kevin Godbee, and Deputy Ranger Joe Sebo all assisted in a scheduled boat HIN inspection detail held at the GSP post in LaGrange. A number of boaters came to the inspection that morning to complete their boat registration process.
On Saturday November 9th, Sgt. Jim Bradfield met with a homeowner in LaGrange about a hunting without permission complaint. The homeowner indicated that he saw a deer hunter across from his house in the undeveloped part of the subdivision and confronted this hunter about why he was there and also got his name. The complainant also advised that the hunter was not wearing florescent orange. This case is currently under investigation.
UPSON COUNTY On Sunday morning, November 3rd, Cpl. Susan Morris was checking a hunting club where she had found bait earlier in the hunting season. Cpl. Morris located two nonresident hunters from Florida. The first hunter she encountered was hunting over a feeder full of corn and both hunters did not have the required hunting license or big game license. Both hunters were issued citations for hunting without non-resident license and hunting without non-resident big game license. In addition, the first hunter was issued a citation for hunting big game over bait.
On Saturday, November 9th, Cpl. Tony M. Wynne assisted Sgt. Wanda Roberts with operating the Laser Shot and the Fishing Simulator during The Great Outdoor Adventure Day at The Rock Ranch. Several hundred kids and adults enjoyed the simulators, as well as other outdoor activities inviting people to spend more time in the outdoors.
WILKINSON COUNTY On the morning of November 8th, Ranger Matt Johnson and Cpl. Lynn Stanford checked Imery Mine Property where they had received numerous complaints of hunting without permission. Two hunters were located and charged with hunting without permission, hunting without wearing fluorescent orange and V.G.C.S.A. misdemeanor marijuana possession.

Region V- Albany (Southwest)
SEMINOLE COUNTY On November 3rd, Sgt. Rick Sellars conducted a foot patrol on several tracts of Lake Seminole WMA and cited one hunter for hunting big game over bait and hunting deer without wearing required fluorescent orange. On November 8th, RFC Tony Cox, Cpl. Randy Davis, and Ranger Steve Thomas responded to a landowner complaint of two subjects hunting without permission. After a short investigation, an adult hunter was cited for hunting without a license, hunting without a big game license, hunting without fluorescent orange, and possession of illegally taken wildlife. A doe was confiscated from this subject and donated to a needy family. A juvenile hunter was given verbal guidance and was allowed to keep his deer.
Rangers Randy Davis (L) and Steve Thomas (R) with illegally taken deer
EARLY COUNTY On November 9th, Corporal Randy Davis and Ranger Steve Thomas issued citations and warnings for nonresident hunting without hunting license, hunting deer without wearing fluorescent orange and hunting without obtaining deer harvest record. TIFT COUNTY On November 3rd, Cpl. Greg Wade received information that a subject had shot a duck with a rifle the previous day. The subject was interviewed and then cited for hunting out of season and using an illegal weapon. On November 1st, Cpl. Greg Wade was patrolling property on which he had received hunting without permission complaints. This day, Cpl. Wade located a two man ladder

stand and two feeders. Cpl. Wade maintained surveillance of the area throughout the week and on the morning of November 9th, found a subject in the stand. When interviewed about landowner permission the subject stated that he didn't know who the landowner was. The subject was cited for hunting without permission and hunting big game over bait.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
DODGE COUNTY On November 4th, RFC Allen Mills received an illegal dumping complaint from an EPD associate. RFC Mills found the location as described, but no one was on-site. RFC Mills then conducted a knock and talk until he was able to locate the landowner. After a brief interview RFC Mills discovered that another individual was involved as well. The landowner agreed to make contact with the contractor and set up a meeting for a later date.
On November 6th, RFC Mills met with the two individuals involved in the illegal dumping for commercial purposes complaint. RFC Mills gave the individuals an opportunity to voluntarily clean the site up of all debris and materials. The site was revisited a few days later and was found to be cleaned. Two violations were documented for simple littering (16-7-43).
LAURENS COUNTY On November 8th, Cpl. Stiles patrolled the Riverbend WMA during a big game check-in hunt. Three hunters were checked. No violations were documented.
APPLING COUNTY While patrolling areas known for high activity on the morning of the 9th, Cpl. Altman issued citations to one non-resident hunter for; Nonresident hunting w/o a nonresident hunting license, Nonresident hunting big game w/o nonresident big game license, and hunting deer w/o fluorescent orange.
JEFF DAVIS COUNTY On November 7th, Sgt. Jon Barnard, and Ranger Patrick Gibbs patrolled Flat Tub WMA for hunting activity. Their efforts resulted in one violation for hunting deer without fluorescent orange.
On November 9th, Cpl. Kevin Joyce, Cpl. Chase Altman, and Ranger Patrick Gibbs were working a complaint of night deer hunting. At around 9:15 p.m. a vehicle approached the area and shinned a light across the field that Joyce and Gibbs occupied. A traffic stop was initiated on the vehicle and a loaded 30-06 rifle was found along with the light used to illuminate the field. Multiple beer cans were also located inside the vehicle. It was determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol. Both individuals were charged with Hunting deer at night, Hunting from a public road, and Hunting from a vehicle. The passenger was released at the scene. The driver was turned over to the Georgia State Patrol and was arrested for driving under the influence.

TOOMBS COUNTY On November 8th, RFC Clint Jarriel and Ranger Patrick Gibbs answered a complaint of hunting w/o permission on Vidalia Cedar Crossing Rd. When they arrived the officers checked a hunter in the area and he was charged for hunting w/o a license, hunting w/o a big game license, hunting w/o a fluorescent orange vest and possession of illegally taken wildlife.
On November 10th, RFC Clint Jarriel and SGT Jon Barnard patrolled an area on Mt. Moriah Rd to check deer hunters. One hunter was checked and charged for hunting w/o a fluorescent orange vest.
TATTNALL COUNTY On November 10th, RFC Clint Jarriel and SGT Jon Barnard patrolled a complaint area on Ansley Ander Ave. Two subjects were stopped in the area and it was determined that the driver was a convicted felon. The driver was charged for possession of firearm by a convicted felon.
TREUTLEN COUNTY On November 7th, Cpl. Kevin Joyce responded to an in progress night hunting complaint. Upon arrival at the complaint location Cpl. Joyce met with a Treutlen County Sheriff Deputy. The deputy advised that he initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle that matched description provided by the complainant. Cpl. Joyce interviewed the three subjects that occupied the vehicle. Multiple firearms and a spotlight were located inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. All three subjects were charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle, and hunting from a public road.

CLINCH COUNTY On October 28th, Ranger Daniel North and Cpl. Jason Shipes were meeting with a local landowner when they heard a high-powered rifle shot. Ranger North and Cpl. Shipes quickly responded to the area of the shot and located a car parked in the center of the county road. As Cpl. Shipes pulled in behind the vehicle the driver sped away, attempting to flee the area. After a short pursuit the driver stopped. The officers learned that a passenger of the vehicle shot at a deer that was standing in the public road. Citations for hunting big game from a public road, hunting from a motor vehicle and hunting without permission were issued. Also, a warrant for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon was secured and served on the shooter. On October 29th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree, Cpl. Jason Shipes, RFC Mark Pool, and Ranger Sam Williams assisted Superior Pine Products Company in Fargo with the 35th annual Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Home deer hunt. Seven kids ranging in age from 11 to 16 took seven deer for a 100% success rate. The officers conducted a pre-hunt safety briefing and served as mentors during the hunt. Cpl. Shipes utilized his on-line computer and printed out each youth hunter's deer harvest record and personally purchased the 16-year old hunter's required hunting licenses.
One of the successful Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Home hunters. On November 9th, RFC Mark Pool and Ranger Daniel North patrolled deer-dog hunting clubs near the Spooner area. Several hunters were encountered and multiple hunting license violations were documented. ECHOLS COUNTY On November 2nd, Sgt. Patrick Dupree was patrolling dog-deer hunting clubs near Fargo. Several hunters were encountered with Sgt. Dupree inspecting their hunting licenses. One hunter did not possess a current license. While producing an expired license, the hunter

was visibly upset, and assured Sgt. Dupree he had a valid license. Using his on-line computer, Sgt. Dupree was able to determine the hunter did have a valid license. A duplicate copy was printed for the appreciative hunter.
On November 9th, RFC Mark Pool and Ranger Daniel North encountered several deer dog hunters parked alongside GA Hwy. 94. The officers observed one hunter with his weapon readily accessible on the public right of way. A violation of hunting big game from a public road and failure to display deer-dog permit number on the vehicle was documented.
On November 9th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree, RFC Mark Pool, Ranger Sam Williams, and Ranger Daniel North conducted a vessel inspection in Statenville. The officers assisted ten boat owners with registration issues.
CHARLTON COUNTY On November 9th, during a patrol for deer dogging activity in the Souhter portion of the county, Ranger Williams located a group of hunters pursuing a deer with hounds. While checking hunting licenses, RGR Williams noticed blood in the back of a truck and determined that a deer had not been documented on the hunter's deer harvest record. RGR Williams asked the individual if he had taken a deer this year and the hunter stated he had killed a seven-point buck the day before. RGR Williams advised him that he had not recorded the deer and had him record the deer harvest at that time. A written warning was issued for the violation.
PIERCE COUNTY On November 3rd, Corporal Josh Chambers and Corporal Jason Shipes responded to a hunting deer at night complaint in central Pierce County. The Pierce County Sheriff's office received a call from a citizen that a truck came by her residence with a spotlight shining from it into nearby soybean fields. The complainant stated a gunshot was fired from the vehicle as it drove by one of the fields near her house. A Pierce County deputy arrived on scene and found a truck matching the description given by the complainant parked in the woods near the area the shot was fired. Pierce County then notified DNR LE and Corporal Chambers and Corporal Shipes responded. When Corporal Chambers and Corporal Shipes arrived at the scene they observed two rifles and a spotlight lying in the seat of the parked truck. The officers located two sets of shoe prints walking down the dirt road toward the area the shot was fired from. Corporals Chambers and Shipes found a dead 8-point buck in the soybean field in the direction of the boot prints. The truck and everything inside it was towed to a secure impound facility until the violators could be located. On November 4th, the two subjects who were responsible for the poaching incident turned themselves in to Corporal Chambers and Corporal Shipes. Each subject was charged with hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle, hunting big game from a public road, hunting without permission, and possession of illegally-taken wildlife.

The Pierce County poacher's vehicle being towed from the scene.
8-pointer killed by poachers in Pierce County on November 3rd. On November 3rd, Corporal Josh Chambers was patrolling the near Blackshear when he observed a truck parked alongside a public road. Corporal Chambers waited until dark and observed a deer hunter walk from the wooded area to the truck. The subject was deer hunting and was not wearing the required 500 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing above the waistline. The violation was documented. WARE COUNTY On November 7th 9th, RFC Mark Pool, RGR Sam Williams and DNR LE Intern Josh Sanders patrolled Dixon WMA during a managed deer and bear hunt. The officers encountered several hunters during the three-day hunt. Multiple violations for possession & transporting a loaded firearm in a vehicle on a WMA were documented. On November 7th, RFC Pool and Intern Sanders helped locate and retrieve a nice buck deer for a father and daughter team that were both handicapped hunters.

The Dixon WMA buck the officers helped retrieve on November 7th.
BERRIEN COUNTY On November 8th, Cpl. Morty Wood patrolled the area of Sally Mac Lake along the Alapaha River in Berrien County. Cpl. Wood located three men from Florida hunting deer. None of the hunters were wearing fluorescent orange vest and none of the hunters had valid hunting licenses. Charges of Hunting Deer without Fluorescent Orange, NonResident hunting Big Game without a Non-Resident big Game License, and NonResident Hunting without a Non-resident Hunting License were made against the three hunters.
COFFEE COUNTY On November 9th, Sgt. Damon Winters responded to a complaint of a deer hunter shooting someone's dog. Once Sgt. Winters arrived on the scene he located the hunter in a tree stand on the property joining the complainant's. After an investigation of the events it was determined that the hunter did not shoot the dog but, three violations were documented for Hunting without a license, Hunting without a big game license, and Hunting deer without florescent orange.

Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRYAN COUNTY On Nov. 3rd, RFC Jack Thain, Ranger Jason Miller, and RFC Kiel Toney responded to a complaint of deer-dogs running on private property in the Hwy. 204 area. Two deerdogging hunters were cited for hunting from a public road and one of the two was cited for failure to keep dogs on permitted property. Upon checking, it was found that arrest warrants had been issued for one of the hunters. He was held and custody was turned over to the Sheriff's Dept. About five hours later, Cpl. Phillip Scott received a call from the complainant about another dog on their property. Cpl. Scott found the dog and cited the same dog-owner from earlier that morning for failure to keep dogs on permitted property.
On Nov. 6th, Cpl. Phillip Scott received a complaint about deer-dogging hunters standing on Holton Rd. and hunting with dogs on unpermitted property. Upon checking, he found that a deer had been shot from the road. With the assistance of Cpl. Eddie Akins, Cpl. Scott tracked down the hunter at the club's hunting camp in Bulloch County. The hunter was cited for hunting from a public road and hunting with dogs on unpermitted property. An 8-point buck was confiscated. The head was seized as evidence, and the meat was processed by a local processor and given to needy families.
LIBERTY COUNTY On Nov. 3rd, RFC Jack Thain received a complaint about dogs barking on Springfield Plantation off of Hwy. 38 and Seabrook School Rd. Upon checking, RFC Thain found three men and a 16 year-old male hunting hogs with dogs on the property. The men were cited for hunting without permission and two were cited for hunting without a license.
BRANTLEY COUNTY On November 10th, Cpl. Craig Smith and Ranger Colte Shaske responded to a complaint of illegal deer dogging. Upon speaking with the complainant it was determined that the hunting club nearby was hunting from the road and possibly hunting a piece of property that is not permitted to them. One member of the club was cited for hunting from a public road and failure to record deer harvest.
On November 3rd, at about 0330 hours, RFC John Evans and RGR Colte Shaske observed the occupants of a truck dumping two freshly killed deer carcasses. Upon investigation they discovered that there were six people in the truck when the deer where killed about an hour earlier. The rangers went back to the home where the deer were cleaned to interview the other suspects and confiscated the meat. All six suspects were cited for hunting deer at night, hunting from a vehicle, and hunting from a public road. Two of the suspects were also cited for giving false statements to an officer and one for unlawful dumping.

CAMDEN COUNTY On November 9th, Sgt. Chris Hodge was patrolling north Camden County for dog deer hunting activity when he encountered two hunters hunting from the road. Sgt. Hodge observed both hunters with guns out of their vehicles on a State Highway while they were hunting deer with dogs. Sgt. Hodge cited both hunters for hunting big game from a public road.