Field operations weekly report [Dec. 22-28, 2013]

Department of Natural Resources
Law Enforcement Division
Field Operations
Weekly Report December 22-28, 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 December 23rd, Cpl. Byron Young responded to a call of persons duck hunting without permission at Drummond Swamp in western Bartow County. Cpl. Young located 2 hunters on the bank of the swamp and 2 hunters in a canoe hunting a decoy spread in the swamp. The large swamp has several different landowners around the property. The hunters were unclear on the property lines and were hunting on private property. Cpl. Young encouraged the hunters to locate the property lines and issued the hunters warnings for hunting without permission. Cpl. Young gave the hunters information for the Bartow County Tax assessor's website, so the hunters could see a map of the area with property lines.
On December 24th, RFC Zack Hardy received a phone call from a landowner that found a suspicious truck parked at a low spot next his property along Interstate 75. RFC Hardy responded to the location where he met the landowner. RFC Hardy saw evidence in the vehicle that the person might be hunting on the property. Sgt. Mike Barr heard the radio traffic and came to the area to assist RFC Hardy. While searching on foot, RFC Hardy saw a man hidden behind a tree. The man was deer hunting and not wearing fluorescent orange. The hunter was issued citations for hunting without permission and hunting without orange. When asked by Sgt. Barr why he had chosen this area, the man stated that he went by this spot on the way to work daily and just thought it would be a good place to hunt.
On December 28th, Sgt. Mike Barr took an Army Airborne Wounded Warrior and his Son hunting. Tom Anglin had received a back injury while parachuting in Iraq with his Airborne Unit. During his recovery, he promised his Son Thomas that he could go deer hunting if Thomas successfully passed the Hunter Safety Course. Sgt. Barr met them on his off day and arranged a Father and Son hunt on private property in northwest Bartow County. Although a rainy day, the Father and Son team hunted from daylight until 1215pm when three deer came by their stand. Thomas made a successful shot with a .270 caliber rifle and harvested a spike. Thanks to those to serve in our military!

Tom Anglin, Thomas Anglin, and DNR Sgt. Mike Barr with the results of a successful deer hunt.
GILMER COUNTY On December 13th, Sgt. John Vanlandingham and RFC Joe Hill responded to a hunting complaint. The complaint was in reference to hunting without permission and hunting without the required fluorescent orange vest. The complainant observed one subject enter a wooded area without wearing an orange vest. The Rangers observed the subject walking to his vehicle, again without wearing an orange vest. The subject was charged with hunting deer without fluorescent orange. The complaint of hunting without permission is still under investigation.
On December 18th, RFC Joe Hill spotted a deer hunter sitting in his ladder stand without wearing the required fluorescent orange vest. The Ranger checked the subject and found the immediate area to be baited with corn and the subject did not have a big game license. RFC Hill issued the subject citations for hunting deer without fluorescent orange and hunting big game over bait. A warning was issued for hunting without a big game license.

On December 21st, RFC Joe Hill received a complaint of two subjects hunting geese on Yukon Lake without permission. RFC Hill found the subjects and discovered they had not gained permission and had killed one goose. The Ranger found one subjects' shotgun was not properly plugged and the other did not have a valid hunting license or HIP permit. RFC Hill issued one subject a citation for hunting without a plugged shotgun and the other a citation for hunting without a license. Both subjects were issued warning for possession of illegally taken wildlife, and the goose was seized. The subject without a valid HIP permit was given a verbal warning for the violation. The complaint of hunting without permission is still under investigation.
HARALSON COUNTY December 23rd, Ranger Mark Puig and RFC Daniel Gray assisted Bremen Police Department with their annual Shop-With-A-Cop program. This event allows children who would normally not get anything for Christmas, the opportunity to shop for themselves and purchase their own Christmas present. The event had law enforcement officials in attendance from GSP, DNR, Bremen PD, Buchanan PD, Haralson County SO, EMS and local Fire Fighters.
CARROLL COUNTY On December 26th, Cpl. Eric Brown was patrolling for waterfowl around the Buffalo Swamp area. One hunter was cited for hunting without a federal waterfowl stamp and hunting with an unplugged shotgun.
December 28TH, RFC Chad Cox and RFC Daniel Gray responded to Carroll County in reference to possible illegal waterfowl hunting. One hunter was cited for hunting ducks over bait (molasses, sweet feed, and corn), possession of illegally taken wildlife, and hunting w/o a Georgia waterfowl license. 3 ducks were confiscated. While patrolling for deer hunting activity in Carroll County both Rangers observed a hunter approximately 200 yards off HWY 61 hunting in a tree stand w/o fluorescent orange. The hunter was also hunting deer over corn and a salt block. The hunter was charged with hunting deer over bait, and hunting deer w/o fluorescent orange.
FULTON COUNTY On December 20th, an Amber Alert was issued for a child taken from a home in Roswell by an adult male. Captain Johnny Johnson, Cpl. Eric Brown, Cpl. Byron Young, RFC Zack Hardy, and Ranger Mark Puig, along with the GBI and Roswell PD responded to the call. The DNR Rangers and Roswell PD officers were directed to search a nearby wooded area for any sign of the missing child or the adult male. During the search RPD officers located both the child and the adult male deceased in a stand of trees near the property where the child went missing.

Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
GREENE COUNTY Cpl. Derrell Worth and Sgt. John Harwell cited one subject for hunting without a Georgia Waterfowl license.
Cpl. Derrell Worth and RFC Richard Tanner cited two subjects for fishing without permission. This case has been under investigation for over a year. Many Largemouth Bass were in possession.
Cpl. Derrell Worth cited one subject for not wearing fluorescent orange while deer hunting.

WALTON / NEWTON COUNTY On December 16, RFC Niki Spencer certified 30 students in the Hunter Education Program.
Over the holidays numerous deer baiting and illegal duck hunting complaints were investigated with no activity to report.
BURKE COUNTY On December 28, Cpl. Ben Payne responded to a residence off Winter Road in Burke County on hunting without permission complaint. Upon arrival he met with Deputy Murphy. An investigation then ensued. One subject was interviewed and detained and another subject was hiding in the woods. K-9 Storm and handler Cpl. Michael Crawley were called for assistance. After tracking the detained subject it was discovered that he hid a rifle in a thicket along with a pair of camouflaged bibs. He was then arrested. Upon tracking the second subject a shotgun was located. The track continued for 1 miles. At the end of the track Cpl. Payne and Crawley interviewed several subjects and received more incriminating evidence against the subject. The subject was identified. Both subjects were hunting without licenses and were felons. Warrants were taken for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Other charges are pending due to evidence discovered.
COLUMBIA COUNTY On December 28th, Cpl. Brian Hobbins apprehended two subjects for hunting waterfowl over bait. The two subjects were cited and released.
GLASCOCK COUNTY On December 28th, RFC Brian Adams apprehended several subjects shooting waterfowl after hours. The subjects were cited for several waterfowl violations and released.
LINCOLN COUNTY On December 28th, Cpl. Ryan Swain and RFC Robert Timmerman responded to a call of a shooting in progress off of Augusta Hwy in Lincolnton. Upon arrival at the scene, two subjects were found deceased due to gunshot wounds and laying in the middle of the Highway. The two Rangers assisted Lincoln County Sheriff's Office with the scene and pursuit of the double homicide subject. The subject was apprehended December 29th by Law Enforcement and taken to the Lincoln County Jail.
CLARKE COUNTY On December 28th RFC Tim Butler checked a hunting deer without fluorescent orange complaint. One person was located hunting deer without wearing fluorescent orange. The hunter was issued a warning for not wearing fluorescent orange while deer hunting.
ELBERT COUNTY On December 26th Cpl. Julian Wilkins located one individual hunting deer over bait. A citation was issued for hunting big game over bait and a warning for hunting deer without fluorescent orange.

WILKES COUNTY On December 27th Cpl. Mark Patterson checked an area known to have baited stands. Three subjects were located hunting deer over bait, Violations addressed were hunting big game over bait, hunting deer without florescent orange, and hunting without a license.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
BALDWIN COUNTY On December 28th, Cpl. Josh Copelan was checking baited deer stands off Horace Veal Road, when he encountered a deer hunter from Louisiana hunting over bait and hunting without an orange vest. Two citations were issued for these violations with court dates given for Baldwin County State Court.
BIBB COUNTY On the evening of December 23rd, Cpl. Josh Swain, RFC Ronnie Beard and Sgt. Tony Fox responded to the Ocmulgee River after four subjects became stranded when their boat sank. After being thrown into the water, the four managed to shelter on a small area of dry land. However, rising flood waters threatened to inundate the spot, while swift current and floating debris presented hazards to the rescue operation. Fortunately, officers were able to extricate the four boaters three of which were juveniles - without incident before the area was covered by water.
BLECKLEY COUNTY On the afternoon of December 26th, RFC Ronnie Beard responded to Ocmulgee WMA in regards to two people being trapped in the river swamp by rising water. With the assistance of the local fire department, Beard launched a boat into the flooded swamp and rescued the two a man and his five year old son from their flooded vehicle. The individuals suffered no physical harm and were transported to their residence by RFC Beard.
CRAWFORD COUNTY On December 27th, Ranger David Fisher was checking an area where he had discovered baited deer stands. Fisher encountered two individuals hunting one of the baited areas. After speaking with the two hunters, it was determined they were non-residents; one did not possess any licenses. Citations were issued for hunting big game over bait, as well as for the license violations.
HENRY COUNTY On December 28th, RFC Kevin Godbee received a tip that there were duck hunters hunting without permission on the Upper Towaliga Reservoir, which is a Henry County Water Authority property. RFC Godbee went to the area and was able to locate three men duck hunting on the reservoir and they did not have permission to be where they were located. One of the violators advised they had permission to hunt from their property which was approximately 200-300 yards away. When asked why they were on the Henry County Water Authority property, they advised they could see better from there. Two of

the violators were issued citations for hunting without permission. The third violator was not charged due to the fact that he was a juvenile.
MUSCOGEE COUNTY On December 28th, Cpl. Jeremy Bolen and Cpl. Mitch Oliver were working a night hunting detail. Cpl. Bolen noticed a truck driving slowly past his location. As the truck went out of sight, Cpl. Bolen heard a rifle shot ring out from down the road. Cpl. Bolen took off after the truck, and eventually got the truck stopped. Cpl. Bolen contacted Cpl. Oliver and got him headed to the location. The officers interviewed the two subjects, and they admitted to shooting at a buck standing on the side of the road. K-9 Ruger was utilized to search the area for a wounded deer, but it was determined that the individuals missed the deer. Both of the individuals were issued citations for hunting deer at night, hunting from a public road, and hunting from a vehicle.
PUTNAM COUNTY On December 22nd, Ranger Jeremy Reese and Ranger Matt Johnson investigated a dump site off a public road. A receipt was located with the suspect's name on it. One citation was issued to the suspect for illegal dumping of trash. Another citation was issued for killing an antlerless deer out of season.

SPALDING COUNTY On December 27th, RFC Kevin Godbee received a call in reference to duck hunting without permission in Spalding County. RFC Godbee made contact with the complainant who advised that two duck hunters were hunting on the Flint River in Spalding County, when they left their boat and started looking for a downed duck on the complainant's property. The complainant advised them that they were on private property and they told him they had the right to look for the downed duck. He advised them they did not have permission to be there and they got back in their boat and left the area. RFC Godbee was still able to make contact with the hunters as they were getting their boat out of the river. One of them admitted that both hunters got out of their boat and went into the woods and passed a no trespassing sign but they thought they could retrieve the downed duck. Both subjects were charged with hunting without permission.
TROUP COUNTY On December 28th, Cpl. Mitch Oliver and Cpl. Jeremy Bolen checked a complaint of hunting deer over bait in South Troup County. The officers located a subject in a baited area along a power line. Cpl. Oliver told the hunter they were there because of the corn and also asked the subject for his hunting license. The subject was unable to produce a hunting license and initially said that it was in his second truck located at his brother's residence. He eventually admitted to not having a current license. The hunter was charged with hunting deer without fluorescent orange and hunting without a license. He was given written warnings for hunting big game over bait and hunting without a big game license.
WILKINSON COUNTY On December 28th, Ranger Jeremy Reese and Cpl. Josh Copelan apprehended two duck hunters who were hunting waterfowl over bait. Whole wheat had been located in the swamp two days prior by Cpl. Lynn Stanford. Both hunters were issued citations for hunting waterfowl over bait.

Region V- Albany (Southwest)
DECATUR COUNTY On December 16th, RFC Tony Cox and Ranger Steve Thomas were conducting a vessel patrol of the Flint River when they spotted a boat that was partially concealed on the riverbank. The vessel contained 2 rifle cases and was located on Silver Lake WMA, which was only open for small game hunting at the time. The rangers located and cited two hunters for hunting deer on a closed WMA, and hunting big game without wearing fluorescent orange.
On December 20th, RFC Tony Cox conducted a waterfowl patrol on Lake Seminole and cited two hunters for hunting without a license, hunting without a Georgia Waterfowl license, and hunting without a Federal Duck Stamp.
On December 27th, Cpl. Randy Davis and Ranger Steve Thomas responded to a boat incident on Lake Seminole when a vessel hit a stump, which punctured the bottom, and caused the vessel to capsize. The vessel operator was cited for operating a vessel without registration. There were no injuries in this incident.
On December 28th, Sgt. Rick Sellars, Cpl. Randy Davis, and Ranger Steve Thomas conducted an airboat patrol on Lake Seminole to check waterfowl hunters. The rangers documented several violations including hunting without license, hunting without a Federal Duck Stamp, and operating a vessel w/insufficient PFD's.
SEMINOLE COUNTY On December 21st, Sgt. Rick Sellars and RFC Tony Cox conducted an airboat patrol on Lake Seminole to address waterfowl violations. The rangers documented several violations including hunting with an unplugged shotgun, non-resident hunting with a resident license, non-resident hunting without a Georgia waterfowl license, and hunting without a Federal Duck Stamp.
On December 28th, Cpl. Mike Binion conducted a patrol on Lake Seminole and cited one hunter for hunting without a license, hunting without a Georgia Waterfowl license, and operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's.
GRADY COUNTY On December 21st, Cpl. Mike Binion cited two deer hunters for hunting without license, hunting without big game license, hunting deer without fluorescent orange clothing, and failure to record deer harvest.
THOMAS COUNTY On December 21st, Cpl. Mike Binion located a baited dove shoot and cited five hunters for hunting over bait.

STEWART COUNTY On December 24th, Sgt. Butch Potter was conducting a patrol when he received a call from GSP dispatch reporting illegal hunting on Lake WF George. Sgt. Potter responded to the area of Rood Creek on the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge and found a group of duck hunters that were shooting at ducks from a boat while under power. Six citations and warnings were issued for hunting from a vessel, hunting on a closed National Wildlife Refuge, and failure to sign federal duck stamp.
On December 28th, Cpl. Steve Robinson and Ranger Quinn Fogle encountered and cited two non-residents hunting deer without a hunting license and hunting big game without big game license.
On December 28th, while entering a local restaurant for lunch, Ranger Quinn Fogle recognized two subjects from a complaint which had occurred in November. Ranger Fogle contacted Cpl. Steve Robinson, who responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.
In November, an anonymous complainant forwarded pictures of a subject whom had killed a deer without purchasing the required hunting licenses, and the name of another person whom was also hunting without licenses. It was found that the subjects were hunting again on this weekend and had not purchased licenses. One of the violators stated he was hoping they would not run into a game warden, for this was going to be the last weekend they would hunt this season. The two were issued citations for non-resident hunting without license and hunting big game without big game license.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
IRWIN COUNTY On December 26th, Sgt. David Reckley and Cpl. John A. Stokes were patrolling the Satilla Church Area for hunting activity. One subject was located and cited for hunting deer without fluorescent orange.
LAURENS COUNTY On December 24th, Cpl. Dan Stiles was patrolling the Beaverdam WMA. Two subjects were given verbal warnings for violation of WMA range rules (not wearing eye protection on the shooting range).
On December 27th, Cpl. Stiles was patrolling for duck hunting activity. Three subjects were located hunting ducks. Two violations were documented for hunting waterfowl with illegal ammunition (lead shot) and one violation for hunting with unplugged shotgun. Verbal guidance was given to one subject for hunting without license on person and the third subject, a juvenile was given verbal guidance for several violations.
On December 28th, Cpl. Dan Stiles and RFC Rodney Horne were patrolling for duck hunting activity. Fifteen duck hunters were located shortly after legal shooting time began. The location was found to be baited with corn. All fifteen subjects were cited for

hunting ducks over bait. Additional violations for hunting waterfowl with illegal ammunition (lead), failure to participate in HIP, and hunting without license were documented. Fourteen wood ducks and one merganser were confiscated.
JEFF DAVIS COUNTY On December 24th, Ranger Patrick Gibbs was patrolling for hunting activity when he heard a series of shots coming from an area where he had received complaints in the past. While trying to locate the shots, Gibbs found fresh tire tracks going behind a locked gate. After following the tire tracks on foot for over a mile, 7 hunters were located hunting waterfowl. Citations were issued for hunting with an unplugged shotgun and taking over the bag limit. COFFEE COUNTY On Dec. 27th, RFC Joe Hilton was working a night deer hunting complaint in Coffee County. While working this complaint, RFC Hilton observed a vehicle pass his location and shine a field with a hand held spotlight. RFC Hilton initiated a traffic stop and issued two individuals citations for hunting deer at night, hunting big game from a public road and hunting from a vehicle. On Dec. 28th, RFC Hilton was on routine patrol in Coffee County and heard shots coming from an area near his location. RFC Hilton came upon seven individuals hunting doves. RFC Hilton noticed bait had been placed on the field. Citations and warnings were issued for hunting over bait, hunting without a license, hunting with an unplugged shotgun and failure to participate in the migratory HIP program. Also on the 28th, RFC Hilton was working a night deer hunting complaint in Coffee County. RFC Hilton observed a vehicle in the area matching the description of the complainant. RFC Hilton performed a traffic stop and observed a freshly killed deer lying

in the bed of the vehicle. RFC Hilton interviewed the driver and passengers and issued citations for hunting at night, hunting from a vehicle and hunting big game from a public road.
On Dec. 29th, RFC Hilton was called to Flat Tub WMA, for two overdue hunters. While searching the area for the hunters, RFC Hilton came across an individual in a vehicle. While talking to the individual, RFC Hilton noticed two firearms lying in the seat. When asked if the firearms were loaded, the individual stated they were. RFC Hilton issued citations for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession/transportation of a loaded firearm on a WMA, hunting without a WMA stamp and hunting without a license.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRYAN COUNTY On Dec. 24th, Cpl. Jay Morgan and Ranger Jason Miller received a complaint about deerhunting dogs being on a private landowner's property in northern Bryan County. By the time the rangers arrived, the hunters had already left the area with their dogs. The rangers talked to the landowner to gather more information about a group of hunters who do not have a deer-dogging permit.

On Dec. 26th, Cpl. Jay Morgan received a call about someone cutting firewood on the Sweethill tract of the Richmond Hill WMA. Ranger Jason Miller responded and found two young males with a truck full of freshly cut live trees. The subjects were made to unload the wood at the scene. Both subjects were arrested for destruction of department property and transported to Bryan County Jail. On the next day, Ranger Miller returned to the scene to retrieve wood and found that it had been taken. With assistance from RFC Jack Thain, the rangers found the wood at the residence of one of the subjects who went back to get the wood after bonding out of jail. The subject was arrested again for theft and taken back to jail.
LIBERTY COUNTY On Dec. 22nd, RFC Jack Thain and Cpl. Chris Moore checked four duck hunters at the Riceboro boat ramp. One 16 year-old hunter was warned for hunting without a Hunter Education card, without a hunting license, without a waterfowl license, and without a Federal Duck stamp.
WAYNE COUNTY On December 27th Cpl. Bobby White received a call from a landowner stating a vehicle was parked on his property. Cpl. White found the car parked with no one around. The tag on the vehicle was from another state. Cpl. White waited on the subject to come out of the woods. The subject came out and said he thought he had permission the hunt there. The landowner didn't give the subject permission and he was charged with non-resident hunting without big game license, non-resident hunting without license, allowing juvenile to hunt without hunter safety and hunting without permission. On December 28th Cpl. White received an in progress dogging deer complaint near Manningtown. The landowner stating the young man was from out of state and was very rude towards him saying he was trying to catch his dogs. The landowner gave Cpl. White the tag on the vehicle and Cpl. White found the truck issuing citations for non-resident hunting without a big game license, non-resident hunting without a license and hunting without a deer dogging license.
CHATHAM COUNTY December 22, Cpl. Chris Moore patrolled Ossabaw Sound for fishing violations. 8 boats were checked and 4 violations were documented for fishing without licenses.
December 22, Sgt. Cindy Miller checked several coastal boat ramps in Chatham County. Sgt. Miller checked duck hunters and recreational fishermen. One duck hunter was cited for over the limit of ducks. Two recreational fishermen were cited for catching over the limit of red drum in addition to the operator being cited for operating a vessel at night without lights. Sgt. Miller also checked another ramp where 2 hog hunters were checked. The operator was cited for operating a vessel without lights and hunting hogs without fluorescent orange.

December 28, Cpl. Chris Moore and Sgt. Cindy Miller checked waterfowl hunters in Chatham. 3 violations of hunting waterfowl without a federal duck stamp and 1 violation of not possessing a GA waterfowl license were documented.
Cpl. Moore along with SC DNR assisted the USFWS with hosting a delegation of Russian Ambassadors in Savannah, GA. The representatives were touring parks and wildlife areas around the United States to learn about conservation law enforcement demands and training.
BRANTLEY COUNTY On December 15th, RFC John Evans, RFC David Brady, and CPL Craig Smith responded to the area of a dove shoot. The Rangers encountered three hunters. The clear cut they were hunting had been baited with corn. All three were cited for hunting over bait.
On December 21st, RFC John Evans, RFC David Brady, and CPL Chris Ridley were working an illegal duck hunting complaint when a small car drove into the area they were in. Upon investigation, RFC Evans found that the driver had a suspended license, had been drinking, and was in possession of marijuana. The driver was cited for possession of marijuana and driving with a suspended license.
On December 28th, Corporal Craig Smith was set up in an area working night deer hunting when a small car came by shinning a spotlight into the cleared pines. The vehicle was stopped and the two subjects were cited for blinding wildlife.
CAMDEN COUNTY On December 27th, Corporal Craig Smith responded to a complaint of two subjects shooting at a deer off a county road. Upon further investigation over the next two days, Cpl.Smith was able to cite the two subjects with hunting deer at night, hunting big game from a public road, hunting from a vehicle, and hunting without permission.
GLYNN COUNTY On December 26th, Corporal Craig Smith, Sergeant Chris Hodge, Sergeant Mark Carson, and Ranger Jay Bright responded to a call from Wildlife Technician Ed Van Otteren in reference to a vehicle stuck on Clayhole WMA. A juvenile female was in the vehicle alone and stated that the driver had left that night around midnight and had not been seen since. The subject was found at his residence a short time later and the search was called off.