Field operations weekly report, May 26-June 8, 2013

Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Section
Field Operations
Weekly Report May 26-June 8, 2013
This report is a broad sampling of events that have taken place in the past week, but does not include all actions taken by the Law Enforcement Section.

Region I- Calhoun (Northwest)
BARTOW COUNTY On May 26th, Cpl. Byron Young and Ranger Zack Hardy responded to a PWC (Personal Water Craft) crash on Allatoona Lake. US Army Corp of Engineer Rangers Randall Flint and Jonathon Wise witnessed a PWC hit another PWC in the area of the CSX Railroad Bridge. The result was a 19 year old female passenger being struck and knocked into the water. The female was transported to a hospital in Kennesaw where she suffered injuries to her left arm and shoulder. The operator of the PWC that hit the female was issued a citation for violating the 100 foot law requiring boaters to be at idle speed within 100 feet of another vessel unless overtaking (passing) that vessel.
On May 26th, Cpl. Lee Burns and Ranger Zack Hardy were patrolling Allatoona Lake by vessel in the area of Bethany Bridge. The Rangers were flagged down by a passing boater. The boater advised the rangers of a vessel plowing through the water with the engine trimmed up and creating a large wake. The complainant thought the operator might be intoxicated and wanted the rangers to check on the vessel for safety. The rangers located and stopped the vessel south of Bethany Bridge. Ranger Zack Hardy completed a safety inspection. During the inspection, Ranger Hardy noticed a smell of alcohol coming from the operator. After an interview, Ranger Hardy determined that the operator was under the influence of alcohol. The operator was arrested and charged with boating under the influence of alcohol. The person was transported to the Bartow County Jail.
On May 26th, Cpl. Byron Young and Cpl. Lee Burns issued citations for towing a skier after sunset and operating a vessel 100 feet from people in the water while on patrol on Allatoona Lake.
On May 26th, RFC Bart Hendrix and DNR Intern Walker Jardine stopped a fishing boat in front of the dam on Allatoona Lake after dark without a stern light. The owner of the boat had taped a flashlight to the non-working stern light pole, but the flashlight was not on. While checking with the operator of the vessel, RFC Bart Hendrix noticed that the operator showed signs of impairment by alcohol. Sgt. Mike Barr and Ranger Zack Hardy also arrived to assist. The operator was interviewed and found to be under the influence of alcohol and was determined to be almost three times the legal limit of blood alcohol concentration. The operator was arrested. A female passenger in the fishing boat was also determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was not able to operate the vessel. The Rangers ensured that all parties were returned safely to shore. The operator was charged with boating under the influence of alcohol and transported to the Bartow County Jail.
On June 1st, DNR Ranger Zack Hardy, DNR Intern Walker Jardine, RFC Bart Hendrix, and Sgt. Mike Barr responded to a call for assistance on Allatoona Lake with a PWC (Personal Water Craft) crash at the Wilderness Camp no wake zone. On arrival they found that two PWCs riding together had been approaching the no wake zone about 30

mph. Each PWC had an operator and a passenger. The operator of the second PWC was here visiting from another country. The first PWC let off the throttle as he approached the no wake zone. The second PWC operator did not. The second PWC hit the first PWC and injured the passenger who entered the water. All people were wearing their life jackets. Bartow EMS responded to assist and they transported the injured passenger to Cartersville Medical Center with reported back injuries. He was released later that day.
On June 1st, DNR Ranger Zack Hardy, DNR Intern Walker Jardine, RFC Bart Hendrix, and Sgt. Mike Barr responded to a call from Bartow 911 about a capsized vessel and multiple people in the water near the Highway 41 day use area. On arrival, the Rangers found that two men and three young children were in a Jon boat type vessel. The wake from another boat came over the front of the vessel and flooded the boat. The vessel overturned and all people including the children went into the water. Another boater who was close immediately entered the water and assisted all passengers on the capsized vessel. The Rangers made sure all people were recovered and assisted getting the overturned vessel to shore. The operator of the overturned vessel was cited for allowing a young child under 13 years of age to ride in a moving vessel without a life jacket. The Rangers also gave a properly fitting life jacket to the parent of the child not wearing a PFD (Personal Flotation Device).

On June 1st, Ranger Zack Hardy and DNR Intern Walker Jardine patrolled Allatoona Lake. During the patrol, Ranger Hardy issued 4 citations for allowing underage children to ride in moving vessels without wearing a PFD (Personal Flotation Device life jacket). Children under the age of 13 are required to have their life jacket on while in a boat that is moving. Ranger Hardy and Intern Jardine also issued a citation for operating a PWC (Personal Water Craft) above idle speed within 100 feet of an object in water, and operating a vessel without lights during hours of darkness. PWCs do not have navigational lights and must be off the water at sunset.
CARROLL COUNTY On May 25th, Cpl. Eric Brown and Cpl. Wil Smith patrolled Snake Creek Reservoir, Lake Carroll, Lake Buckhorn and Lake Paradise. During their patrols 11 people were cited for fishing without license, 3 for operating a vessel without PFD's (personal flotation device), and 1 for operating a vessel with an insufficient number of PFD's for the people on board.
FANNIN COUNTY On May 25th, Cpl. James Keener, RFC Cody Jones, and U.S. Forest Service Officer Mike Tipton patrolled areas around the Toccoa River and Blue Ridge Lake. While checking an area known as "Rocky Point", the officers arrested a man for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug related objects.
On May 26th, RFC Cody Jones and RFC Joe Hill were patrolling Blue Ridge Lake where they encountered violations such as, PWCs operating within 100 ft. of others above idle speed, registration issues, violating "no wake zones," PFDs, and violation of rules of the road. Eleven citations and eight warnings were issued for the violations.
On May 27th, Cpl. James Keener and RFC Cody Jones patrolled Blue Ridge Lake. The officers issued six citations and seven warnings for violations consisting of violating "no wake zones," registration issues, operating within 100 ft. of others above idle speed, children without PFDs, allowing child to ride on the gunwale, and operating PWC without PFDs.
On June 1st, Cpl. James Keener and Sgt. John VanLandingham patrolled Blue Ridge Lake and issued 5 citations and 5 warnings for boating violations. These contacts included operating without or with insufficient PFD's, failure to obey regulatory markers, no fire extinguisher, improper or no registration on vessel, 100 ft. rule above idle speed, and towing a skier with a PWC without an observer, as well as other PWC violations.
FULTON COUNTY On May 25th, Sgt. Ricky Dempsey and RFC Daniel Gray patrolled on the Chattahoochee River upstream and downstream from Medlock Park. 12 citations and 10 warnings were issued for fishing w/o license, fishing w/o trout license, illegal bait in an artificial zone, and operating a vessel w/o PFD's.

GILMER COUNTY On May 26th Cpl. Casey Jones and Cpl. James Keener conducted 15 vessel stops on Carters Lake. The rangers addressed numerous violations including operating vessel with insufficient PFD's, towing skier without observer, operating vessel without registration and fishing without license.
On May 27th, Sgt. John VanLandingham and Cpl. Casey Jones conducted 16 vessel stops on Carters Lake. The rangers addressed numerous violations including improper registration, violation of rules of the road, fishing without a license and screened one vessel operator for possible BUI.
On May 29th, RFC Hill patrolled the Cartecay River for boating safety compliance. The officer witnessed one litter violation and issued the subject a citation for littering.
MURRAY COUNTY On May 26th, RFC Joe Hill patrolled Carters Re Regulatory Lake. While speaking with subjects about a litter violation, the officer found one of the subjects to be wanted by Dalton PD. RFC Hill arrested the subject and turned him over to Murray County Sheriff's Office to be held until Dalton PD could pick him up.
On May 31st, Cpl. James Keener patrolled Carter's Lake and issued 4 citations and 3 warnings for fishing and boating violations. The violations addressed included fishing without a license, operating without or insufficient PFD's, and operating with improper registration.
PICKENS COUNTY On May 31st, Cpl. James Keener visited Hill City Elementary School and presented a program on wildlife to four Kindergarten classes. Many animal furs, mounted animals, and game calls were used to educate the students about the wildlife in Georgia.
FANNIN COUNTY On June 7th, RFC Cody Jones and RFC Joe Hill were patrolling around Blue Ridge Lake. The officers walked up to a camp on USFS property and found the area to be heavily littered with trash. The officers talked to the subjects in the camp and advised them the area needed to be cleaned up. While speaking with the two subjects, RFC Jones discovered one subject had a warrant for his arrest in Fannin County. The officers took the subject into custody and turned him over to Fannin County Sheriff's Office.
On June 8th, RFC Cody Jones and RFC Joe Hill conducted 14 vessel stops on Blue Ridge Lake. The officers addressed numerous violations including operating vessel without registration, violation of rules of the road, operating PWC within 100 feet of another vessel, failure to obey regulatory markers, expired registration, allowing underage child to ride in a moving vessel without wearing a PFD, and operating vessel without registration numbers displayed. One subject, who was under 21 years of age, was arrested for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol.

On Saturday June 8th, Rangers from Region 1 and Region 2 assisted with a Kids Fishing Rodeo at the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery. DNR set up a BB gun range and the Fishing Simulator.
GILMER COUNTY On June 4th, Sgt. John VanLandingham, Cpl. James Keener, and RFC Joe Hill conducted a detail on the Cartecay River, referencing numerous complaints of trespassing, littering, and illegal use of drugs. While working this detail, two subjects were issued warnings for allowing underage child to ride in a moving vessel without wearing a PFD, and two subjects were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and littering. These two subjects were also warned for criminal trespass.
MURRAY COUNTY On June 1st, Cpl. Casey Jones issued a Murray County man a citation for illegal consumption of alcohol on Cohutta WMA.
On June 5th, DNR officers worked a detail on Cohutta Wildlife Management Area. The officers issued citations for littering, taking over the limit of trout, and illegal consumption of alcohol on a WMA.
BARTOW COUNTY On June 2nd, RFC Bart Hendrix responded to a report of a boat crash with injuries on Allatoona Lake in the area of Clark Creek. On arrival, RFC Hendrix determined that there were no injuries to any of the parties involved. The incident involved a PWC (Personal Water Craft) that struck a kayak near the courtesy dock inside the no wake zone at the Clark Creek boat ramp. A warning was issued to the operator of the PWC for operating a vessel with an expired registration
On June 8th, Cpl. Byron Young and RFC Brooks Varnell responded to a boat incident near Allatoona Landing on Allatoona Lake. A Sidewinder runabout boat struck a pontoon in a congested area of Allatoona Lake. While interviewing the operators of the two vessels, the two officers made several observations that a female operator of one of the vessels was intoxicated. Cpl. Young conducted field sobriety exercises and the female was placed under arrest for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol. There were no injuries associated with the incident. The female operator was transported to the Bartow County Jail.
On June 8th, Ranger Zack Hardy instructed a Boating Safety Educational class with the assistance from Corp of Engineers Ranger Amy Cobb. The class was held at the Corp of Engineers Office at Allatoona Lake. Ranger Hardy certified 18 students as having completed the boating safety course. For more information on safe boating, visit www.goboatgeorgia.com

CHEROKEE COUNTY On June 5th, RFC Bart Hendrix responded to a swimming incident in Cherokee County. An adult female was swimming in the area of Owl Creek with family. The female was found floating face down in the water. She was taken out of the water where a family member performed CPR. She was transported to Kennestone Hospital and transferred to the critical care unit. The female later passed away at Kennestone Hospital. On June 5th, RFC Bart Hendrix patrolled Allatoona Lake for fishing and boat activity from Little River to Bethany Bridge. There were a total of 30 fishing licenses and 19 boats checked during the patrol. One citation was issued for fishing without a license and one citation issued for violation of rules of the road. On Saturday June 8th, Sgt. Mike Barr and Cpl. Lee Burns patrolled Allatoona Lake in Cherokee County. After dark, the Rangers noticed a pontoon boat attempting to cross through the hazard pole area at Proctor Point. The Rangers attempted to stop the pontoon with blue lights, but the pontoon kept going. Due to the immediate hazards under the water, the Rangers diverted and went with the channel and around the island and into the area of the mouth of Kellogg Creek. The area was completely dark, but the Rangers noticed a wake from a vessel and then again located the pontoon operating without navigational lights. The Rangers stopped the vessel and during the safety check, noticed that the male operator showed signs of impairment. The operator was checked and found to be under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested, charged for boating under the influence, and transported to the Cherokee County Jail.
Shown are DNR Rangers Cpl. Lee Burns (left) and Sgt. Mike Barr on patrol on Allatoona Lake, Cherokee County.

COBB COUNTY On June 8th, while patrolling Cobb and Bartow Counties, Cpl. Byron Young and RFC Brooks Varnell issued a total of 9 citations for allowing children under the age of 13 to ride in a moving vessel without lifejackets, operating a PWC (Personal Water Craft) after sunset, operating a PWC without lifejackets, operating a vessel without a registration and operating a vessel without navigational lights during hours of darkness.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
STEPHENS COUNTY On May 26th, Cpl. Bill Bunch and RFC Shane Sartor patrolled Lake Hartwell and checked 21 boats and several fishing licenses. Four warnings and two citations were issued for violations ranging from failure to obey regulatory marker, operating vessel above idle within 100ft of object in the water, fishing without a license and operating without life jackets.
On May 31st, Cpl. Bill Bunch issued two citations at Toccoa Waterworks Lake for fishing violations.
MADISON COUNTY On May 27th, Sgt. Stan Elrod and RFC Shane Sartor were working the Broad River when they observed a small group of people on a rock smoking what they believed to be marijuana. The subjects were stopped but one refused to obey the order and was later arrested for two counts of obstruction.
On May 29th, RFC Shane Sartor was working the Broad River when he observed a group of people smoking what he believed to be marijuana. The subjects were stopped and one subject was issued an appearance citation for violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act.
HART COUNTY On May 26th, RFC Brandon Pierce and an Intern with the Department patrolled Hartwell Lake for any boating safety/fishing activity. A total of twenty-five boats were checked for proper safety equipment and several fishing licenses were inspected also. As a result, three violations were documented. The violations consisted of failure to obey regulatory marker, operating a vessel without a throwable device, and operating a vessel without registration.
On May 27th, RFC Brandon Pierce and Cpl. Craig Fulghum patrolled Hartwell Lake for any boating safety/fishing activity. Numerous boats were inspected for proper safety equipment and several fishing licenses were also checked. As a result, seven citations and warnings were written. The violations consisted of operating a vessel without a fire extinguisher, failure to obey regulatory marker, operating a vessel within a 100 foot of object/shore above idle speed, fishing without a license, allowing an underage child to ride in moving vessel without wearing a PFD.

On June 1st, RFC Brandon Pierce patrolled Hartwell Lake for any boating safety/fishing activity. A total of fifteen boats were inspected for proper safety equipment. As a result, three violations were documented. The violations consisted of towing skier without a mirror/observer, operating a vessel without registration, and operating a vessel without a throwable device.
HALL COUNTY On May 26th, RFC Barry Britt, Cpl. Eric Sanders and Major Walter Rabon patrolled Lake Lanier and charged a 20 year old man with operating a vessel at with night without lights and operating a vessel under the influence.
FORSYTH COUNTY On May 27th, RFC Barry Britt and Sgt. Lee Brown patrolled Lake Lanier and charged a male subject with operating a vessel under the influence, child endangerment, operating an overloaded vessel, and operating a vessel with insufficient life jackets.
LAKE LANIER On May 26th, RFC Mitchell Crump and Sgt. Lee Brown patrolled Lake Lanier for boating and fishing violations. During their patrols violations of fishing without a license, operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's, operating a vessel without registration, operating a vessel with improper lights and operating a vessel without displaying an anchor light were documented.
On May 29th, RFC Mitchell Crump and Sgt. Lee Brown patrolled Lake Lanier for fishing and boating violations. During their patrol violations of fishing without a license, operating a vessel without PFD's, operating a vessel with an unserviceable fire extinguisher, operating a vessel without registration numbers displayed, operating a vessel with expired registration and operating a vessel with improper lights.
HART COUNTY On June 08, Cpl. Craig Fulghum received a call from Hart 911 about a boat fire on Lake Hartwell near the Gum Branch Mega Ramp. Fulghum was on scene already doing HIN inspections and responded immediately to the call. Fulghum used a bass boat that was fishing nearby to take him to the boat fire. When Fulghum arrived at the fire the boat operator was extinguishing the fire and had put his passenger on a float to keep her away from the flames. Fulghum put both subjects on board his vessel and made sure the fire was completely out. The vessel was towed back to the Mega Ramp so that the Hart County Fire Department could check the vessel for problems. Both subjects were not injured in the fire.
On June 08, Cpl. Craig Fulghum and RFC Shane Sartor received a call from Hart County 911 about a possible drowning at the old Reed Creek boat ramp on Lake Hartwell. Both officers responded to the call by patrol boat and were on scene in fifteen minutes. Sgt. Stan Elrod and RFC Brandon Pierce also responded to the call a short time later. The body of a 54 year old white male was recovered and put into Fulghum's boat to get to

shore. The Hart County Coroner was on scene and pronounced the male subject dead on arrival. The body is being sent to crime lab to determine actual cause of death.
On June 8th, RFC Brandon Pierce, Cpl. Craig Fulghum, and Sgt. Stan Elrod conducted a HIN inspection at the Gum Branch Mega Ramp for boats with registration issues. Approximately twenty boats were inspected and all were successfully registered. On June 8th, RFC Brandon Pierce and Sgt. Stan Elrod patrolled Hartwell Lake for any boating safety/fishing activity. A total of ten boats were checked for proper safety equipment and ten fishing licenses were also inspected. As a result, one citation was issued. The violation consisted of towing a skier with a PWC without an observer.
FORSYTH COUNTY On June 2nd, RFC Barry Britt and RFC Tim Butler patrolled Lake Lanier and charged a 23 year old female with operating a jet ski under the influence and failure to obey a regulatory marker.
On June 7th, Sgt. Lee Brown was patrolling the Chattahoochee River at Buford Dam. He issued a subject a warning for fishing without a license.
On June 8th, RFC Barry Britt and Sgt. Lee Brown patrolled Lake Lanier and checked several boats for various violations. They issued several written warnings and charged one boat operator with operating his vessel with improper lights and insufficient life jackets.
LAKE LANIER On June 8th, RFC Mitchell Crump and RFC Eric Isom patrolled Lake Lanier for boating and fishing activity. The rangers issued citations and warnings for fishing without a license, operating a vessel with insufficient PFD's, towing a skier without an observer, towing a skier afterhours and operating a vessel with improper lights.
HALL COUNTY On Saturday, June 8, 2013 Corporal Jason Roberson and Ranger Kevin Goss attended the public safety fair at Wal-Mart in Oakwood. Numerous members of the boating community were educated on the States newly adopted boating law changes.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
LAKE OCONEE On Saturday, June 8, Sgt. John Harwell and RFC Richard Tanner responded to the Redlands boat ramp in response to a boating incident that had occurred. When the officers arrived, they found a ski boat that had capsized and was partially sticking out of the water. The officers tied chemical lights on the bow of the vessel for safety and met the operator at the nearby boat ramp. Based on the witness statements and the investigation, it was determined that while the operator was operating through the submerged timber he struck a submerged tree with the lower portion of his outboard

motor. The strike caused the transom of the vessel to fail and the vessel began taking on water. There were no serious injuries in the incident.
On Saturday, June 8, Cpl. Derrell Worth and RFC Ricky Boles observed a vessel towing a skier well after sunset while patrolling Lake Oconee. After the vessel was stopped and inspected, the driver was arrested for operating vessel while under the influence and towing skier between sunset and sunrise. The operator could not provide a throwable device or a fire extinguisher for the vessel as well. The skier was charged for skiing while intoxicated and was also arrested.
GREENE COUNTY On Thursday, June 6, Capt. Mark Padgett, Sgt. Brian Carter, Cpl. David Allen, RFC Niki Spencer, RFC Phillip Nelson, RFC Tim Butler, and RFC Richard Tanner assisted the Greene County Sheriff's office with searching for a missing elderly male. The officers utilized ATV and foot patrol search techniques to attempt to locate the subject. Unfortunately, the subject was not located at the conclusion of the day.
On Friday, June 7, Major Walter Rabon, Sgt. John Harwell, Sgt. Brian Carter, Cpl. Derrell Worth, Cpl. Mark Patterson, Cpl. Julian Wilkins, RFC Ricky Boles, and Bobby Lord continued search for missing elderly male in Greene County. The search consisted of covering several square miles of hunting camps, dirt roads, private property, power lines, gas lines, abandoned houses and barns, and officers visited houses knocking door to door. The officers utilized ATV and foot patrol search techniques. Subject was still not located on conclusion of second day.
BURKE COUNTY At 1100 P.M. on Saturday June 8, 2013, Corporal Micheal Crawley and RFC Jeff Billips responded to Georgia Power boat ramp to find missing boater on Savannah River. Crawley and Billips put their patrol boat on the river and traveled south down river until they finally located the victim. They towed the victim and vessel back to the boat ramp. The victim escaped with no injuries.
WARREN COUNTY RFC Brian Adams and RFC Grant Matherly put on a youth archery shoot for the Wild Turkey Federation in Mayfield.
MCDUFFIE COUNTY RFC Leroy Ficklin participated in a kids fishing event at the McDuffie County Public Fishing Area Saturday morning.
Ranger Adams responded to an alligator complaint on Harper Patterson Rd. Ranger Adams caught and relocated the six foot alligator.

LINCOLN COUNTY Sgt. Doyte Chaffin, Cpl. Brian Hobbins, RFC Bobby Timmerman, RFC Leroy Ficklin, RFC Jeff Billips and RFC Brian Adams patrolled Clark's Hill Lake which included working the North Thurman Lake Blast. Rangers responded to a call of a white male that had fallen on a grill and burnt himself. Rangers treated the subject and transported him to the crooked bridge boat ramp to be picked up by ambulance. Several citations were issued for various boating offences during the event.
COLUMBIA COUNTY Ranger Timmerman taught a water safety class at Westmont elementary for 50 kids.
ELBERT COUNTY On Saturday June 08, Sgt. Brian Carter, Cpl. Julian Wilkins and Cpl. Mark Patterson patrolled Lake Richard B. Russell. Several vessel operators were given verbal guidance. The three written contacts made during this patrol were ; one operating vessel without personal flotation device, one allowing under age in moving vessel while not wearing personal flotation devices, and one allowing unlawful operation, for allowing juvenile to operate vessel without any personal flotation devices on board.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
BUTTS COUNTY On Friday, May 31st, Sergeant Tim Kendrick and Corporal Tony Wynne were on routine boat patrol on Lake Jackson. At approximately 10:55 p.m., Sergeant Kendrick saw a boat moving close to the shoreline with its docking lights on. As they stopped the boat, Corporal Wynne shined his flashlight to observe the operator. The boat was a pontoon boat containing two adult males and two adult females. One of the males was operating the boat. During the course of the vessel stop, the operator denied having consumed any alcohol, but his actions and behavior said otherwise. Sergeant Kendrick saw a cooler, containing bottles of alcoholic beverages, with an empty bottle lying on top of the full ones. Additionally, there was an empty ale bottle lying next to the operator's seat. As they spoke to the operator, one of the female subjects attempted to divert our attention away from the operator to another vessel on the lake. After getting the operator on board our patrol vessel, Corporal Wynne had the subject perform field sobriety exercises to determine if he was safe to continue operating the pontoon boat. After watching the subject go through all the exercises, Corporal Wynne determined he was under the influence of alcohol and placed him under arrest. The determination was upheld by a breath test on the Intoxilyzer 5000. The subject was charged with operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol (.111 grams), operating a vessel with improper lights, and issued a warning for failure to properly display registration. He was transported to the Butts County Jail.

COWETA COUNTY On Monday, May 27th, Sergeant Brent Railey and RFC Kevin Godbee patrolled the Chattahoochee River. They put in at Chattahoochee Bend State Park and patrolled from the McIntosh Reserve to below the Yellow Dirt Boat Ramp in Heard County. They checked 23 boats and wrote one citation for no PFD's.
HARRIS COUNTY On May 26th, Corporal Jeremy Bolen and Corporal Mitch Oliver performed a boating patrol on Lake Harding. The officers noticed passengers jumping off a pontoon boat while it was going down the lake. The officers stopped the pontoon and noticed 10 passengers on board the boat. All of the passengers had been drinking alcohol, and 9 out of the 10 passengers were under age 21. The driver, who was 19 years old, was given field sobriety exercises and was later arrested for operating a vessel under the influence, and possession of alcohol by underage person. The other passengers were issued citations for possession of alcohol by underage person.
JASPER COUNTY On June 1st, RFC Keith Page and Sergeant Tim Kendrick stopped a vessel on Jackson Lake near the Hwy 212 Bridge that was operating at night without a stern light. After speaking with the operator and checking his safety equipment, RFC Page could tell the operator had been drinking. When asked how much he'd had to drink the operator denied drinking any alcoholic beverages. RFC Page then asked the man to preform several field sobriety exercises, which he failed miserably. RFC Page placed the man under arrest and charged him with operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol and operating a vessel at night with improper lights. The man's blood alcohol concentration was later found to be 0.10 grams.
MERIWETHER COUNTY On Sunday, May 26th, Sergeant Brent Railey and Corporal Keith Waddell patrolled the Flint River in Meriwether and Pike Counties from the Hwy 18 Bridge to Flat Shoals. They also patrolled the stretch around Joe Kurz WMA. They checked 32 boats and wrote 2 cases and 2 warnings including a citation for littering the river with beer cans.
MONROE COUNTY On May 29th to May 31st, Corporal Lynn Stanford and Sergeant Bo Kelly, along with three other DNR Law Enforcement Ranger Academy Instructors, taught a three day course in Standardized Field Sobriety to twenty Ranger Academy students. The class was held at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth.
MUSCOGEE COUNTY On May 27th, Corporal Jeremy Bolen and Corporal Keith Waddell performed a boating patrol on Lake Oliver. The officers stopped boats for various violations such as operating vessel with insufficient PFD's, operating a personal watercraft without wearing a PFD, and operating a personal watercraft within 100' of object in the water. The officers issued 3 citations and 3 warnings.

PUTNAM COUNTY On June 1st, Corporal Lynn Stanford and Sergeant Bo Kelly conducted patrol on Lake Sinclair. During the day, they stopped several boats for violations. Two boaters were arrested for operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol. Both operators were transported to the Putnam County jail for processing. JASPER COUNTY / LAKE JACKSON
On June 2nd, just after midnight, RFC Keith Page and Sergeant Tim Kendrick noticed a vessel on Jackson Lake that was operating without any lights. After stopping the vessel, Page and Kendrick found two young men who had taken their parent's boat out on the lake without permission and were smoking marijuana. The Rangers located a homemade smoking device commonly referred to as a water bong, as well as a clear plastic bag containing more marijuana. The Rangers took the vessel back to its owners and woke them up to explain what had happened. The two young men were turned over to a Jasper County deputy and transported to the Jasper County Jail. RFC Page charged both men

with possession of less than an ounce of marijuana and also charged the operator of the vessel with operating a vessel at night without lights. On June 2nd RFC Keith Page and Corporal Tony Wynne assisted the Jasper County Sheriff's Office with apprehending two juveniles who had be seen spray painting graffiti on the pylons of the Highway 212 Bridge. The sheriff's deputies had spotted the boys but they were hiding behind the pylons, where the deputies couldn't reach them. RFC Page and Corporal Wynne used their patrol vessel to apprehend the suspects and take them to the bank where the deputies were waiting for them. Both boys were caught with wet spray paint on their hands and found to be in possession of 3 paint cans.
On June 8th, Sergeant Tim Kendrick and RFC Freddie Hays responded to an in-progress call of a boat that had capsized and was sinking in the area of Ski Cove on Lake Jackson. Sergeant Kendrick made contact with RFC Keith Page who was nearby and advised him to go to the area by land. RFC Page arrived and found that all the passenger were able get to land safely without any injuries and the boat was near the shoreline and was upside down and partially submerged. Sergeant Kendrick, RFC Hays and RFC Page assisted the owner with securing the boat until it could be removed from the lake. On June 8th, Sergeant Tim Kendrick and RFC Freddie Hays were patrolling Lake Jackson and received a complaint of a vessel that was inside a restricted area at Lloyd Shoals

Beach. The complainant provided the registration number to the boat, description of the boat and the passengers on board. Sergeant Kendrick and RFC Hays responded to the area and made contact with the vessel as it was leaving the area. While talking to the operator about the complaint and conducting an inspection of the vessel, RFC Hays noticed several alcoholic containers in the boat. RFC Hays asked the operator to put on a PFD and step into his patrol boat for some field sobriety exercises to determine if the operator was safe to continue operating the vessel. The operator failed the field sobriety exercises and was taken for a State administered chemical test of his breath. The results of the breath test was .083 grams. The operator was charged with operating a vessel under the influence and child endangerment and was taken to the Butts County Jail.
TROUP COUNTY On the evening of June 7th, Ranger Russell Epps was patrolling the West Point Wildlife Management Area, Dixie Creek Tract for an illegal use of an ATV complaint. After tracking the ATVs for more than a mile, he was able to stop three ATV's that were being driven by five individuals, two adults and 3 minors. Ranger Epps interviewed the two adult drivers and then issued each of the adults a citation for illegal use of an ATV on a Wildlife Management Area.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
DOUGHERTY COUNTY On May 21st, Cpl. Robbie Griner was patrolling Lake Worth for boating activity when he located three individuals operating PWC's well past sunset. The operators were cited for operating personal watercraft during the hours of darkness.
On May 26th, Ranger Chris Carlisle and Cpl. Greg Wade were conducting a patrol when they noticed Dougherty County EMS tending to a patient at the Cromartie Beach area. The officers soon discovered it to be boating related. After further investigation, the Rangers determined that the vessel was pulling two tubes down the river with the 11 year old male on one of them. As his tube got extremely close to the other, he attempted to kick the other tube away from his. The individual fell into the water and struck his leg on a stump. The incident resulted in a broken femur to his left leg.

On May 27th, Ranger Chris Carlisle and Cpl. Greg Wade were on vessel patrol on Lake Worth when they observed three males riding the gunwale of a vessel. The Rangers stopped the vessel to discuss the infraction and after further investigation, Ranger Carlisle determined the operator to be under the influence. The operator was charged with BUI, child endangerment (BUI), and allowing a person to ride the gunwale.
WORTH COUNTY On the evening on of June 1st, as Cpl. Greg Wade was traveling down a dirt road he encountered an ATV traveling at a high rate of speed. The officer made an attempt to locate the speeding ATV but determined it was too dangerous due to the dust cloud from the ATV. Cpl. Wade proceeded cautiously in the direction of the ATV and located it sitting a short distance down the road. The operator was a male and the passenger a female, whom was six months pregnant. Wade determined the operator was impaired after which he was arrested for DUI and transported to the Worth County Jail where it was determined that he was almost three times the legal limit.
CLAY COUNTY On June 6th, the DNR LE Division conducted live underway training of "High Value Asset / Port Security" for Cadet Rangers. This training was conducted in partnership with DNR Boating EVOC Instructors, DNR Training Academy, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The training was held on Lake Walter F. George near Ft. Gaines with George

T. Bagby State Park acting as the host facility for the event. Nineteen Cadet Rangers were trained in monitoring and patrolling marine security zones while protecting high value assets from water born threats. Both static and moving security zones were utilized by the cadets. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tug the General Irwin, piloted by Captain Sam Hill, served as an underway high value asset. The General Irwin with barge totaled 160 feet in length and gave the cadets a challenging platform to train with.
Asset training on the General Irwin
RANDOLPH COUNTY On June 5th, Captain Jeff Swift and Corporal Scott Carroll attended the 4th Annual Cobb EMC "Steak Out". This law enforcement appreciation event is hosted by Cobb EMC to recognize local law enforcement personnel for outstanding service to their communities. Cpl. Carroll received a Meritorious Service Award at the event. GRADY COUNTY On June 4th, Cpl. Randy Davis responded to a call from a deputy regarding someone killing a turkey out of season. The deputy had arrived at a trespass complaint and observed a male subject walk out of the woods carrying a turkey. Cpl. Davis investigated the incident and found that the suspect had shot a hen turkey with a .22 caliber air rifle, which was hidden in the woods. The subject was transported to the jail, where he was cited for hunting out of season, hunting from a road, hunting from a vehicle, hunting

without permission, and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The air rifle and turkey were seized as evidence.
MILLER COUNTY On June 8th, Sgt. Rick Sellars, RFC Tony Cox, and Ranger Jace Heard responded to the scene of a drowning that occurred in a private pond.
CRISP COUNTY On June 8th, Cpl. Bob Holley and Ranger Chad Husley were conducting a vessel patrol of Lake Blackshear when they observed a vessel being operated without navigation lights. A vessel stop was conducted and during the course of the stop the operator was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for boating under the influence and for operating a vessel with improper lights.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
JENKINS COUNTY On Monday, May 27, Cpl. Wilcox patrolled the Ogeechee River looking for boating and fishing activity. Cpl. Wilcox conducted vessel checks on twenty vessels. While checking the vessels, Cpl. Wilcox was checking for safety equipment, registration, fishing license, and creel limits. Violations that were documented are fishing w/o a license, and operating a vessel w/o registration.
BULLOCH COUNTY On Friday May 31st, Cpl. Eddie Akins checked Oliver Bridge Landing and Steel Bridge Landing for boating and fishing activity. His efforts resulted in seven boats and five fishing license being checked. No violations were documented.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On Saturday May 25th, RFC Jamey O'Brien checked on an anonymous tip that a subject was in possession of an alligator. Upon investigating, O'Brien discovered the subject had a small alligator at his residence in captivity. Violation documented was for possession of wildlife without a permit/license. The alligator was safely released back into the wild.
Also on Saturday May 25th, RFC Jamey O'Brien and CPL Eddie Akins patrolled the Savannah River. A total of 6 boats and 4 fishing licenses were checked. A violation was documented for operating vessel above idle speed within 100' of object.
On Sunday May 25th, RFC Jamey O'Brien and CPL Eddie Akins patrolled the Savannah River. A total of 15 boats were checked. Officers responded to a call of an over-turned canoe and found two subjects in good condition after their canoe was capsized by a larger vessel as it passed. O'Brien and Akins assisted the subjects and their canoe to the nearest boat landing.
On Monday May 27th, RFC Jamey O'Brien and SGT Don Dasher checked on a complaint of someone holding wildlife without a permit. A subject was found in possession of a

fawn deer and 2 juvenile opossums. A violation of possession of wildlife without a permit was documented. Also on the same day, officers O'Brien and Dasher patrolled the Ogeechee River. A total of 10 boats and 6 fishing licenses were checked. No violations detected.
TELFAIR COUNTY On May 28th, Cpl. James McLaughlin and RFC Rodney Horne investigated an illegal killing of an alligator in Telfair County. In conclusion one arrest for possession of cocaine and two violations for hunting alligators out of season were documented.
WILCOX COUNTY On May 26th, Cpl. John A. Stokes, Sgt. David Reckley, and Cpl. James McLaughlin patrolled the Ocmulgee River. Six violations were documented ranging from fishing without license to operating a vessel without registration.
LAURENS COUNTY On May 27th, Cpl. Dan Stiles and Tech III Bobby Sanders patrolled the Beaverdam WMA. Verbal guidance was given to one individual for illegal use of ATV on WMA. No other violations were detected.
On May 27th, Cpl. Dan Stiles and Tech. III Bobby Sanders conducted a vessel patrol on the Oconee River. Three violations were documented for operating a vessel without registration. Verbal guidance was given for fishing with expired fishing license and operating vessel above idle speed within 100' of object.
DODGE COUNTY On June 1st, Sgt. David Reckley, Cpl. Dan Stiles, and Cpl. John A. Stokes attended a Kids Fishing Event at the Dodge County Public Fishing Area. The officers assisted with the event and operated the Fishing Simulator for children in attendance. One hundred and forty three kids ages 3-15 participated in the event.
WHEELER COUNTY On May 26th, Cpl. Dan Stiles and RFC Rodney Horne patrolled the Oconee River in Wheeler County. Violations were documented for operating vessel without registration and for fishing without licenses.
JEFF DAVIS COUNTY On May 27, 2013 RFC Clint Jarriel and RFC Debbie Brannen patrolled the Altamaha River along the border of Bullard Creek WMA. The officers observed some bank fisherman and after a brief stop, one subject was charged for illegal consumption of alcohol on a WMA.
TATTNALL COUNTY On May 26, 2013 RFC Clint Jarriel and Cpl Kevin Joyce patrolled the Altamaha River close to Lanes Bridge and wrote citations to two subjects for operating vessel without personal flotation devices.

TOOMBS COUNTY On May 25, 2013 RFC Clint Jarriel and SGT Jon Barnard patrolled the Altamaha River close to the #1 Bridge and wrote a citation for operating vessel without PFD's.
CHARLTON COUNTY On May 26th, around 2:00 AM, RFC Mark Pool was contacted by the Charlton County Sheriff's Department in reference to possible night deer hunting activity. RFC Pool, Cpl. Jason Shipes, Cpl. Josh Chambers and Sgt. Patrick Dupree responded to the Winokur area and met with the deputy at a vehicle stop. The officers determined that four adults had decided that it would be nice to have some fresh deer meat. The four were observed, and admitted to, shining several fields along River Road and Winokur Rock Road by a Charlton County deputy. All four were charged with hunting from a motor vehicle, hunting big game from a public road and hunting deer at night.
On May 26th, RFC Mark Pool and Cpl. Jason Shipes were patrolling for boating and fishing activity at Trader's Hill along the St. Mary's River. The officers encountered two vessels operating during hours of darkness without using any navigation lights. Citations were issued to each vessel operator for the violations.
CLINCH COUNTY On May 27th, Cpl. Jason Shipes was contacted by Tri County 911 and asked to respond to the local funeral home. Cpl. Shipes learned that sometime during the night an adult whitetail deer had crashed through the back door and was inside the building. Cpl. Shipes was able to block off various routes and direct the animal to an outside exit. While in the business the animal caused extensive damage to the walls and totally trashed the internal offices.
On May 28th, Cpl. Jason Shipes assisted the Governor's Drug Task Force with locating and seizing 103 marijuana plants.
COFFEE COUNTY On May 27th, Sgt. Damon Winters and RFC Tim Hutto patrolled the Ocmulgee River for boating and fishing related violations. Approximately twenty boats were checked resulting in several documented violations of possession of undersized bass, operating a vessel with expired registration, fishing without a license, and towing a skier without a mirror or observer.
On May 19th, RFC Hilton and RFC McDonald were on a routine vessel patrol on the Ocmulgee River. This patrol resulted in two violations being documented. Those violations were operating a vessel without a fire extinguisher and littering. RFC Hilton issued a warning for operating a vessel without a fire extinguisher and RFC McDonald issued a citation for littering.
On the 25th, RFC Hilton and RFC McDonald were on a routine vessel patrol on the Ocmulgee River. This patrol resulted in five violations being documented. Those violations were operating a vessel without a CGA PFD, operating a vessel without a fire

extinguisher and fishing without a license. Four warnings and one citation was issued for operating a vessel without a CGA PFD.
LANIER COUNTY On May 26th, Sgt. Damon Winters and RFC Keith McDonald were working the Alapaha River and observed two boaters operating in a reckless manner. The operators were checked for operating under the influence and then transported to the Lanier County Sheriff's Office for processing. Both operators were charged with operating a vessel while under the influence.
On May 27th at around 10:30 p.m., Sgt. Damon Winters, RFC Keith McDonald, and RFC Tim Hutto responded to a call on the Alapaha River of an overdue boater. Officers made contact with the subjects by phone, which were only minutes from a public landing. At around midnight, the subjects were located and returned safely to their family.
LAURENS COUNTY On June 2nd, Cpl. Dan Stiles patrolled the Hugh M. Gillis Public Fishing Area. Twelve persons were checked for license compliance and one vessel was checked for boating safety equipment compliance and registration. One violation was documented for fishing without a WMA license on a Public Fishing Area and verbal guidance was given to several individuals for other violations. Five individuals were given verbal warnings for non-compliance with GA Outdoor Recreation Pass (GORP) requirements on a PFA.
On June 2nd, Cpl. Stiles responded to a call from Laurens County Fire / EMA to assist personnel on scene with illegal burning at a residence. It was determined a subject was burning tires in his yard. The violator was charged with unlawful burning of egregious litter.
DODGE COUNTY On June 2nd, Cpl. John A. Stokes patrolled the Dodge County PFA. Four violations were found including fishing without a license and fishing without a WMA license on a PFA.
BACON COUNTY On June 3rd & 4th, RFC Mark Pool operated the laser shot shooting simulator for the Bacon County Junior Sheriff's Academy. June 3rd was used as a practice day for the cadets. On the 4th a score was calculated along with a BB gun competition to determine a top shooter for the academy.
CHARLTON COUNTY On June 6th, Sgt. Patrick Dupree, CPL Josh Chambers and RFC David Brady assisted with the Junior Sheriff's Academy in Folkston. The officers displayed a patrol boat and truck. The fishing simulator was also enjoyed by the 50 students.

Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
GLYNN COUNTY On May 27th, Cpl. Chris Ridley, RFC John Evans, and Sgt. Mark Carson were conducting boating inspections on Turtle River in Glynn County. Officers conducted a safety check of a vessel and noticed an odor of alcoholic beverage coming from the operator. After completing field sobriety exercises, the operator was arrested and cited for boating under the influence.
CAMDEN COUNTY On May 29, Cpl. Chris Ridley was working a complaint of commercial shrimp trawlers fishing in closed waters off of Cumberland Island. State waters are closed out to three miles offshore until opening of the season in June. During this patrol, Cpl. Ridley observed a commercial trawler fishing inside the three mile limit. The trawler was stopped and escorted to Brunswick where 1388 pounds of shrimp and 70 pounds of Whiting and Flounder were seized. The Captain and crew were cited for using powerdrawn nets in closed waters and the trawler was seized as well.
On May 26, RFC John Evans and CPL Craig Smith stopped a vessel for pulling a tube with two people on it that were not wearing life jackets. RFC Evans boarded their vessel to issue the citation and then detected and determined that the operator was under the influence. The operator was cited for B.U.I. as well as towing the tubers without life jackets.
RYAN COUNTY On May 26th, Ranger Jason Miller and Cpl. Phillip Scott patrolled the Ogeechee River in the Ft. McAllister area. Several boaters were checked and one boater was arrested for operating a vessel under the influence after giving a breath test reading of 0.12 grams. As of May 15, 2013, the point level for Boating under the Influence was lowered by the General Assembly to 0.08 grams.
On May 27th, Ranger Jason Miller again patrolled the Ogeechee River in the Ft. McAllister area. One boater was cited for not having enough life jackets on board and another boater was arrested for operating a vessel under the influence after giving a breath test reading of 0.11 grams.
On May 29th, Sgt. Wayne Hubbard, Cpl Chris Moore, and RNG Jason Miller responded to a call to assist with a boating incident in Chatham County where a shrimp boat had its anchor drag loose and it ended up hitting the Cockspur Island Bridge at Ft. Pulaski.
On June 1st, Cpl. Phillip Scott and Cpl. Jay Morgan patrolled the areas from Redbird Creek, Ogeechee River, and Ossabaw Island, and Ft. McAllister State Park. Several boaters and fishermen were checked but no violations were found. Later that afternoon, they checked boaters at King's Ferry ramp on the Ogeechee River at Hwy. 17 Bridge. One boater was checked for possibly operating under the influence and cited for failure to

obey regulatory markers (Idle Zone) and operating a vessel without a throwable (Type IV) life jacket.
LIBERTY COUNTY On May 26th, RFC Jack Thain and Cpl. Jay Morgan patrolled the Medway River and St. Catherine's Sound area. One kayaker was cited for operating a vessel without a life jacket and two other boaters were cited for operating a vessel without enough life jackets on board.
OFFSHORE/FEDERAL WATERS On May 27th, Cpl. Phillip Scott, Cpl. Jay Morgan, and RFC Jack Thain patrolled out to Grays Reef. One fisherman was checked and found to be in possession of 12 black sea bass during a closed season and for six of the fish being undersize. The season for black sea bass in Federal waters does not open until June 1st, 2013. The boat captain's name and information was obtained to be turned over to the National Marine Fisheries Service for possible charges to be filed.

12 Black Sea Bass out of season Federal Waters Federal Waters

6 undersize Black Sea Bass

BRYAN COUNTY On June 2nd, Cpl. Jay Morgan checked several boaters and fishermen at Ft. McAllister boat ramp. One boater was arrested for operating a vessel under the influence and child endangerment (BUI) for operating under the influence with two small children under 14 years of age in the vessel.

LIBERTY COUNTY On June 8th, RFC Jack Thain, Ranger Jason Miller, and Cpl. Jay Morgan performed inspections at several seafood dealers and seafood houses. Two seafood dealers were cited for possession of undersize crabs.

GLYNN COUNTY On June 4, Sgt Mark Carson received a call about someone possibly jumping off of the Sidney Lanier Bridge. Sgt Carson was the first officer on scene and made contact with a subject that was standing on the other side of the bridge barricades. Sgt Carson and a

Brunswick Police officer talked to the subject and tried to get him to come back over to them. During the conversations, Sgt Carson and the Brunswick Police officer were able to get closer to the subject. The Brunswick officer and Sgt Carson grabbed the subject and pulled him to safety. He was transported and turned over to the hospital for 72 hour suicide watch.
On June 5th, RFC David Brady and Cpl. Chris Ridley checked a commercial crab fisherman at the boat ramp on South Brunswick River. Officers inspected three and half boxes of crabs and discovered 105 undersize male crabs. The fisherman was cited for possession of under-size crabs and the under-size crabs were returned to the river.
On June 6th, Cpl. Chris Ridley received a call from a local commercial fisherman that a tug and barge had hit the bulkhead at the Mackay River and some debris was floating down the river. Cpl. Ridley contacted the United States Coast Guard who was able to make contact with the tug. The investigation was turned over to the Coast Guard.
On June 9th, Cpl. Chris Ridley was on saltwater patrol when he encountered a boat in Jekyll creek feeding an Atlantic bottle nose dolphin. The subject was cited federally for feeding a dolphin under the Marine Mammal Act of 1972.
CAMDEN COUNTY On June 8th, Cpl. Chris Ridley, RFC John Evans, and Ranger Kate Hargrove responded to the St. Mary's jetties in response to a capsized boat with three subjects in the water. The subjects aboard the vessel were unable to swim and were not wearing life jackets. A PWC nearby went to assist and threw life jackets to the victims. The PWC then transported the victims to a Camden County Sheriff's office patrol boat operated by Captain Kevin Cheney and Lt. Chris Sears. The capsized boat was towed to the beach were the boat was then up-righted by officers on the scene. The boat, as well as the three subjects, was taken to the Meeting Street boat ramp where officers assisted the owner with removing the vessel from the water.
MCINTOSH COUNTY On June 5, Ranger Kate Hargrove responded to USCG call for a vessel in distress offshore Altamaha Sound. Ranger responded to the area, the search was called off by USCG and vessel returned to dock without need of assistance.
On June 8, Ranger Kate Hargrove assisted Coastal Resources Division and USFWS with kids fishing event at Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge. More than 80 kids participated in the fishing event and boating safety program.