Field operations weekly report [Aug. 24-30, 2014]

Department of Natural Resources
Law Enforcement Division
Field Operations
Weekly Report August 24-30, 2014
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 August 30th, Cpl. Lee Burns responded to a call of a boat incident in the area of Clark Creek on Allatoona Lake. During a thunderstorm a vessel headed in for cover struck another vessel from behind. The operator of the vessel stated that he could not see due to the heavy rain. Luckily there were no injuries and minor damage to the vessels.
CHEROKEE COUNTY RFC Zack Hardy responded to a possible domestic complaint on Allatoona Lake near Little River Marina. When RFC Hardy arrived on scene, Cherokee County Sheriff Deputies had already arrived and interviewed the parties involved. RFC Hardy was advised by the deputies that the vessel that was still on scene came through the no wake zone above idle speed and nearly collided with another vessel and the rocky shoreline. RFC Hardy began to interview the vessel operator and observed signs of impairment. RFC Hardy performed field sobriety and found the operator to be under the influence of alcohol. The operator was placed under arrest for boating under the influence (BUI) and transported to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.
Sgt. Mike Barr and Cpl. Lee Burns attended the Grand Opening weekend of Cabela's where 8,000 hunters, fishermen and boaters from around the Southeast swarmed the new store in Acworth, Georgia. The Rangers handed out approximately 1,000 hunting and fishing regulations and answered hundreds of questions relating to hunting, fishing and boating.

On August 30th, Cpl. Byron Young responded to Sweetwater Campground on Allatoona Lake to a possible drowning call. A 24 year old Hispanic male had trouble in the water near the beach area. Witnesses stated the male was under water for 30-45 seconds and was pulled up by friends and an off duty fireman. The male regained normal breathing within minutes. The male was transported to a Canton area hospital for safety precautions.
HARALSON COUNTY Sgt. Ricky Dempsey, Cpl. Eric Brown, and RFC Daniel Gray worked a night hunting detail in Haralson County. One vehicle was stopped for blinding wildlife. The vehicle was occupied by two juveniles and several verbal warnings were given to the individuals.
FULTON COUNTY On August 24th, Ranger Mark Puig conducted a joint vessel patrol with the National Park Service along the Chattahoochee River. While patrolling the river the Rangers passed two men fishing from the bank. While the Rangers turned the boat around to check them the two men began to flee up the bank. The NPS Officer navigated the boat to the shore and Ranger Puig jumped off and chased the men through the woods. One of the men was arrested while the other was able to make it into an apartment complex. The arrested man was charged with fishing without a license, fishing without a trout license, obstruction of a peace officer and taken to jail.
On August 24th, Ranger Mark Puig conducted a joint vessel patrol with the National Park Service along the Chattahoochee River. The Rangers observed two men fishing with powerbait in an artificial only area. The Rangers confiscated the powerbait and issued verbal warnings to the men. Awhile later when headed back south on the river, the Rangers came across the same men who were now joined by a friend who was not previously there. He had powerbait in his possession. The men said they had told their buddy not to use the bait. His powerbait was confiscated and he was given a verbal warning as well. Awhile later when the Rangers were taking their boat back to the storage lot, NPS radio traffic from another officer confirmed that the same subjects were still there fishing with powerbait. The NPS officer was notified of the previous encounters and cited all three individuals for fishing with unlawful bait in an artificial only area.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
HART COUNTY On August 29, RFC Tim Vickery was working by vessel in a complaint area in Lightwood Log Creek. One subject was observed violating the 100 foot law. The subject was issued a written warning for violation of the 100 foot law.
On August 30th, RFC Brandon Pierce and RFC Shane Sartor patrolled Hartwell Lake for any fishing/boating safety for the holiday weekend. Several fishing licenses and boats were checked for proper safety equipment. A total of four citations and warnings were issued. The violations consisted of towing a skier with PWC without an observer onboard, operating a vessel without lights during hours of darkness, failure to obey regulatory marker, and allowing underage child to ride in moving vessel without wearing a PFD.
STEPHENS COUNTY On August 24th, RFC Tim Vickery and RFC Brandon Pierce checked an affidavit property for illegal fishing in Stephens County. One subject was found fishing without permission. The subject was issued a written warning for fishing without permission.

HALL COUNTY On August 28th, RFC Kevin Goss stopped a boat coming to fast out of the no-wake zone at Sunset Cove Lake Lanier. After speaking to the driver and conducting a safety inspection, RFC Goss asked if he would step on board RFC Goss' boat so he could administer field sobriety. After field sobriety testing RFC Goss placed the operator under arrest for BUI.
On August 30th, Corporal Jason Roberson arrested one subject for operating a vessel under the influence.
UNION COUNTY On August 24th, RFC Kevin Dyer answered a complaint in reference to dogs killing a small bear cub in Union County. RFC Dyer met the complainant at the scene and loaded the 35 pound cub into his truck. RFC Dyer searched the area but did not locate the dogs. RFC Dyer made arrangements with Don Carter State Park Manger Thomas Brown for the cub to be mounted and used in educational programs on the park.
On August 24th, at approximately 8:00pm RFC Kevin Dyer answered a complaint in Union County in reference to hunting out of season. RFC Dyer met Union County Deputy Dyer, Lockwood and Glass at the scene. The Union County 911 Dispatch had received a call that two guys shot a deer, loaded the deer into a vehicle and left the scene. The Deputies located the vehicle and interviewed the two suspects. RFC Dyer and the Deputies completed the interviews and one subject was arrested for hunting deer out of season and possession of illegally taken wildlife. The subject was transported to the Union County Jail for booking. The second subject led the officers to where the spike deer was hidden. The deer was confiscated and the subject was issued a citation for possession of illegally taken wildlife and a warning for hunting deer out of season.
On August 30th, RFC Kevin Dyer and SGT Steve Seitz patrolled Nottely Lake for illegally boating violation and illegal fishing violations. Multiple violations were documented and the Rangers towed a stranded vessel back to a dock.
On August 31st, RFC Kevin Dyer met Union County Deputy Andrew Hammond at Nottely Marina. Dyer and Hammond patrolled Nottely Lake for illegal boating violations and illegal fishing violations. Multiple violations were documented and the officers answered a complaint in reference to a rented PWC that had rolled over, filling with water causing motor damage. RFC Dyer completed a boat incident report for the rental company. During the investigation of the incident RFC Dyer issued a citation to the rental company for improper vessel registration.
RABUN COUNTY On August 25th, Corporal Derek Dillard investigated a complaint about someone trapping raccoons out of season. Cpl. Dillard located, interviewed, and charged a man that had been illegally trapping Raccoons in the Mountain City area. The man had even recently been bitten by one of the Raccoons that he had trapped. Corporal Dillard cited him for trapping out of season.
Region III- Thomson (East Central)
LAKE OCONEE During the Labor Day weekend, August 29 September 1, Rangers on Lake Oconee had a busy holiday. Rangers cited boaters for operating vessel above 5 mph within 100' of object in water, allowing underage child to operate a PWC, allowing underage child to ride in a moving vessel without wearing a PFD, operating vessel with no stern light, operating vessel with improper lights, operating vessel with insufficient PFD's, and boating under the influence. Among the Rangers working were Cpl. John Harwell, Cpl. Derrell Worth, Cpl. David Allen, RFC Ricky Boles and a much appreciative thanks goes to RFC Phillip Nelson and RFC Tim Butler for lending the Lake Oconee work section some needed help. No boating incidents or injuries were reported.

MCDUFFIE COUNTY On August 31, RFC Robert Timmerman and RFC Brian Adams apprehended one subject who was operating a vessel while under the influence on Clarks Hill Lake. The subject was arrested and taken to McDuffie County Jail for processing.
LINCOLN COUNTY On August 31, Cpl. Ryan Swain and Cpl. Mark Patterson responded to a reported drowning off of Indian Road on the Savannah River. Upon arrival at the scene, it was discovered that a seventeen year old male had submerged while swimming and never surfaced. Using sonar devices the subject was located on September 1st by DNR Rangers and Columbia County Dive Team.
ELBERT COUNTY On August 30th Sgt. Brian Carter and Cpl. Julian Wilkins patrolled Lake Russell by vessel. One subject was charged with boating under the influence.
WILKES COUNTY On August 30th Cpl. Mark Patterson patrolled Clarks Hill WMA and associated public boat ramps. He addressed several violations during the patrol to include fishing without a license and operating a vessel without a personal flotation device.
WASHINGTON COUNTY Corporal Michael Crawley and K9 Storm patrolled Richmond, Burke, and Washington counties for illegal fishing activity. Several people were checked but no violations were cited.
Region IV- Macon (West Central)
BALDWIN COUNTY On the evening of August 25th, Cpl. Lynn Stanford patrolled the Sinclair Dam area of the Oconee River. Several fishermen were checked and 3 warnings and 1 citation were issued for fishing without a license and operating a vessel in a hazardous area without wearing PFD's.
HARRIS COUNTY On August 28th, Cpl. Mitch Oliver was checking boating and fishing activity at Lake Oliver Marina in Muscogee County. Cpl. Oliver observed a subject fishing from the bank and approached him to check his fishing license. The subject said that he had a current license, but had forgotten it at home. Cpl. Oliver used the MDT (Mobile Data Terminal) in his patrol truck to verify that the fisherman didn't have a current fishing license. Cpl. Oliver was in the process of issuing the subject a citation for the violation when he ran a check of the subject through GCIC. The subject came back with an outstanding warrant out of Muscogee County for felony probation violation. Cpl. Oliver placed the subject under arrest and called for a Muscogee County Deputy to transport the individual to jail for booking.
LAKE SINCLAIR On the afternoon of August 30th, Ranger Matt Johnson, RFC Jeremy Reese, Cpl. Chase Altman, Cpl. Lynn Stanford and Sgt. Bo Kelly patrolled Lake Sinclair. Countless boaters were contacted and several warnings and citations were issued for various boating infractions.

PUTNAM COUNTY On the afternoon of August 24th, RFC Jeremy Reese investigated an illegal hunting complaint on Lake Sinclair. A subject had shot 5 geese in his yard and then took the remains and dumped them in a cul de sac nearby. RFC Reese was able to obtain a confession from the suspect and he was charged with hunting out of season and unlawful dumping.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
TIFT COUNTY On the evening of August 29th, Cpl. Greg Wade was patrolling in a complaint area where illegal hunting had been reported. During his patrol, Cpl. Wade located a suspicious vehicle parked in the middle of a dirt road. The Ranger observed indicators of illegal drug use, and after a thorough investigation, a plastic bag containing marijuana was seized. The driver was charged with Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act (misdemeanor) and released.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
DODGE / LAURENS COUNTY On August 30th, RFC Allen Mills conducted patrols on the Dodge County PFA, Hugh Gillis PFA, Riverbend WMA and Beaverdam WMA. Seven vessels and nine anglers were check for licenses and creel compliance. Three individuals were checked at the shooting range. Violations for operating a vessel w/o Coast Guard Approved Personal Floatation Devices (life jackets), and entering a designated fee area w/o a GA Outdoor Recreation Pass (GORP) were documented. EVANS COUNTY On August 30th, Ranger First Class Debbie Brannen patrolled Evans County Public Fishing Area for boating and fishing activity. Numerous licenses were checked resulting in violations for fishing on a PFA without a WMA license and entering a designated fee area without a GORP license.

TATTNALL COUNTY On August 27th, Ranger First Class Clint Jarriel responded to an area on John Brewton Road and Community Road in reference to night deer hunting. Three subjects were stopped and interviewed and after a brief discussion it was determined the subjects to be hunting on a deer control permit. The permit holder was written citations for violations of deer control permit and hunting from a public road. The passengers were given warnings for hunting deer at night.
On August 30th, Ranger First Class Clint Jarriel and Sergeant Jon Barnard patrolled Big Hammock Wildlife Management Area for hunting and fishing activity. There were numerous hunters and fisherman checked and citations were written for fishing without a license, operating vessel without registration, non-resident hunting without a license and non-resident hunting with a resident license.
CLINCH COUNTY On August 25th, Cpl. Jason Shipes assisted the Clinch County Sheriff's Department with locating two subjects reported to be trespassing on property owned by Superior Pine Products. The two individuals were located several miles into the property. After a brief interview it was determined that they entered the property through an open gate and were actively searching for Indian artifacts. Both were issued a citation for collecting artifacts without landowner's permission. The sheriff's department issued each a warning for criminal trespass.
WARE COUNTY On August 29th, Cpl. Jason Shipes assisted the Ware County Sheriff's Department with serving two felony arrest warrants at a residence in north Ware County. Officers encountered several subjects wanted on various other warrants as well as the two wanted subjects.
CHARLTON COUNTY On August 30th, Ranger Sam Williams, RFC Mark Pool, and Sgt. Patrick Dupree conducted a boating patrol of the Satilla River from Burnt Fort boat landing to 3R Fish Camp. During the patrol, numerous vessels were encountered. Violations documented were allowing underage person to ride in vessel without PFD, operating vessel above idle speed within 100' of object, and operating vessel with improper PFD's.
Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRYAN COUNTY On August 30th, RFC Kiel Toney, Cpl. Jay Morgan, and Sgt. Phillip Scott patrolled from St. Catherine's Sound to Ft. McAllister on the Ogeechee River. One boater was cited for allowing an underage child to ride in a moving vessel without wearing a life jacket. Another boater was cited for operating a vessel without any life jackets. A boat of fishermen were cited for landing/possession of saltwater fish (3 black-tip sharks) without heads and tails intact and also cited for possession of undersize fish.
CHATHAM COUNTY On August 28th, Ranger Jason Miller and Cpl. Bill Bryson assisted the Savannah-Chatham Metro Police SWAT team with training on techniques for boarding and inspecting commercial fishing vessels.
On August 30th, Cpl. Bill Bryson, RFC Jack Thain, and Ranger Jason Miller conducted a pre-dawn patrol offshore of Ossabaw Island. One commercial shrimp boat was cited for commercial fishing during closed hours and for operating during hours of darkness.