Field operations weekly report [May 2, 2015]

Department of Natural Resources
Law Enforcement Division
Field Operations
Weekly Report April 26 May 2, 2015
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.
For additional news and updates, "Like" the LE Division's Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/gadnrle

Region I- Calhoun (Northwest)
BARTOW COUNTY On April 26th, Sgt. Mike Barr and Cpl. Byron Young responded to a boating incident on Allatoona Lake. A 15 foot bass boat was overtaken by large wakes and capsized near Red Top Mt. State Park. The operator and passenger were able to swim to a small island. 11 people were on the small island having a cookout. The officers assisted the party pull the boat on shore and drain the water out. The 11 people were transported to Red Top Mt. State park in the DNR patrol boat and the officers towed the boat back to the boat ramp. No one was injured in the incident.
On May 1st, CTTF Members Sgt. John Vanlandingham, Cpl. James Keener, RFC Chad Cox and K-9 members RFC Brooks Varnell and RFC Micheal Crawley assisted the Bartow County Drug Task Force and US Marshall's office in Bartow County. The officers conducted a high risk arrest warrant for multiple subjects. Arrests were made without incident.
FLOYD COUNTY On May 1st, Cpl. Tommy Gentry attended a career day at Pepperell Primary School. Cpl. Gentry took a DNR LED patrol boat and spoke to the students about duties of Conservation Rangers.
CHATTOOGA COUNTY On April 27th, RFC Roger McConkey presented boating safety programs to students in the Chattooga County and City of Trion schools districts. RFC McConkey emphasized the importance of wearing a life jacket and practicing safety on waterways.
Region II- Gainesville (Northeast)
WHITE COUNTY On May 2nd, Sgt. Steve Seitz and RFC Anne Britt checked the County pond off Albert Reid Rd. for hunting and fishing activity. They located two boats where the occupants were fishing. RFC Britt checked the safety equipment and fishing licenses while Sgt. Seitz checked the creel limits. RFC Britt cited two adult males for not having the required personal floatation devices on board. One adult male was warned for not having his boat registered through the State.
HABERSHAM COUNTY On April 26th, RFC Chad Chambers was checking an area where had located turkey bait earlier in the season. As he approached the baited area on foot, he could hear a hunter calling to a turkey that was gobbling on the neighboring property. Realizing the caller was moving, RFC Chambers followed behind him on a muddy road bed and noticed two sets of boot tracks. The hunters were away from the baited area when Chambers first heard them, but as RFC Chambers followed them, the hunters kept calling as they moved closer to the baited area. RFC Chambers finally approached the hunters and made contact with them when they got close to the baited area. Both hunters were charged with hunting big game over bait and one was given a warning for hunting with an unplugged shotgun.
On May 2nd, at approximately 1130 hours, Sgt. Steve Seitz received a complaint of someone killing a turkey from the road off Goshen Creek Rd. Sgt. Seitz and RFC Anne Britt responded to the complaint and investigated the incident. One adult male was interviewed and charged for hunting big game from a public road and also for hunting from a vehicle.

Region III- Thomson (East Central)
LAKE OCONEE On May 2 Cpl. Derrell Worth and RFC Ricky Boles responded to a boating incident located at Richland and Beaver Dam Creeks. Further investigation revealed a jet ski was being operated in a reckless manner and struck an anchored vessel that was occupied by several passengers. The jet-ski operator was charged with operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol and reckless operation.
MCDUFFIE COUNTY On May 2, at approximately 2330 hours Cpl. Derrell Worth received a call from Grovetown in reference to an overdue turkey hunter. (The hunter had been missing for approximately 12 hours.) Cpl. Derrell Worth, RFC Brian Adams, Sgt. Doyte Chaffin, and Sgt. Matt Garthright responded to Vic Moore Road off of Washington Hwy, along with McDuffie County deputies. The search resulted in the finding of the missing hunter who was found deceased from apparent medical complications.
HANCOCK COUNTY Saturday May 2, Ranger Jason Harrison and Cpl. David Allen participated in the annual kids' day at Harper Valley hunting club in Hancock County. The rangers taught a boating safety program.
LAKE OCONEE Saturday May 2, Ranger Jason Harrison and Cpl. David Allen responded to a boating incident on Lake Oconee at Old Salem Park. When the Rangers arrived, they saw a half sunk bass boat in the water near the boat ramp dock. The Rangers, along with several citizens were able to get the vessel loaded onto the trailer. After further inspection, the Rangers found screws coming out the bottom of the hull and the live well plug was not in the vessel. There were no injuries in the incident.
WILKES COUNTY On April 26th Cpl. Mark Patterson patrolled portions of the county for turkey hunting activity. One subject was found to be hunting without permission, hunting without a big game license, and hunting with an unplugged shotgun.
COLUMBIA COUNTY On May 2nd, Cpl. Ryan Swain and RFC Brian Adams worked a marine event at Wildwood Park on Clarks Hill Lake. They provided water security for a Triathlon.
On May 2nd, Sgt. Doyte Chaffin, Cpl. Mark Patterson, RFC Brian Adams responded to a boating incident on Clarks Hill Lake. The vessel sank and three subjects were rescued. One subject was missing. A large 4 day search of the area was conducted for the missing boater. The boat and the subject were located in 35 feet of water. The missing subject was pronounced deceased by the Coroner.

Region IV- Macon (West Central)
HARRIS COUNTY On April 28th, Corporal Mitch Oliver was on routine patrol for turkey hunters when he observed 2 hunters walking along a road at the edge of a clear cut. Cpl. Oliver could see the hunter's truck a few hundred yards up the road and proceeded to the truck to wait for the hunters. When the hunters approached, Cpl. Oliver asked the hunters about their morning hunt and asked to see their hunting license. One hunter said that he was from Alabama and did not have a Georgia hunting license. Cpl. Oliver checked the hunters' shotguns and learned that the Alabama hunter's shotgun had a total of 5 shot shells in it as well. The hunter was written citations for non-resident hunting without a license and hunting with an unplugged shotgun. He was issued a written warning for hunting without a non-resident big game license. HENRY COUNTY On Saturday, May 2nd, RFC Kevin Godbee participated in the Henry County Rivers Alive program. Students from Locust Grove High School and employees of Henry County Water Authority cleaned up a section of the Tussahaw River. About 20 bags of trash, some tires and other debris were removed from the waterway.
Region V- Albany (Southwest)
COLQUITT COUNTY On April 27th, Cpl. Greg Wade received a call from a landowner stating that two individuals were fishing in his pond without permission. Cpl. Wade drove to the complaint area and made contact with the two fishermen. After speaking with them, it was determined that neither of them had permission and both men were cited for fishing without permission and released. QUITMAN COUNTY On May 1st Ranger Quinn Fogle was conducting a patrol along the Chattahoochee River when he encountered two subjects fishing without license. It was also discovered that one of the subjects had felony warrants. That subject was arrested and turned over to Quitman County Sheriff's Office. Both subjects were also charged for fishing without a license.

CRISP COUNTY On May 1st Cpl. Bob Holley and Cpl. Clint Martin responded to a report of a capsized boat on Lake Blackshear. The rangers located the overturned boat and found two subjects on the hull, and two others treading water nearby. None of the subjects were wearing PFDs. They were transported to a nearby boat ramp where they were treated by Crisp County EMS for mild hypothermia. The vessel was recovered and an investigation into the incident revealed that modifications made to the vessel for bow fishing, and improper weight distribution caused the vessel to overturn.
On May 2nd, Cpl. Clint Martin and Ranger Jay Lewis were patrolling Lake Blackshear when they encountered an overloaded vessel. Upon making contact with the operator it was determined that he was under the influence of alcohol. The operator was placed under arrest for BUI and transported to the Crisp County Jail where he was cited for boating under the influence and operating a vessel with insufficient PFDs. He was also issued warnings for operating an overloaded vessel and improper registration.
Region VI- Metter (Southeast)
BERRIEN COUNTY On Saturday May 2, Sergeant Morty Wood, Corporal Tommy Daughtrey, Corporal Tim Hutto, and RFC Keith McDonald participated in the 15th annual Dogwood Classic fishing rodeo in Nashville at Tygart Park. The event is held each year in conjunction with the City of Nashville, Georgia Hunting and Fishing Federation, Berrien County Sheriff's Office, and the Nashville Police Department. This year there were 275 kids present and prizes were awarded for the biggest fish in each age division.

On May 2nd Ranger First Class Keith McDonald patrolled Paradise Public Fishing Area for fishing activity. During this patrol seven subjects were issued citations for fishing on a public fishing area without a WMA Stamp.
COOK COUNTY On May 2nd, Cpl. Tommy Daughtrey documented several violations while patrolling Reed Bingham State Park. The violations documented were operating a vessel with insufficient PFD'S and consuming alcohol on a state park.
LAURENS COUNTY On May 1st, Corporal Dan Stiles and Ranger First Class Allen Mills conducted a vessel patrol on the Oconee River assisted by Sergeant James McLaughlin. Six vessels were checked for registration and boating safety equipment and seven fishing licenses were checked. Violations for fishing without a license, operating a vessel without registration, and operating a vessel without Coast Guard Approved (CGA) personal floatation devices (PFD) were documented.
On April 26th, Ranger First Class Rodney Horne conducted a patrol at the Hugh Gillis Public Fishing Area for fishing and boating safety violations. RFC Horne documented two violations for fishing without a license, two violations for fishing on Public Fishing Area without a Wildlife Management Area License, one violation for operating a vessel without registration, and one violation for operating a vessel without Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFD).
DODGE COUNTY On May 2nd, Ranger First Class Allen Mills conducted a patrol at the Dodge County Public Fishing Area. Three vessels were checked for safety equipment and eleven anglers were checked for license and regulation compliance. Violations for fishing without a license and entering a designated fee area without a Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass (GORP) were documented. Verbal guidance was given for minor violations.
BEN HILL COUNTY On April 26th, Sergeant James McLaughlin, Corporal John Stokes and Ranger First Class Allen Mills responded to a 911 call in reference to an overturned vessel on the Ocmulgee River near Dodge's old lake boat landing. Two subjects were located safe with the vessel. Unfortunately, the third subject was located near the shore line deceased.
JENKINS COUNTY On May 2nd, Corporal Mike Wilcox checked boat landings on the Ogeechee River in Jenkins County. Nine boats were checked and four fishing licenses were checked at the Bull Hole boat landing. Violations that were addressed were for operating a vessel without life jackets and for allowing an underage child to ride in a vessel under power without wearing a life jacket.
EMANUEL COUNTY On April 26th, Corporal Mike Wilcox received a call from the assistant manager at George L. Smith State Park. The manager reported that somebody was illegally jug fishing in the lake on the State Park. Cpl. Wilcox located the jugs in the water and was able to locate the person who was fishing with them. Cpl. Wilcox addressed the violation for Criminal Trespass on a State Park. Cpl. Wilcox checked several boats while he was on the lake. Violations that were addressed are operating a vessel without life jackets and fishing without a license on person.
EFFINGHAM COUNTY On April 26th 2015, Ranger Jordan Crawford and Sergeant Don Dasher patrolled the Savannah River looking for fishing and boating activity. Numerous boats where checked, with several violations of the "100 foot law" documented.

BULLOCH COUNTY On May 1st, Corporal Eddie Akins and Ranger Jordan Crawford investigated an incident of the illegal killing of several geese. Their efforts resulted in one violation being documented for hunting out of season.
EMANUEL COUNTY On April 30th, Corporal Shaymus McNeely and Ranger Jordan Crawford investigated a complaint of taking over the season limit of wild turkeys in the McKinneys Pond area. After interviewing the primary suspect and additional witnesses, officers were able to determine no violation had taken place.
SCREVEN COUNTY On May 1st, Corporal Shaymus McNeely worked fishing and boating activity on the Savannah River near Burtons Ferry. Several boats and fisherman were checked. Violations were documented for operating a vessel without a throwable device, operating a vessel without a fire extinguisher, and violation of the 100 foot law.
EVANS COUNTY On May 2nd, Ranger First Class Debbie Brannen and Fisheries Technician Steve Mincey patrolled the Evans County Public Fishing Area. Numerous licenses and vessels were checked resulting in violations for fishing without a wildlife management stamp on a public fishing area and fishing with illegal gear were documented.
On May 2nd, the Evans County Public Fishing Area hosted the annual Evans County 4-H trail run. There were over 30 runners that participated in the event
TOOMBS COUNTY On April 20th, Ranger First Class Clint Jarriel and Sergeant Jon Barnard located an area baited for turkeys near Lyons. Sgt. Jon Barnard revisited the area on April 26th, and located two subjects hunting turkey in the area. The poachers were charged for hunting big game over bait (Turkey).
CHARLTON COUNTY On May 1st, Ranger Sam Williams conducted an area check for boating and fishing activity at several boat landings in Charlton County. While at Camp Pinkney boat landing, Ranger Williams observed several subjects fishing. A citation was issued for fishing without a license.
On May 2nd, Ranger Sam Williams was preparing his vessel to begin a patrol of the St. Mary's River at the Trader's Hill boat landing when he observed the operator of a vessel at the dock begin to draw attention to himself. Ranger Williams watched the operator as he exited his vessel and noticed that he was unsteady on his feet. The officer approached the vessel and observed numerous empty cans of beer in the boat. When questioned, the operator stated to the officer that he had consumed alcohol throughout the afternoon. Ranger Williams conducted a series of field sobriety exercises on the operator and determined that the subject was impaired. The subject was arrested and charged with boating under the influence.
WARE COUNTY On May 2nd, Ranger Daniel North was checking for boating and fishing compliance on the Suwannee River Sill in the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge. There were many boaters and anglers checked. Violations of fishing without a license and fishing without a license on person were documented.

Region VII- Brunswick (Coastal)
BRYAN COUNTY On April 26th, Cpl. Bill Bryson, RFC Jack Thain and RFC Kiel Toney conducted a Joint Enforcement Agreement patrol offshore to the CAT reef and in the St. Catherine's Sound area, checking offshore fishermen. As they returned, RFC Toney arrested a 19 year old boat operator for operating a vessel under the influence after blowing an Intoxilyser reading of 0.118.
On the evening of April 26th, Ranger Jason Miller responded to an overdue boater call on the Ogeechee River near Ft. McAllister on his off-duty day. RFC Jack Thain arrived to assist and they found the boater stuck on a sandbar. The boater returned safely once the tide rose.
On the morning of May 2nd, Ranger Jason Miller and Cpl. Bill Bryson set up a DNR information and display table at the Richmond Hill Public Safety Day event.
On the afternoon of May 2nd, Ranger Miller, RFC Toney, Cpl. Bryson, and Sgt. Phillip Scott conducted a dockside inspection at Ft. McAllister boat ramp, checking several boaters and fishermen returning from offshore fishing. Later that evening, Cpl. Bryson and Sgt. Scott cited a boater at Demeries Creek ramp for operating without a stern light, without a throwable PFD, and without a fire extinguisher. Ranger Miller cited one boater for operating above idle speed within 100 feet of a dock and another boater for operating at night without lights at Ft. McAllister boat ramp.
LIBERTY COUNTY On April 27th, Cpl. Jay Morgan patrolled the Medway River, Jones Creek, and Belfast River areas checking for illegal crab traps. He found four peeler crab traps baited illegally and three regular crab traps with their smallcrab escape rings blocked belonging to one commercial crabber. Cpl. Morgan issued the crabber a citation for commercial fishing with illegal gear.
On the morning of May 2nd, RFC Kiel Toney and Sgt. Phillip Scott set up a DNR information and display table at the Safe Kids Day event in Hinesville.
GLYNN COUNTY On April 30, Major Thomas Barnard, Sgt. Mark Carson, Sgt. Chris Hodge, Cpl. Craig Smith, and RFC David Brady conducted a Shrimp Trawler patrol looking for TED (Turtle Excluder Devises) violations. All trawlers inspected were in compliance.