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Catching poachers and other wildlife violators often involves lengthy criminal investigations and require diligence and dedication on behalf of conservation rangers.

Cpl. James Keener, representing Pickens County, was named Investigative Ranger of the Year for demonstrating determination and devotion in his work, which included a complex case with more than nine individuals charged with violations. 

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division names an Investigative Ranger of the Year annually.

“I commend Cpl. James Keener for his drive and efforts to apprehend these violators whom adversely affect our natural resources,” says Col. Eddie Henderson, chief of law enforcement for Wildlife  Resources Division.  “The investigative work required for a case like this can be time-consuming and exhaustive.  This work must be done along with all other duties the ranger carries out daily, so to successfully handle both requires great skill and dedication.”

Cpl. Keener’s investigation involved a poaching case in Pickens County.  The case began with a complaint of spotlighting and shots fired.  Over the next few weeks, Keener gathered information on the
first suspect and the numerous additional violators involved.  In total, nine poachers were charged with 53 violations.  These violations included:

●      taking deer at night

●      taking game above the bag limit

●      possession of illegally taken wildlife

●      hunting from a vehicle

●      hunting from a public road

●      killing a cow mistaken for a bear 

Fines for all nine poachers totaled more than $4,800, plus $800 restitution for the death of the cow, and additionally included varying levels of suspension of hunting privileges, community service, and
probation dependent on the violations of each individual.

Other conservation rangers nominated for the award for their outstanding investigative work:  RFC Brandon Pierce, Cpl. Brian Hobbins, Cpl. Robert Stillwell, Cpl. Jason Shipes and RFC Buster Cooper.

The Georgia Chapter of the Safari Club International sponsors this award.  For more information about that organization, visit www.gasci.org.  For more information about Wildlife Resources
Division Law Enforcement, visit http://georgiawildlife.com/enforcement/law-enforcement-section .

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