Deputy Game Warden James C. Vines

Deputy Game Warden James C. Vines

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, Alabama

End of Watch Saturday, January 26, 1985

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James C. Vines

Game Warden James Vines was shot and killed in Greene County while investigating reports of night hunters on the property of the Dollarhide Hunting Club. When Warden Vines and another officer called out to the hunters to halt, one of the hunters opened fire with a 12 gauge shotgun, killing Warden Vines.

The man who fired the fatal shot was convicted of manslaughter.

Warden Vines was a United States Navy Veteran and had served with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries for 18 years. He was survived by his parents, his wife, and three children.

Bio

Age 53
Tour 18 years
Badge 1906
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
Offender Convicted of manslaughter

environmental crime

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I worked for the Alabama Marine Police Division from 1981 to 2005. I was working at headquarters as Boat Registration Supervisor when this occurred. I had the pleasure of working with son Rick. Such a sad event, but it led to stronger training between game wardens and Marine Police officers.

Robin Lindsey Thornell Dunlap
Alabama Marine Police

June 7, 2025