Deer operation shows hunters doing the right thing

Game Management Authority (GMA) authorised officers together with Victoria Police conducted deer hunter compliance patrols in the Shelley, Koetong and Walwa areas over the weekend of March 28 – 29.

Game Management Authority (GMA) authorised officers together with Victoria Police conducted deer hunter compliance patrols in the Shelley, Koetong and Walwa areas over the weekend of March 28 – 29.

GMA Chief Executive Officer Greg Hyams said nearly fifty hunters and other bush users were approached over the weekend by GMA and Police officers and were very pleased with hunter behavior.

Only one verbal warning was issued to a hunter.

“It was encouraging to find hunters abiding by the rules, as illegal hunting damages the reputation of hunting and can put people and wildlife at risk,” Mr Hyams said.

“Deer hunters are encouraged to keep up the good behaviour over the busy Easter weekend.

“Game hunters generate jobs and contribute millions of dollars to the State economy, particularly in rural and regional Victoria, and it is vital to the future of hunting that hunters act safely and responsibly at all times.”

The Game Management Authority is working closely with hunting organisations and industry to maintain the highest standards of behavior in the field through the Respect: Hunt Responsibly program.

GMA strongly encourages hunters and the broader public to report hunters doing the wrong thing by calling the Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or the Victoria Police.

For more information on game hunting in Victoria, visit www.gma.vic.gov.au