GMA targets illegal deer spotlighters around Omeo

Game Management Authority (GMA) officers and Victoria Police have conducted major deer hunting compliance operations over the weekend around Omeo.

Game Management Authority (GMA) officers and Victoria Police have conducted major deer hunting compliance operations over the weekend around Omeo.

GMA Chief Executive Officer Greg Hyams said 35 people were spoken to by mobile patrols on Friday and Saturday night.

“Key deer hunting areas around Omeo, Swifts Creek, Dinner Plain, Benambra and Bindi were targeted due to concerns raised by local residents and hunters,” Mr Hyams said.

“Six hunters were interviewed over a range of issues and two firearms were seized by GMA and Victoria Police. “The GMA also issued two official warnings, one infringement notice for hunting without the appropriate endorsement on a Game Licence and two hunters will be charged on summons for illegal spotlighting. Victoria Police will also charge one hunter on summons for an unsecured firearm.”

“Hunters are generally a law-abiding group but there are some who choose to do the wrong thing, and those who choose to break the law can be prosecuted, have their equipment confiscated and lose their Game and Firearms Licences.”

“The GMA provides information to inform hunters of when, where and how to hunt legally in Victoria, including via the Game Hunting Victoria phone app, the annual Victorian Hunting Guide and GMA website, so there’s no excuse not to know the game hunting regulations.”

“Spotlighting deer on private land is only legal under strict provisions where deer are causing problems. Using this method of hunting illegally can be dangerous, goes against the best traditions of hunting in Victoria and impacts the reputation of all hunters.”

“Illegal hunting and irresponsible behavior can put people and wildlife at risk.”

“Game hunting generates jobs and contributes hundreds of 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 GMA and Victoria Police will continue to conduct routine patrols and operations targeting illegal spotlighters.

“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

Media contact: Nick Foster 03 83926254