Hefty fine for spotlight crime

A 20 year old man from Mt Evelyn has pleded guilty at the Ringwood Magistrates Court to a number of hunting offences that took place at the Comet Flat camp grounds near Mansfield last September.

A 20 year old man from Mt Evelyn has pleded guilty at the Ringwood Magistrates Court to a number of hunting offences that took place at the Comet Flat camp grounds near Mansfield last September.

The man was fined $1500 and ordered to forfeit his firearm after pleading guilty to hunting game without a licence, possessing a spotlight and firearm in recognised deer habitat during a prohibited period and using a firearm in a populous place.

Game Management Authority (GMA) Chief Executive Officer Greg Hyams said the man was investigated by the GMA after local witnesses reported suspicious activity to Victoria Police.

"Local residents in the area were alerted to the scene after a shot was heard fired around 8:30pm. The man was seen carrying a spotlight and dragging a deer to his four-wheel drive where he attempted to skin the deer,” Mr Hyams said.

“Spotlighting deer is only legal under strict provisions where deer are causing problems on private land.”

“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.”

Mr Hyams said this case highlights the importance of reporting suspected illegal hunting to the authorities.

“Even if the reports can’t be acted on immediately, they are recorded and used to inform targeted and strategic enforcement activities.”

“Important information to report includes the time, date, location and type of activity, number of people involved, a description of the alleged offenders, vehicle registrations and descriptions of equipment used. Reports can be anonymous”, Mr Hyams said.

“Illegal hunting and irresponsible behavior can put people and wildlife at risk. I strongly encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious behavior to report it to the GMA on 136 186 or via the GMA website at www.gma.vic.gov.au”

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

Media contact: Nick Foster 0417 293 365