Hunters fined and receive 12 month good behaviour bond

Two men from Mornington Peninsular have been found guilty at the Mansfield Magistrates Court for possessing a dead Eastern Grey Kangaroo without authorisation, plus an unsecured firearm and spot-lighting equipment in recognised deer habitat near Myrtleford.

Two men from Mornington Peninsular have been found guilty at the Mansfield Magistrates Court for possessing a dead Eastern Grey Kangaroo without authorisation, plus an unsecured firearm and spot-lighting equipment in recognised deer habitat near Myrtleford.

The hunters were intercepted in June 2015 by Police and GMA officers, driving along Walshs Road on the Delatite Arm of Lake Eildon, shining a spotlight into the bush.

They were stopped and their vehicle searched, finding a butchered Eastern Grey Kangaroo on the tray of the vehicle. Officers went on to find a large spotlight, a high powered rifle and ammunition.

The men received 12 month good behaviour bonds, the kangaroo meat was forfeited to be destroyed and they were ordered to pay $500 to the court fund.

Possession of unsecured spotlights and firearms in recognised deer habitat 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise is an offence under the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012.

Game Management Authority (GMA) Director Simon Toop said GMA officers and Victoria Police will continue to conduct operations targeting illegal spotlighting from public roads and on public land.

“Illegal hunting can put people and wildlife at risk, plus it damages the reputation of lawabiding hunters,” Mr Toop said.

“Hunters are generally a law-abiding group but some choose to do the wrong thing, and in doing so, can be prosecuted, have their equipment confiscated and lose their game and firearms licences.”

For more information on game hunting in Victoria and to download deer hunting maps please visit www.gma.vic.gov.au

Hunters and the general public are urged to report any illegal hunting to the GMA by calling the Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or contact the Victoria Police.

Media contact: Sarah Hetherington, Media and Communications Adviser, 0409 405 639