Enforcement agencies team up to crackdown on illegal hunting

Two men from Mansfield and a man from Taggerty were recently charged for allegedly committing a number of firearm offences in the Eildon area.

Two men from Mansfield and a man from Taggerty were recently charged for allegedly committing a number of firearm offences in the Eildon area.

One of the men from Mansfield and the man from Taggerty are set to appear at Mansfield Magistrates Court on 16 January 2019.

Game Management Authority (GMA) Chief Executive Officer Graeme Ford said GMA Game Officers recently teamed up with authorised officers from Forestry, Biosecurity, the Victorian Fisheries Authority and Victoria Police in a joint operation to target illegal hunting behaviour and firearms use.

“The officers executed search warrants on two properties in Mansfield and one in Taggerty in search for equipment believed to have been used in illegal game hunting and firearms activity,” Mr Ford said.

“A number of prohibited items and hunting equipment have been seized and investigations by the GMA and Victoria Police into alleged hunting offences are ongoing.”

Mr Ford said the GMA, Victoria Police and partner agencies will continue to work together to target illegal hunting in Victoria.

"Illegal hunting and firearms use will not be tolerated. It is dangerous, can put people and wildlife at risk," Mr Ford said.

"Hunters need to make sure that they are familiar with the hunting and firearms laws, are acting responsibly and are not hunting deer illegally."

Hunters and the public are urged to report any illegal hunting to the GMA through its website www.gma.vic.gov.au or the Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or Victoria Police.

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

Media contact: Nick Foster   T: 03 8392 2237 | M: 0417 293 365