Continued crack down on illegal deer hunting

Two men have been forced to pay $500 each to the Magistrates’ Court Fund and have received good behaviour bonds for committing illegal hunting offences in north-east Victoria.

Two men have been forced to pay $500 each to the Magistrates’ Court Fund and have received good behaviour bonds for committing illegal hunting offences in north-east Victoria.

Both men pleaded guilty in Myrtleford Magistrates’ Court to illegally hunting game at night in Dandongadale, Victoria, last April.

The Game Management Authority’s (GMA) Acting Director of Compliance and Intelligence Grant Allan said that GMA and Victoria Police Officers intercepted the two men in their vehicle at approximately 9:30pm.

“GMA Game Officers were conducting a routine patrol of the area when they observed a vehicle on the verge of Yarrarabula Creek Track, parked facing towards the bush with its lights on,” Mr Allan said.

“Officers intercepted the vehicle and on inspection found a firearm in an open gun bag next to live ammunition and a spotlight on the front passenger seat.

“The two men admitted they were looking for deer at night and were intending to use the firearm to shoot a deer if they saw one. Officers then seized the firearm, ammunition and the spotlight.”

Mr Allan said people who choose to hunt in Victoria need to make sure that they are familiar with the laws and are not hunting deer illegally.

“People must not to be in possession of an unsecured firearm or ammunition and a spotlight between 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise in recognised deer habitat,” Mr Allan said.

“Anyone carrying a firearm in a vehicle must ensure it is unloaded and securely stored separately to securely stored ammunition.”

"Illegal hunting and irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated. It is dangerous and can put people and wildlife at risk.”

“Those who break the law may face significant fines and penalties, be prosecuted, have their equipment confiscated and lose their Game and Firearms Licences."

The GMA and its partner agencies regularly conduct enforcement and compliance operations across Victoria.

Mr Allan said, “the GMA is recruiting more authorised officers and getting the latest equipment to stamp out illegal hunting and ensure that game hunting remains safe, responsible and sustainable.”

Hunters and the public are urged to report illegal hunting to the GMA through its website www.gma.vic.gov.au or the Customer Contact Centre on 136 186, or by contacting Victoria Police.

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

Contact: Nick Foster

Phone: 03 8392 2237

Email: nick.foster@gma.vic.gov.au