Men convicted for illegal spotlighting in Big River

Two men from Werribee and Tarneit in Victoria pleaded guilty and have been convicted in the Werribee Magistrates’ Court for illegal spotlighting offences in Big River State Forest near Lake Eildon.

Two men from Werribee and Tarneit in Victoria pleaded guilty and have been convicted in the Werribee Magistrates’ Court for illegal spotlighting offences in Big River State Forest near Lake Eildon.

The men received convictions for illegal spotlighting, had a vehicle seized and were ordered to pay Court costs. The men also had a firearm, spotlight and ammunition forfeited and destroyed and a Game Licence cancelled.

The Werribee Magistrates’ Court found that on the night of 4 August 2023, the men travelled to the Big River State Forest in a 4WD vehicle where they proceeded to hunt and destroy a Sambar Deer at night under spotlight, near where people were camping.

An investigation began when hunters provided GMA with information regarding the illegal spotlighting incident.

This resulted in a search warrant being executed at a property in Werribee where a firearm was seized. A ballistics test on the seized firearm and a recovered bullet shell from the scene confirmed that the firearm had been used to commit the illegal spotlighting offence.

The Game Management Authority’s (GMA) Director of Compliance and Intelligence, Zac Powell, said illegally spotlighting deer at night is dangerous and can put communities, properties and livestock at risk.

“Those who break the law face significant fines and penalties including prosecution, having equipment confiscated and Game and Firearms Licences cancelled. In some cases, offenders may face jail terms”, Mr Powell said.

Community members, including hunters, campers and local residents, are urged to report illegal spotlighting to the GMA through its website at gma.vic.gov.au or by calling 136 186.

The GMA assesses all reports of illegal behaviour and works closely with its partner agencies to conduct enforcement and compliance operations across Victoria.

Contact: Nick Foster | 0417 293 365 | nick.foster@gma.vic.gov.au