Hunters Convicted and Equipment to be Destroyed

Two men have been convicted and fined for illegally possessing firearms and a spotlight in recognised deer habitat near Cheshunt.

Two men have been convicted and fined for illegally possessing firearms and a spotlight in recognised deer habitat near Cheshunt.

A 44-year-old man from Broadmeadows and 34-year-old man from Greenvale were both convicted in the Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to the charge of illegally possessing firearms and a spotlight in recognised deer habitat near Cheshunt in September 2014.

The man from Broadmeadows also pleaded guilty to possessing a ‘flick’ knife, which is a prohibited weapon. Both men were convicted and fined $750 each and the firearms, spotlight and prohibited weapon were forfeited by the court and will be destroyed.

A third man also received a court diversion. Victoria Police and Game Management Authority (GMA) Officers spotted the men driving along Rose River Road near Cheshunt in north eastern Victoria at around 3am on 20 September 2014.

They were intercepted and found to be carrying two centrefire rifles, a spotlight, a flick knife and butchering equipment in their vehicle.

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

GMA Chief Executive Officer Greg Hyams said GMA Officers and Police will continue to conduct operations targeting those who illegally spotlight deer from public roads and on public land at night.

“Illegal hunting puts the safety of people at risk and damages the reputation of hunting”, Mr Hyams said.

“I strongly encourage hunters and the broader public to report any illegal hunting by calling 136 186 or contacting Victoria Police”.

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

Media contact: Nick Foster 03 8392 6254