Men busted for illegaly spotlighting deer

Three men are set to face court and have had hunting equipment seized for allegedly committing a number of hunting and firearm offences in Tallangatta near Albury last Saturday.

Three men are set to face court and have had hunting equipment seized for allegedly committing a number of hunting and firearm offences in Tallangatta near Albury last Saturday.

Game Management Authority (GMA) Chief Executive Officer Graeme Ford said the men were intercepted by GMA Game Officers and Victoria Police targeting illegal spotlighting in the area.

“The three men were stopped during a routine patrol through the Tallangatta pine forest at approximately 8:00pm,” Mr Ford said.

“The officers inspected the vehicle and found a freshly shot Sambar Deer in the back of the ute as well as an unsecured firearm, ammunition and spotlight.”

“People travelling with a firearm in a vehicle between 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise in recognised deer habitat must ensure their firearms and ammunition are stored securely and not readily accessible.”

“Spotlighting deer is only legal under strict provisions where deer are causing problems on private land.”

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

"Illegal hunting and irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated. It is dangerous, can put people and wildlife at risk and damages the reputation of hunting," Mr Ford said.

“People caught illegally spotlighting can be fined or prosecuted, have their equipment confiscated and lose their Game and Firearms Licenses."

"Hunters need to make sure that they are familiar with the laws 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 and how to comply with game hunting laws, please visit www.gma.vic.gov.au

For information on the possession and use of spotlights in recognised deer habitat and how to comply with the spotlighting laws, please check out this fact sheet: https://bit.ly/2EouoMC