New Hog Deer DNA technology targets poachers

The Game Management Authority (GMA) is using new DNA profiling technology to help determine if people are poaching or in illegal possession of Hog Deer.

The Game Management Authority (GMA) is using new DNA profiling technology to help determine if people are poaching or in illegal possession of Hog Deer.

The technology was used in an investigation on six taxidermied Hog Deer heads and two capped skulls. The items were seized after a search warrant was executed on a man’s property near Launching Place, who was suspected to be in illegal possession of them.

The man pleaded guilty to possessing protected wildlife without a licence or authorisation in the Ringwood Magistrates Court last December. He was put on a good behaviour bond.

The new technology analyses hair and tissue samples extracted from Hog Deer to determine which discrete Victorian population the deer originated from, providing evidence of where they may have been taken.

Compliance and Intelligence Director, Zac Powell said the man did not have a valid Game Licence endorsed to hunt deer, had not received Hog Deer tags and had not been authorised to participate in Victoria’s balloted Hog Deer season.

“Even though some of the seized heads were estimated at being 15 years old, DNA samples were analysed, and the results showed some of the Hog Deer had been illegally taken from Snake Island in Gippsland, which can only be hunted during the annual ballot period using assigned tags.” Mr Powell said.

“People hunting Hog Deer during the season or ballot period must have a valid Victorian Game Licence for deer and obtain Hog Deer tags to affix to each deer harvested.”

“Those who break the law face significant fines and penalties, including prosecution, and having equipment confiscated. In some cases, offenders may face jail terms.”

Hunters and the community are urged to report illegal hunting to the GMA through its website at gma.vic.gov.au or by calling 136 186. If an urgent response is required, call 000.

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

The DNA profiling system was developed for both wildlife forensic science and population research by a PhD candidate at La Trobe University who was co-funded by the GMA.

Victoria is one of the few places where wild populations of Hog Deer can be hunted free-range on public land. Hog Deer are a highly valued game species in Victoria, with licensed hunters permitted to harvest one stag and one hind during an annual hunting season.

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