Spot Lighting In Victorian State Forests

[michael740]

Hello everybody, I have just been through the Vic Hunting Guide and the only reference to spot lighting is that you cannot do it with game species.
There is no reference regarding spot lighting pest animals. Does anybody know if it is legal, I just wanted to check here before contacting the DSE, dealing with those guys is like pulling teeth.
Thanks.

[No1Mk3]

G'day michael740,
You are not permitted to carry spotlighting equipment and unsecured firearms in recognized deer habitat after dark and before sunrise. Check with DEPI regarding any area you want to hunt in, or drive through, to ensure it is not classed as deer habitat, Cheers.

[<<Genesis93>>]

'Deer habitat' is crown land pretty much anywhere theres crown land....

Alpine Shire Council
Ararat Rural City Council
Baw Baw Shire Council
Benalla Rural City Council
Cardinia Shire Council
Colac-Otway Shire Council
Corangamite Shire Council
East Gippsland Shire Council
Glenelg Shire Council
Horsham Rural City Council
Mansfield Shire Council
Mitchell Shire Council
Murrindindi Shire Council
Northern Grampians Shire Council
Pyrenees Shire Council
South Gippsland Shire Council
Southern Grampians Shire Council
Strathbogie Shire Council
Towong Shire Council
Wangaratta Rural City Council
Wellington Shire Council
Whittlesea City Council
Yarra Ranges Shire Council

[juzzbott]

http://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets ... index7.jpg

State forests inside any of those boxes is a no-no, as it's recognised deer habitat. State forests out side of those are allowed for spotlighting at night.

[Tomek]

http://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0009/314883/map_index7.jpg

State forests inside any of those boxes is a no-no, as it's recognised deer habitat. State forests out side of those are allowed for spotlighting at night.

Wait.. so Mt. Disappointment counts as deer habitat? How does spotlighting differ from having a normal torch and headlamp as I set out in the early hours before dawn?

[juzzbott]

If its just a headlight, and your rifle is not loaded... you are fine... plenty of good, clear information on it here:

http://www.gma.vic.gov.au/__data/assets ... rtwork.pdf

See the "Possession of spotlight and firearm when on foot" on the second page.

[michael740]

Thanks for the reply's guys. I thought as much, basically if a deer has walked through a forest before it is classed as deer habitat. The main reason for my question is that to really clear out pests you would need to hunt at night as during the day on weekends they go in deep to get away from the 4x4's and motorbikes.

[Tomek]

Ok this is confusing. A lot of people say this as well as the PDF:

People are not to be in possession of
a firearm and spotlight between 30 minutes after
sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise in recognised
deer habitat.

But then it goes on to say:

Hunters on foot in recognised deer habitat between
30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise
in recognised deer habitat can carry an artificial light
(e.g. torch or headlamp) for on-foot navigation purposes
as long as:
• the firearm and magazine is unloaded – this means
that all cartridges must be removed from the
firearm and any magazine.
• ammunition is stored in a closed case or container
– this could include a backpack or cartridge case.
• any artificial light is not fitted to the firearm or
fixture attached to the firearm – no light can be
fitted to any part of the firearm or a scope or
other fitting attached to the firearm.

So according to this, it's perfectly ok to be in possession of a headlamp and firearm as I trek in at night with an unloaded firearm?

[<<Genesis93>>]

Yes. unloaded firearm, mag, ammo away in closed container....light not fixed to firearm...all good to carry 'artificial light'

[No1Mk3]

G'day Tomek,
No confusion, as Genesis said, artificial light on your person is fine, just don't have a spotlight with you. A good torch, especially these new LED's, in your hand is legal, but a large spotlight is not. Remember when deciding on a torch that it is the ranger/police officer you encounter who will decide if what you are carrying is a spotlight or torch, so be conservative in your choices, Cheers.

[halfcocked]

So wombat is ok according to that map, right?
Also i think if you're carrying a .270 or larger the officer will do you for hunting deer at night. If hunting varmint that caliber is too big. Thats what i read from things anyway.
You should be able to spotlight with a .22 anywhere. Its not like you'll be taking sambar.
Does anyone know the reason for no hunting deer at night and no spotlighting in deer habitat??

[bladeracer]

Does anyone know the reason for no hunting deer at night and no spotlighting in deer habitat??

Because game is for hunting, and spotlighting is not hunting.
Spotlighting is for vermin eradication, not recreational hunting.

[VICHunter]

Does anyone know the reason for no hunting deer at night and no spotlighting in deer habitat??

My understanding was the decision was made primarily on safety grounds as it's a public space.

You can spotlight on private property don't forget.

In the eyes of the powers that be doing it in a public space where there could be fellow hikers/campers etc. is a different thing.

[Supaduke]

Deer are generally dazzled by spotlights, similar to Roos and rabbits, much easier to shoot. Not exactly sporting. As mentioned, spotlighting is for vermin control not hunting 'game' animals.

[Berper]

All this talk of "sporting"... How fair is it when they've got antlers and we've got bullets really

"fair" ? Meh.

Get the food or kill the pest humanly, fair nothing. It's not a gentlemen's duel.