Media release
Tuesday, 31 July, 2018
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."
Rest of article at http://www.gma.vic.gov.au/media-release ... t-victoria
Whilst this is being played by GMA as a positive, I see some disturbing signs but theres definitely a lack of details here. Some questions about our rights come to my mind:
1 - First of all what are the laws for vehicle searchs? Do Police or GMA have a right to search? Do we need to consent?
2 - Does having a deer in the back of a ute and possession of a spotlight constitute a crime? Don't you have to be caught in the middle of spotlighting or did the 3 men put themselves in legal jeopardy by confessing? Article doesn't say they were spotlighting. just caught with game and happen to have a spotlight.
3 - Isn't a rifle in a gun bag, in the back of the cab enough to qualify as secure? I wonder if the three men caught had firearms out of the bag?
4 - What constitutes a "spotlight". Head torch? Handheld lightforce? Is there a need for one even if one does not intend to spotlight for game?
I wouldn't want to be caught with meat after dark cause it takes a while to butcher and haul it back to the ute, only to be made an example of by GMA and the Police.