http://www.gma.vic.gov.au/media-releases/illegal-spotlighters-caught-in-north-east-victoria-set-to-face-court"Illegal spotlighters caught in North East Victoria set to face court
Tuesday, 30 April, 2019
Illegal spotlighters caught in North East Victoria set to face court
Three different groups of men have been interviewed, have had their firearms seized and will be further investigated for allegedly committing a number of illegal spotlighting, firearm, driving and shooting protected wildlife-related offences in north east Victoria on the weekend.
Game Management Authority (GMA) Director of Compliance and Intelligence Paul Stevens said GMA Officers teamed up with Victoria Police Officers from Bright, Whitfield and Wangaratta to target illegal hunting activity.
“Enforcement teams patrolled in areas such as Buckland and Buffalo Valley, Rose River, Edi Upper, Myrrhee, Whitfield and Tolmie, where members of the community had made many reports of illegal hunting activity occurring at night,” Mr Stevens said.
“During the early hours of the morning, GMA Officers interviewed a total of eight men in relation to offences including possessing a firearm and spotlight in deer habitat, hunting game at night and shooting protected wildlife.”
“A total of five firearms, nearly 500 live rounds of ammunition, ten high powered torches and spotlights, one thermal imaging unit and a number of dead protected animal species, including possums and birds, were seized by GMA officers and Police.”
A number of road blocks were also conducted. Three drivers tested positive for having illegal drugs in their system and will be facing large fines and suspension of their driver licences.
Mr Stevens said the GMA, Victoria Police and partner agencies will continue to work together to target illegal spotlighting in Victoria.
“Unless you are authorised to do so, deer must not be hunted at night. It is dangerous and can put people and wildlife at risk," Mr Stevens said.
“Native wildlife must not be hunted unless a permit has been attained. There are heavy penalties for those who choose to illegally do so.”
"Illegal spotlighting and irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated. People need to make sure that they are familiar with the laws and are not hunting illegally."
“If you are travelling with a firearm in a vehicle between 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise in recognised deer habitat, you must ensure the firearm and ammunition are stored securely and not readily accessible.”
“For information on how to comply with the spotlighting laws, please check out this fact sheet.”
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 Victoria Police.
For more information on game hunting in Victoria, visit
www.gma.vic.gov.auMedia contact: Nick Foster T: 03 8392 2237 | M: 0417 293 365"