By Callum Ludwig
Warburton Police responded to reports of gunshots on Thursday 11 August, close to residential properties.
En route, they checked a vehicle and found a deer carcass along with a firearm and spotlight within. The perpetrator did not have a firearms license and the firearm did not belong to him and multiple charges involving offences against firearms and hunting legislation.
The licenced firearm owner will also face a charge for allowing an unlicensed person to be in possession of his firearm. His firearms licence was suspended and the remainder of his firearms and ammunition seized.
Warburton Police do have concerns about other recent events involving a lack of compliance with firearms and hunting legislation.
A joint operation with the Game Management Authority (GMA) to crack down on this behaviour is in the planning stages.
The GMA is Victoria’s game hunting regulator. The GMA regulates through education, licencing, research and enforcement.
GMA Authorised Officers and Victoria Police, patrol public and private land to ensure hunting is conducted in a safe and responsible manner.
GMA Director of Compliance and Intelligence Paul Stevens said illegal spotlighting is dangerous and puts the community, property and native wildlife at risk.
“We encourage people to keep their community safe by reporting illegal spotlighting to the GMA,” he said.
Spotlighting involves a person using a spotlight to hunt animals.
A spotlight is defined as any source of artificial light, infrared, night vision or thermal imaging device.
Those found to be breaking the law or behaving irresponsibly can be fined or prosecuted, have their equipment seized and/or lose their Game and Firearms Licences.
To report illegal hunting, visit at gma.vic.gov.au, call 136 186, or contact Victoria Police.
