Deer shooters could pay high price for spotlighting

[Member]

Media release: Deer shooters could pay high price for spotlighting
8 Jan 13 - Vic DPI

The Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Victoria Police have joined forces to target illegal spotlighting of deer in the Mt Cole area north of Beaufort.

A number of game and firearm-related offences were detected during a recent three-night operation.

Game Victoria Officers from DPI and Victoria Police Officers from Beaufort and Lexton conducted the joint operation in response to public concerns.

Two shooters received warnings and another two were given penalty notices or on the spot fines.

DPI Senior Game Officer Laurie Dri said the spotlighting of deer was a major issue for Game Victoria and Victoria Police.

"It is illegal, dangerous, unethical and reduces the recreational hunting opportunities for law abiding hunters," Mr Dri said.

"DPI and Victoria Police are particularly concerned about these hunters' lack of understanding about their obligations under the Wildlife Act (1975) and the Firearms Act (1996)."

Under the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012, areas of Crown land within the Pyrenees Shire where Mt Cole is located, are declared as 'recognised deer habitat'. Within a recognised deer habitat it is an offence:

to be in possession of a firearm and spotlight between 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise;
for a person who is hunting on public land to have in their care/control a dog that is not a prescribed type dog (hound, gundog, deer hunting dog) unless the dog is restrained or confined.
Under the Firearms Act:

It is an offence to carry a loaded firearm or use a firearm in a town or populous place or on any thoroughfare or place open to or used by the public for passage with vehicles.
A person who is carrying or using a category A or B longarm must ensure that the firearm is carried and used in a manner that is secure and is not dangerous.
Mr Dri said heavy penalties applied for people breaching this legislation. He said firearms, spotlights and vehicles could be seized and forfeited by the courts.

"We are urging people to be familiar with their legal obligations when hunting," he said.

[Member]

ah, aren't they classed as a pest? Unethical? Reduced recreational hunting opportunities?
Oh well, what can you expect from a mob that stock their waterways with feral fish,  they can always release a few more feral deer..

[Member]

Binder its much like the nsw carp cook book, "If you cant deal with a pest make it an asset"

I know its somewhat rediculous saying they are a pest and having every rule and reg under the sun to say what and where you can shoot them with.

God you mentiond trout stocking now Dales going to have a fit haha

[Member]

yeah, he's been a bit quiet since christmas, need to liven him up a bit 

[Member]

Looks like the Victorians will have to adopt the new Obama method of deer hunting now.