Guilty plea to Big River deer spotlighting

TWO Victorian men have pleaded guilty in the Werribee Magistrates’ Court for illegal spotlighting offences in Big River State Forest near Lake Eildon. The men received convictions for illegal spotlighting, had a vehicle seized, and were ordered to pay court costs. They also had a firearm, spotlight and ammunition forfeited and destroyed and their Game Licence cancelled. The Werribee Magistrates’ Court found that on the night of Friday, 4 August 2023, the men travelled to the Big River State Forest in a 4WD vehicle where they proceeded to hunt and destroy a Sambar deer at night under spotlight, near where people were camping. An investigation began when other hunters provided Game Management Authority (GMA) with information regarding the illegal spotlighting incident. This resulted in a search warrant being executed at a property in Werribee where a firearm was seized. A ballistics test on the seized firearm and a recovered bullet shell from the scene confirmed that the firearm had been used to commit the offence. GMA director of compliance and intelligence Zac Powell said illegally spotlighting deer at night was dangerous and could put communities, properties, and livestock at risk. “Those who break the law face significant fines and penalties including prosecution, having equipment confiscated, and Game and Firearms Licences cancelled,” Mr Powell said. “In some cases, offenders may face jail terms.” Community members, including hunters, campers and local residents, are urged to report illegal spotlighting to the GMA through its website at gma.vic.gov.au or by calling 136 186.

Guilty plea to Big River deer spotlighting

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