Shock discovery of cooked possums and parrots in illegal hunting probe
A joint operation targeting the illegal hunting of native animals in Victoria’s High Country has made a shocking discovery in the tray of a ute.
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Possum-eating shooters have been caught hunting the native animals in Victoria’s High Country.
Six dead Alpine Brushtail Possums — two of them cooked — were found in the tray of the men’s ute.
Two cooked birds were also found in the vehicle, one of them later identified as a native King Parrot.
Four men from Melbourne’s west have since pleaded guilty over the illegal kills.
Game Management Authority director of compliance and intelligence Paul Stevens said the organisation’s officers worked with police from Bright, Whitfield and Wangaratta to catch the shooters after locals reported illegal hunting at night.
The men were intercepted in the Buffalo Valley area late at night.
“A total of five firearms, nearly 500 live rounds of ammunition, 10 high-powered torches and spotlights, one thermal imaging unit and a number of dead protected animal species, including possums and birds, were found and seized by GMA officers and police,’’ Mr Stevens said.
“When questioned all four men admitted to hunting the protected wildlife at night and one of them did not have a firearms licence.”
The men, nabbed in April last year, faced Sunshine Magistrates’ Court in February.
They pleaded guilty to illegal spotlighting, firearm offences and illegally shooting protected wildlife.
The men were ordered to pay fines totalling almost $6000, each placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond and had their firearms and equipment forfeited and destroyed.
“Hunting protected wildlife, illegal spotlighting and irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated. It is dangerous and can put people and wildlife at risk,” Mr Stevens said.
“Those who break the law face significant fines and penalties, they may be prosecuted, have their equipment confiscated and lose their Game and Firearms Licences. In some cases, offenders may face jail terms.”
Victoria Police advised it was working with the Game Management Authority and others to identify any illegal activity involving the destruction of wildlife.
“This includes illegal shooting which is an issue Victoria Police takes very seriously,’’ a spokeswoman said.
“If you’re involved in this type of illegal activity, we will prosecute you and also seize any assets you may have in relation to the offence.”
To report illegal hunting to the Game Management Authority phone 136 186 or go to gma.vic.gov.au.
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