news, court-and-crime,

TWO men have been fined after being caught during an operation targeting illegal deer hunting in the North East. The pair were intercepted at Shelley, east of Tallangatta, last year and were found to have two spotlights, a loaded high-power rifle and loose ammunition. The two men appeared before the Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Monday on charges of having a gun and spotlights in recognised deer habitats. One was fined $1200 and the other received a six-month diversion, with orders to donate $250 to the RSPCA. Game Management Authority compliance and intelligence director Paul Stevens said hunters needed to understand the law. “People must not to be in possession of an unsecured firearm or ammunition and a spotlight between 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise in recognised deer habitat,” he said. “A spotlight is defined as any source of artificial light, infrared device, night vision or heat detecting device. “Anyone carrying a firearm in a vehicle must ensure it is unloaded and securely stored separately from securely stored ammunition or be prepared to face significant fines and penalties. “It is the responsibility of hunters to ensure they know the laws and are not illegally in possession of spotlights and firearms in recognised deer habitat during prohibited times.” The pair, from Melton, had been intercepted on Avondale Road about 9.15pm on March 31.

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