A HUNTER has been fined $750 for possessing a firearm in the Alpine National Park during one the busiest times of the year for visitors.

The Neerim man was caught in January last year during a targeted operation, and was this week “successfully prosecuted” by Parks Victoria in Sale Magistrate’s Court.

He was fined $750 and ordered to pay costs of $213.

Firearms are prohibited in the park between December 15 and February 15 as a safety precaution during the peak summer season.

Parks Victoria said the case was a timely reminder, before duck season begins this month, for hunters to check the regulations.

“All hunters and owners of firearms need to be aware of National Park regulations when intending to travel into or through national parks with firearms,” said Parks Victoria regional enforcement co-ordinator Martin Downs.

“While most hunters act responsibly and within regulations it is disappointing that some firearm owners ignore these regulations when in the Alpine National Park.”