Poachers Caught Red-Handed

IN a joint three day operation between local Police, and the department of primary industries game licensing unit last week 31 incidents of illegal hunting were identified.

The operation used drones for aerial surveillance on public and private land, which resulted in two vehicles, firearms, ammunition, hunting bows, binoculars, spotting scopes clothing and knives being seized.

Offences included trespass on private property, hunting deer without a game licence and use of firearm without a firearm licence.

The operation was conducted to coincide with the mating season of the deer, known as ‘the rut’.

The Upper Hunter area has become well known for its population of red deer, for which a game license is required to hunt, as they are not listed as a feral animal.

The Local Land Services are currently conducting a survey to assess if deer should be listed as a feral species: see related story Dear Deer.

Reports of poaching can be made anonymously by calling the report line 1800 748 848.