Farmers Bring Hunters to Heel

By Des Duggan

THE increase in illegal deer hunting in the Murrurundi region has forced Department of Primary Industry on the front foot pushing a joint department and police campaign.

A meeting last night in Murrurundi attended by at least 30 farmers and land holders outlined the legal rights of farmers and suggested outcomes when hunters are found on properties.

The initiative follows reports of no less than 31 incidents of illegal hunting in the Upper Hunter in mid-April.

Andrew McAlistar, a compliance officer with Primary Industry and David Smith a supervisor for the area, called on farmers to report incidents as and when they occur.

“It is this information that allows us to carry out surveillance and map patterns Mr McAlistar told the gathering,” said Mr Smith.

“The recent operation involved us going up just about every bush track in the region and catching illegal hunters,” he said.

He said the department used cameras, drones and campouts to bring the hunters to heel.

The meeting revealed a lack of knowledge of farmer’s rights causing the emphasis to centre on the main criteria being hunters having to produce a licence before entering any property and also having to have permission from the owner.

Local police officer Michael Power, acting sergeant for Scone, warned the farmers against taking action themselves and to report all incidents.

He advised the farmers to garner descriptions and forwarding this to police for follow-up action.

He pointed out many incidents are not isolated and often repetitive.

Mr Smith said illegal deer hunting is prevalent in this region and local reports have demanded department action.

The campaign, titled: “Shut the gate on illegal hunting” is a joint effort between the Department of Primary Industry’s Game Licencing Unit and the NSW Police Force.

The meeting also warned farmers to look out for firearms being used on public lands at night, the presence of spotlights, harming of native animals on public land and hunters not wearing high visible orange clothing.

Acting sergeant Power said hunters usually readily paid the fines if caught because going to court could cost up to 10 times the amount.

“Just get a name or a licence plate,” he said “we will do the rest.”