By ANEEKA SIMONIS
REPORTS of rogue hunters illegally slaughtering deer in Bunyip State Park are being investigated by police.
Eyewitness reports detail instances of illegal shooting of deer and other game breeds in the southern edge of the protected bushland in Tonimbuk on Friday 20 February.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, reported the shootings to police and said the incident was one of many.
“There have been lots of incidents here in the five years I have lived here. And it’s not just me having problems. There are other affected neighbours as well,” the eyewitness said.
Rogue shooters have long been a problem for police in Cardinia Shire.
Gun raids have been carried out in homes across the shire in years gone by, with police seizing a number of firearms and interviewing hunters suspected of illegal activity.
The then Department of Sustainability and Environment, now referred to as the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), joined together with Cardinia Shire police to patrol the parkland.
Police have warned that it is illegal to hunt or take game in the Bunyip State Park at any time.
It is also illegal to hunt, take or possess game without a game licence.
The Australian Deer Association’s (ADA) Victorian President Col Brumley said there were only a small percentage of shooters that hunted illegally, but their actions cast a dark shadow over the sport.
“This is dangerous activity happening around people’s homes and small hobby farms,” he said.
“Around 99 per cent of hunters are good, law-abiding citizens … but it just takes a few to spoil a reputation for many and they often do.”
Police said they could not provide further detail on the Tonimbuk case as it was being investigated, but sought to prosecute those found illegally hunting in Bunyip State Park.
Senior Sergeant Nathan Prowd from Pakenham Police said shooting in non-designated areas could be incredibly dangerous.
“High-powered firearms being used in a public place could be lethal, particularly if it’s being done close to homes or in public spaces like Bunyip State Park where there are bushwalkers around,“ he said.
Mr Brumley said increased police intervention was needed to catch and charge rogue hunters.
“We fear something bad could eventually happen,” he said.
Anyone found guilty of illegal hunting will be charged under the Firearms Act and Wildlife Act and Regulations.
A number of parks sanctioned for hunting are available on the Game Management Authority (GMA) website.
Those with information about illegal hunting are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. If immediate police attendance is required call triple zero (‘000’).
