TWO vehicles, firearms and bows have been seized during a crackdown on illegal hunting in the Upper Hunter.
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The NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Game Licensing Unit and NSW Police conducted the joint operation last week.
On ground surveillance and vehicle patrols on public and private land, along with drones, were used to detect unlawful activities.
Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen welcomed the news that 31 incidents of illegal hunting had been identified.
“Whilst the vast majority of hunting taking place in the Upper Electorate is lawful, recently unlawful activities detected included hunting deer without a game licence, trespass on private property and use of a firearm without a firearm licence,” Mr Johnsen said.
“Hunting equipment including binoculars and spotting scopes, clothing, knives and other items with an estimated value in excess of $15,000 were also seized.
“The significant support the Game Licensing Unit and NSW Police received from the local community, including many landowners, was a major factor in the success of this operation.
“When it comes to illegal hunting, the local community’s assistance is so important in reporting illegal hunters through the ‘Shut the Gate’ program and I thank the Upper Hunter community for their support.
“Future compliance operations are planned for the Upper Hunter area including areas around Scone, Willow Tree and Murrurundi as part of a State-wide campaign to ensure that people hunt safely, legally, and ethically in NSW.”
Reports can be made anonymously by calling the report line 1800 SHUT IT and including the time, date and place of the alleged offence as well as particulars about any vehicles and individuals involved.
Further information about game hunting is available at DPI’s website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/hunting or call the Game Licensing Unit’s Customer Service Team on (02) 6391 3750.