31 Oct 2018
A Court has upheld a fine issued to a Victorian man who was arrested by Police for hunting deer without a NSW Game Hunting Licence on a property near Dalgety in the NSW Snowy Mountains.
Mr Andrew Saliba was convicted in March 2018 under the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002 and fined $3,300. Recently Mr Saliba made application to have his conviction annulled, however this was refused by the Court, leaving the original fine standing.
"This result is a great example of the increased cooperation between NSW Police, Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Game Licensing Unit (GLU) and other Government agencies to target illegal hunting activity in NSW," DPI Director, Game Licensing, Dr Andrew Moriarty said.
"Importantly, the penalty imposed by the Court reflects how seriously these matters are viewed by the community.
"It’s critical that hunters familiarise themselves with the regulations and ensure they are compliant with the rules, particularly if hunting interstate. Apart from a few exceptions, if you hunt deer on public or private land in NSW, you must hold a NSW Game Hunting Licence.
"No matter where you hunt, you are required to obtain permission from the landholder or land manager. We are working closely with Police and local communities to detect and deter illegal hunting.
"The ‘Get Permission App’, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, makes getting permission to hunt on private land an easy process for both landholders and hunters.
"The app provides a user friendly, mobile platform for hunters and landholders to connect. Ultimately it will open up more land for responsible hunters to access, whilst providing a very cost effective opportunity for landowners to manage game and feral animals on their property."
Farmers and landowners are being asked to complete the online Illegal Hunting Survey, a joint initiative between GLU, NSW Farmers Association and NSW Police to learn more about illegal hunting experiences in NSW.
The responses from the survey will be used to guide a coordinated strategy to shut the gate on illegal hunting in NSW.
Local communities are urged to report illegal hunting activity through the joint GLU and NSW Police program called Shut the Gate on Illegal Hunting.
Reports can be made anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
