Parks Victoria and Victoria Police officers caught two Melbourne men in the Mt Samaria State Park near Mansfield and charged them with possessing and using firearms, and driving offroad.

The men were prosecuted in the Benalla Magistrates Court.

One man was fined $750 and forfeited his firearm, firearms bag and scope. His firearms licence was suspended. The other man was fined $500, payable to the Victorian National Parks Association, and was placed on a six-month good behaviour bond.

Parks Victoria says the prosecutions underline the need for hunters to know where they can legally hunt. National Park Regulations prohibit the carrying and use of firearms, unless specifically permitted during hunting season.

Parks Victoria, the Game Management Authority, the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning, and Victoria Police conduct regular patrols in parks and forests to deter illegal activities. Breaches of regulations can lead to court prosecution and severe penalties.

For more information on legal hunting, call 13 1963 or visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/hunting or www.gma.vic.gov.au.

Martin Downs, Regional Enforcement Coordinator–Parks Victoria, said:

“It’s up to hunters to know whether hunting is legal in the park they are visiting.”

“Only hunters with valid licences are permitted to carry and use certain calibre firearms for the purpose of hunting game species such as deer, duck and quail provided it is within designated areas during the permitted period.”

“All hunters and owners of firearms need to be aware of National Park Regulations when intending to travel into or through national parks with firearms.”

“While most hunters act responsibly it is disappointing that a few ignore regulations.”

“Safety is paramount at Parks Victoria. In addition to following hunting regulations, we also ask visitors to always follow safety protocols and signs, campfire and camping regulations, and to stay within boundary fences. We also encourage visitors to avoid driving into remote areas at dusk, night or dawn as this is when native wildlife is more active,” Mr Downs said.