POLICE have been pleased by the results of a weekend deer hunting operation, with only one shooter caught in breach of the rules.
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Officers joined staff from the Game Management Authority on Friday and Saturday, and targeted hunters in the Buckland Valley.
They spoke to about 90 people and stopped about 40 vehicles, and only detected one weapons offence.
A 27-year-old Melbourne man had his gun seized after being caught driving on the Mount Selwyn Track while the weapon was loaded on Saturday.
Police will apply to have the gun destroyed.
The results are in stark contrast to a similar operation in May which saw 16 people caught breaking the law.
Five guns were seized and police expressed concern about the number of offences that had been detected.
But Leading Senior Constable David Jenkin of Myrtleford police said deer hunters appeared to be getting the message.
“We did really well at the weekend,” he said.
“We were impressed by the results and the attitude of the hunters.
“The operation was conducted as a follow-up to the one in May and we only seized one gun.”
Senior Constable Jenkin said the the Game Management Authority had also issued tickets to people without current game licences, and police also issued a penalty notice to a person who blocked a road with their car.
“The hunters are being vigilant in the carriage and storage of ammunition,” he said.
“They’re observing the property boundaries and national park boundaries and they’re generally trying to be compliant with the regulations.
“I would say I was happy with the level of compliance we had.”
Seven people had taken part in the operation.
Senior Constable Jenkin said the operations would continue to be conducted at random times.
“These operations with continue throughout the year,” he said.
“I hope to see continued compliance.
“It was quite pleasing to see the results.”
