Hunting industry chief blasts those responsible for pet deer beheading

Australian Deer Association president David Voss, who represents ethical hunters, said he had no time for those who beheaded a Myrtleford pet red deer known as Karl.

"It's a criminal act undertaken by criminals and hunters would not want anything to do with it,” Mr Voss said.

"We co-operate as much as we can with law enforcement agencies because it's not in our interests for these things to be going on.

“These people would get cold comfort from the legitimate deer hunting community, the would be shunned."

Mr Voss said such attacks showed the lure of deers.

"They're charismatic animals that appeal to criminals as much as ethical people,” Mr Voss said.

He said the association was working with Flinders University in researching DNA markers for deer which would allow for greater tracing of animals which had been poached.

Karl's owners Manfred and Narelle Wagner again appealed for assistance to find those who left their deer headless on their Buffalo Creek Road property.

They have offered a $1000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

Myrtleford policeman Leading Senior-Constable Bernard Murphy said the reward could be helpful.

"I think for some people it will definitely make a difference if there is an opportunity to gain financially, but who knows,” Leading Senior-Constable Murphy said.

"I think there are a lot of people that will give information regardless and would want nothing to do with the reward."

The Game Management Authority, which regulates hunting in Victoria, could penalise a hunter found guilty of the beheading.

A spokesman said penalties could include a fine, forfeiture of equipment and the suspension of game and/or firearm licences.

He added the authority's Respect program, which is integrated with hunting organisations, sought "the highest standard of hunter behaviour in the field with zero tolerance of poor behaviour or illegal activity".