Three groups of men were interviewed and had their weapons confiscated following the operation, which ran on the weekend.

The authorities targeted spotlighting across a range of areas in the North East.

A photograph of the seized items shows seven dead possums, including three which appear to have been burnt.

About 10 spotlights were seized, along with five rifles.

Game Management Authority director of compliance and intelligence Paul Stevens said police from Bright, Whitfield and Wangaratta were involved.

Eight people were questioned.

"Enforcement teams patrolled in areas such as Buckland and Buffalo Valley, Rose River, Edi Upper, Myrrhee, Whitfield and Tolmie, where members of the community had made many reports of illegal hunting activity occurring at night," Mr Stevens said.

"During the early hours of the morning, GMA Officers interviewed a total of eight men in relation to offences including possessing a firearm and spotlight in deer habitat, hunting game at night and shooting protected wildlife.

"Five firearms, nearly 500 live rounds of ammunition, ten high powered torches and spotlights, one thermal imaging unit and a number of dead protected animal species, including possums and birds, were seized."

Hunters are banned from killing native wildlife.

Mr Stevens said hunting deer at night was also illegal.

"It is dangerous and can put people and wildlife at risk," he said.

"Native wildlife must not be hunted unless a permit has been attained.

"There are heavy penalties for those who choose to illegally do so."

Police and staff from the authority regularly run operations targeting spotlighting.

Residents have expressed concerns about rogue shooters operating in the North East, with many fearful for their safety.

Roadblocks were also set up as part of the operation, with three drivers caught with drugs in their system.

Mr Stevens urged shooters to be aware of their obligations with spotlighting laws.