Two men who illegally shot a Sambar Deer and partially severed its head while attempting to remove its antlers have been fined $6000.
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A resident contacted Victoria Police and the Game Management Authority after they were woken by a high powered gunshot and saw an unfamiliar vehicle driving on their North East property at about 2.30am on July 19, 2018, the authority said.
Game Management Authority director of compliance and intelligence Paul Stevens said a bullet was removed from the deer and the vehicle's registration was provided.
Authorities searched a residence and seized three high powered firearms and a mobile phone.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Victoria Police's forensic unit confirmed one of the guns shot the bullet in the deer, and revealing videos of offender and another associate committing hunting, criminal damage and firearm-related offences were found on the mobile phone.
Two men, from Taggerty and Mansfield, were found guilty for offences including using and possessing a firearm when prohibited, possessing stolen goods, criminal damage, possessing spotlights in recognised deer habitat after sunset, shooting protected wildlife, and fishing for priority species of fish out of season.
One offender was issued with a 15-month Community Correction Order, 150 hours of community service, a $1000 fine and had a number of illegal items forfeited.
The other offender was issued with a $5000 fine for hunting and firearm-related offences, a $100 fine for possession of a prohibited knuckleduster and had his firearms forfeited.
Hunters and the public are urged to report any illegal hunting to the GMA through its website www.gma.vic.gov.au or the Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or by contacting Victoria Police.
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