A joint operation between East Gippsland police and the Game Management Authority (GMA) targeting illegal hunters in the High Country swung into action on Friday night.
The combined effort concentrated on offences and breaches of the Firearms Act, Wildlife Act, Crimes and the Road Safety Act, including drug/drink driving and unroadworthy 4WDs.
Police initially blocked the Great Alpine Road at Bruthen checking all vehicles heading into the High Country.
This was followed up with further road blocks and combined agency patrols over the weekend in areas such as Nunniong, Beloka, Limestone and Tablelands Benambra.
Omeo police station commander, Sergeant John Hodder, who who is spearheading the operation, acknowledges “the vast majority of hunters are genuine enthusiasts of the sport and do the right thing.”

IMAGE: Senior Constable Di Bloom, of Omeo Police, prepares to breath test a hunter at a Bruthen roadblock during last week’s joint operation with the Game Management Authority.  K172-3639