A joint agency investigation between Tasmania Police and Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) officers has resulted in charges against two Campbell Town men for a variety of breaches under the Firearms Act and Wildlife Act.

Searches at addresses in Campbell Town resulted in the seizure of 25 firearms, three firearms suppressers (silencers) and protected wildlife/wildlife products, including approximately 120 fallow deer skull caps (antlers) and 50 fully mounted fallow deer heads.

Investigations are continuing and it is expected further charges will be laid.

The investigation has been jointly run by Tasmania Police and DPIPWE since January 2013 within the Southern Midlands/Central Highlands Municipalities in respect to the activities of persons suspected of involvement in the unlawful taking of fallow deer. 

Sergeant Rob King of Oatlands Police Station said that the investigation highlights the benefits of inter-agency cooperation and is also an example of the depth of offending in respect to wildlife.

“We have no issue in persons undertaking shooting as a past-time so long as they comply with the rules,” said Sergeant King.

“What we want to avoid is people with access to high powered rifles thinking they can disregard the regulations,”

“All the firearms seized were registered, however modifications, unlawful attachments and the suspected commission of wildlife offences means that the owner has had his firearms licence put on hold until the outcome of proceedings. As such, the firearms have been seized and the suitability of this person to hold a firearms licence in the future will be subject to review,” he said.

DPIPWE Wildlife Ranger Matthew Jones said that the legal fallow deer industry generates estimated $5,000,000 revenue for Tasmania annually and wildlife regulations are in place to ensure sustainable wildlife management and game control.

“Only persons with a commercial taxidermy licence or written permission from the secretary are permitted to undertake any form of taxidermy and must abide by the requirements placed upon them by legislation,” saidMr Jones.

Anyone who has any information in relation to people undertaking unlawful wildlife activities or has any enquiries in relation to taxidermy is asked to call Wildlife Rangers on 6233 6556.