Thread: Poaching, let's get this straight

Originally Posted by ebf

What's the charge if they catch someone doing it then ? Illegal hunting ?

Armed trespass? Spotlighting would open you to charges of loaded firearm in a vehicle etc. Shooting/stealing stock I'm unsure. I don't think there's any specific offence directly related to the shooting of a wild animal on private land without permission, rather just being there without permission is the offence.

Originally Posted by gimp

Armed trespass? Spotlighting would open you to charges of loaded firearm in a vehicle etc. Shooting/stealing stock I'm unsure. I don't think there's any specific offence directly related to the shooting of a wild animal on private land without permission, rather just being there without permission is the offence.

You need to be issued with a trespass notice or verbally trespassed before you can be trespassing. It could easily be 'Unlawfully on Property'. Loaded firearm in a vehicle is a minor offence under one of the Land Transport Acts and only carries a $150 ticket if I remember correctly. Killing stock is Wilful damage at a minimum.