The illegal spotlighting of deer has been a
significant problem for a number of years despite
it being illegal to:
Hunt deer at night.
Hunt deer with the use of artificial light.
Carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle.
Use a spotlight from a vehicle on a public
road.
Possess a loaded firearm or discharge a
firearm on or across a public road or
thoroughfare.
The spotlighting of deer is not only illegal, it is
dangerous, unethical and reduces recreational
hunting opportunities for law-abiding hunters.
In 2000, the Government introduced a new law to
address the illegal spotlighting of deer. The law
states that it is illegal to possess a regulated
spotlight and a firearm in recognised deer habitat
during the hours between sunset and sunrise.
However, this does not apply when a firearm is
unloaded and secured in a vehicle and the
regulated spotlight is not in use.
It was necessary to make this law as strict as
possible to close any loopholes commonly used by
spotlighters while not unfairly restricting
legitimate hunters.
The following document details hunters’
requirements when in possession of a firearm and
spotlight when in recognised deer habitat.
www.dse.vic.gov.au
