Court Imposes $120,000 Penalty for Illegal Hog Deer Hunting in Victoria

Court Imposes $120,000 Penalty for Illegal Hog Deer Hunting in Victoria A South Australian man has been fined $120,000 by the County Court of Victoria for illegal hog deer hunting and trespass on private land in Gippsland. The ruling highlights the seriousness of poaching offences and reinforces the role of regulated hunting in wildlife management. ⚖️ Landmark Court Ruling on Illegal Hunting In a significant judgment delivered by the County Court of Victoria in September 2025, South Australian resident Christopher Ross Long was ordered to pay $120,000 in damages after being found guilty of illegal hog deer hunting and trespass on private property in Gippsland. The court determined that Long had unlawfully entered Lake Reeve Ranch, a 3,000‑acre cattle property located between Ninety Mile Beach and the Gippsland Lakes, on two separate occasions — December 2019 and December 2020. Although it could not be conclusively proven that Long personally fired the fatal shots, Judge Tran ruled that he was a “knowing participant” in the poaching expeditions. 🦌 The Property and Its Conservation Efforts Lake Reeve Ranch, owned by Neil Page and Corrie De Visser, has been carefully managed for years under a Game Management Authority (GMA)‑approved plan. The couple invested heavily in creating a sustainable environment for hog deer, a rare and highly regulated game species in Victoria. The property attracts licensed hunters from across the world, with bookings for legal hunts already secured through 2030. This demonstrates both the economic and ecological value of regulated hunting in the region. 🚫 Details of the Illegal Poaching The court heard that Long entered the property covertly, using a rifle fitted with a suppressor. Evidence presented included photographs of Long posing with dead deer and social media messages boasting about the illegal hunts. The trespass was aggravated not only by the use of illegal equipment but also by the discovery of decapitated deer carcasses, which caused significant emotional distress to the landowners. Judge Tran described Long’s conduct as “callous, dangerous, and criminal”, noting that his actions undermined the rights of the property owners and the integrity of Victoria’s tightly regulated hunting system. 💰 Breakdown of the $120,000 Penalty The damages awarded were divided into two categories: General damages: $10,000 total ($5,000 for each trespass incident) for unauthorized use of the property. Aggravated and exemplary damages: $110,000 ($55,000 per trespass) to reflect the seriousness of the offence, the emotional harm caused, and the need for deterrence. The court emphasized that these penalties were not only compensatory but also punitive, designed to send a strong message that illegal hunting and trespass will not be tolerated in Victoria. 📢 Judge’s Strong Warning In his ruling, Judge Tran stressed that trespass for the purpose of poaching, particularly with firearms, is a serious civil wrong. He condemned Long’s attempt to mislead the court by submitting AI‑generated legal cases in his defence, calling it a further act of dishonesty. The judgment makes clear that illegal hunting in Victoria poses risks not only to wildlife but also to community safety, given the dangers of firearms being used unlawfully on private land. 🌿 Wider Implications for Wildlife Management This case underscores the importance of regulated hunting systems in Australia. While legal hunting contributes to conservation, tourism, and rural economies, illegal poaching threatens these efforts. The Australian Deer Association (ADA) welcomed the ruling, noting that it reinforces the principle that wild deer are a public resource managed under strict licensing, and that landowners have the right to control access to their property. 🚨 Ongoing Crackdown on Illegal Spotlighting The ruling comes amid broader enforcement efforts. In recent months, the Game Management Authority and Victoria Police have seized vehicles, firearms, and thermal scopes in separate cases of illegal spotlighting in eastern Victoria. Offenders now face multiple charges, including hunting at night, using spotlights in deer habitat, and hunting from vehicles. Authorities warn that spotlighting is dangerous, as hunters cannot see what lies beyond their target — whether people, livestock, or other wildlife. 🔑 Conclusion: A Clear Message to Poachers The $120,000 penalty against Christopher Ross Long is one of the strongest signals yet that illegal hog deer hunting in Victoria will be met with severe consequences. By imposing exemplary damages, the court reinforced the rights of landowners, the importance of regulated hunting, and the need to deter future offenders. For hunters, the message is clear: only lawful, licensed hunting supports conservation and community safety. Poaching will be punished.