A 34- and 37-year-old face illegal hunting charges after they were caught red-handed by a legal hunter in Nyngan in late 2024. 

The incident took place around 8:30pm on 28 November 2024 on a rural property on Pangee Road, southwest of Nyngan. 

The legal hunter caught wind of the two men and contacted the owner to confirm that he was the only one with permission to hunt

He approached the two men and together with another witness, who arrived later at the scene, took pictures of the men, their dogs, and their vehicle. 

The matter was reported to police and the Rural Crime Investigators from Bourke who commenced an investigation. 

"Following inquires, police spoke to the two men on 16 January," a police spokesperson said. 

The men were given a notice to appear before the Nyngan local court on 25 March. 

They face charges of entering enclosed agricultural land accompanied by a hunting dog and they could face a maximum fine of $13,200, 12 months imprisonment, or both. 

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) encourages property owners and legal hunters to stay vigilant for any signs of illegal hunting activity such as spent cartridges, signs with bullet holes, dead or injured animals with gunshot or trauma wounds, unusual vehicles, or stray hunting dogs.

A private property sign from the DPIRD. Photo: DPRID

Illegal hunting can be reported on the website of the DPIRD or by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.