Unlicensed Hunter Faces Multiple Charges After Alleged Farm Trespass in Northern NSW
A 27-year-old man has been charged with a series of offences following an alleged illegal hunting incident on a private farm near Gunnedah in northern New South Wales. Police report that the unlicensed driver entered the property without permission in the early hours of the morning, prompting a confrontation with the landowners.
Alleged Trespass and Menacing Behaviour on Wyuna Road Property
According to police statements, the incident occurred around 2am on February 11 when the man allegedly drove a Holden ute onto a farm located on Wyuna Road at Gunnedah. The landholders were awakened by the noise and rushed outside to investigate the disturbance. Upon approaching the vehicle, the driver allegedly accelerated towards them before swerving away at the last possible moment, creating a dangerous situation.
The man then fled the property with three dead feral pigs loaded in his vehicle. Police were notified of the trespass and the threatening behaviour exhibited by the driver towards the property owners.
Police Investigation and Subsequent Arrest
Later that same day, at approximately 7am, officers spotted the same ute on Wandabah Road and conducted a traffic stop. During the interaction, police discovered that the driver did not hold a current New South Wales driver's licence. Furthermore, he returned a positive roadside drug test for both cannabis and methamphetamine.
The man was arrested and transported to Gunnedah Police Station for secondary testing before being released pending further investigation. Police continued their inquiries and located three dead pigs in Milroy, which is approximately two-and-a-half hours from Gunnedah. Additionally, officers allegedly found that only one of the three dogs in the back of the ute was properly registered.
Multiple Charges and Court Appearance
On February 13, the 27-year-old was arrested at a residence in Gunnedah, and his Holden ute was seized by authorities. He has been charged with several offences including:
- Entering private land to hunt without the owner's consent
- Driving a motor vehicle in a manner menacing with intent
- Driving without a licence
- Littering dangerous materials in a public place
The accused has been granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear before Gunnedah Local Court on April 7 to answer to these charges.
Police Encourage Reporting of Rural Crime
Following the incident, police emphasized the importance of timely reporting of rural crimes. "The Rural Crime Prevention Team encourages all farmers to report all rural crime in a timely manner to assist in positive outcomes, especially illegal hunting and trespassing," a police spokesperson stated. This case highlights ongoing concerns about unauthorized access to private properties and illegal hunting activities in regional areas.
