In the wake of two Bogan Shire residents facing a series of charges relating to an illegal hunting incident, Nyngan police have offered advice on how to deal with illegal hunters.
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Police have charged at least five men with a variety of charges following a dispute in Coolabah late last month where shots were fired and two hunting dogs were killed.
Police believe the incident took place on Sunday, January 24 at about 6pm.
Darling River Local Area Command Crime Manager, Detective Acting Inspector Jay Locke told The Daily Liberal it would be alleged three men from Orange aged 31, 20 and 20 were illegally hunting on a public road and on a property they were not authorised to access.
He said the property owners, a 74-year-old man and his 42-year-old son confronted the three men.
"As a result of the confrontation, two hunting dogs have been killed, and a vehicle has been damaged," Detective Acting Inspector Locke said.
"Police were contacted and a crime scene was declared by detectives from the Darling River Command."
The father and son farmers were arrested the following day. The father was charged with firing a firearm disregarding safety and a number of firearm storage offences. The 42-year-old man was charged with two counts of serious animal cruelty and firearm storage offences. They're due to appear in Nyngan Local Court on February 25.
The three hunters have been charged with hunting on public land, trespassing and possession of knives in public with a lawful excuse. They're due to appear in Nyngan Local Court on March 30.
Nyngan police sergeant Tony Wood said he could sympathise with farmers and landholders who had seen illegal hunting on their properties and he understood how frustrating it could be.
"I would hate to think shots have to be fired though," he said.
Sergeant Wood said he's seen farmers gather evidence of illegal hunters using modern technology.
"Farmers have set up trail cameras to get good pictures of the ute. Imagery taken on private property is admissible," he said.
"We don't encourage confrontation but there has been some success of farmers taking photos of either the ute or the hunters with their cameras in their pockets and it's great quality evidence."
Sergeant Wood said he encouraged contacting the police.
"Always call the police, we understand distance can be challenging, but even if we get footage we can start an investigation. We can circulate the images and get feedback from the community. We encourage the use of modern technology," he said.
Detective Acting Inspector Locke said last month's investigation was ongoing.
"Police would like to remind people to contact police in the first instance if they detect offences being committed on their property," he said.
"Anyone with further information about this matter or any related matter is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or their local police."
