Serial pest Laurie Levy avoided conviction in a Swan Hill court after pleading guilty to breaching the Wildlife Act.
The Coalition Against Duck Hunting leader was charged by police after entering water at Koorangie Marshes near Kerang early on duck season opening last year.
Under section 58c of the Wildlife Act, it is an offence for a person to enter or remain in wetlands without a permit during duck hunting season.
The Weekly Times this week reported that Mr Levy said after the hearing that he had intended to plead not guilty to the charge due to issues over the RSPCA being allowed access to the wetlands but was told there would be no fine or conviction if he admitted to the offence.
Mr Levy was placed on a good behaviour bond which expires on March 13, five days before the commencement of Duck Season this year. He was also ordered to pay $193 in costs.
“It’s a really good result,” he said in the report. “I’ll be back again (for duck opening) this year.”
SSAA Victoria Hunting Development Manager David Laird said it was a slap in the face for hunters who strictly adhere to regulations.
“This is a rule designed to maintain public safety and protect hunters from harassment. Once again Levy has flaunted this rule to seek media attention,” he said.
“That the court has disregarded his previous incidents shows there is a clear bias in favour of these serial pests who continue to disrupt our legal sport.
“If a hunter is caught in breach of regulation, there is hell to pay.”
