A Geelong man has been fined $5,000 for illegally using an airboat during the closing weekend of the 2018 duck-hunting season.
Victoria's Game Management Authority (GMA) seized the watercraft after footage emerged of it being used to flush out birds.
The footage was taken at Cundare Pool, an open waterway beside Lake Corangamite, west of Geelong.
The man charged over the incident pleaded guilty in Geelong Magistrates Court to wilfully disturbing protected wildlife.
No conviction was recorded and the boat will be returned to the man.
'It will not be tolerated'
On its website, the GMA states shooters can "hunt duck from a boat under power up to a speed of five knots on waterways such as rivers, creeks and streams".
Hunting from a running motor boat on open water such as lakes, dams or swamps is prohibited.
GMA director of compliance and intelligence Paul Steven urged hunters and the public to report illegal activity.
"Illegal hunting and irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated," he said.
"It is dangerous and it can put people and wildlife at risk."
