Hunter convicted

Amember of a hunting club that promotes gun safety has been caught poaching while intoxicated. Builder Ferguson Michael James Shaw, 26, was on a hunting trip with two friends, including Blenheim meat inspector Joshua Martin Svensson, in Marlborough on August 12. Shaw was a member of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, which promoted safe, responsible use of firearms and a code of ethics for hunters. They were driving down Awatere Valley Rd, about 70 kilometres southwest of Blenheim, when they spotted two red deer in a paddock about midnight, a police summary said. The men got out of the vehicle. They were pulling the deer out of the paddock when the farmer who owned the property appeared. His house was nearby and he heard the shots, and came out to investigate. A third man bolted into some bushes. The the farmer sought reparation. Shaw farmer called the police and spoke to and Svensson admitted poaching at Shaw and Svensson, who agreed to the Blenheim District Court on wait until police arrived. Police Monday. Shaw also admitted using a confiscated Shaw’s .270 rifle, some¯O firearm while intoxicated. His lawyer hunting knives, ammunition and Bryony Millar said Shaw was "deeply headlamps. Shaw gave a breath test remorseful". "He is usually very reading between 250 and 400 responsible," Millar said. "He accepts micrograms of alcohol per litre of there is no justification for what he breath. It is illegal to hunt while did and he apologises." Shaw gained intoxicated. Shaw told police he did his firearms licence three years ago. not know the deer were on private He knew he would lose his licence, property, and did not notice their ear and did not object to the forfeiture of tags. Police sought the forfeiture of his rifle, worth $800, Millar said. He the rifle¯andOhunting equipment, and preferred to pay a fine instead of community work, she said. After credit for guilty pleas and his offer of reparation, Judge David Ruth convicted Shaw and ordered him to pay $600 in reparation to the farmer within a month. He was fined $500 and his rifle and hunting equipment was forfeited to police. Judge Ruth said he accepted Shaw was "an enthusiast" who had let himself down. "Hunting while intoxicated is not a good look at all." Svensson was convicted and fined $300, and would also contribute $600 in reparation.