Beef farmer loses $20,000 prize bull to stray bullet in spotlighting accident
A Red Angus bull worth up to $20,000 was shot dead, likely mistaken for a deer by illegal spotlighters.
A North East farmer's prized breeding bull has been killed in what he believes was a case of mistaken identity by illegal deer spotlighters. Max Blair found the Red Angus bull with a fatal bullet wound to its eye on October 23.
The animal was worth up to $20,000 and was already starting to degrade when located, suggesting the shooting happened days earlier. Blair believes spotlighters mistook the bull for a deer in the dark.
Both animals' eyes reflect light when caught in a spotlight beam. This is the second time one of his cattle has been shot on the property.
The region has a large deer population, and Blair said shooters are now everywhere. Police said such incidents are rare and are appealing for information.
- Up to $20,000
- Bull's value
- October 23
- Date found
- Buckland Valley Road, North East
- Location
Why it mattersThe shooting highlights the risks of illegal spotlighting and the loss farmers face when hunters mistake livestock for game.
AustraliaRural property owners in Victoria's North East face risk of livestock loss from unregulated hunting activity in the region.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
