A PUBLIC seminar is being held in Exford Village Hall on October 15 about poaching and illegal shooting of red deer on Exmoor. It follows a meeting by the Exmoor Rural Crime Initiative to discuss a way forward for the coming autumn with a particular focus on the illegal activities. The group, which was created earlier this year, comprises Devon and Cornwall as well as Avon and Somerset police, Exmoor National Park Authority, the National Trust, Environment Agency, the Crown Estate, River Exe Tributaries Association, the Forestry Commission and the National Wildlife Crime Unit. The seminar, which is free, is at 7.30pm. There is no need to book and anyone with an interest in the welfare of Exmoor's red deer is welcome to come. Presentations will include discussions on firearms law, deer law, best practice and what can be done to help. National park ranger Richard Eales said: "It is very important that the group works together with Exmoor residents so that, as soon as they see or suspect that poaching or the illegal killing of deer is taking place, they can notify the police." It was apparent after a similar seminar in Lynton last year that many local people were not aware of the Deer Act 1991 by which it is an offence to enter land without consent in pursuit of deer. There are further offences of taking or killing deer at night, or in the close season or with prohibited weapons, that do not necessarily involve trespass or poaching. Sergeant Andy Whysall, Avon and Somerset police, said: "If you have people shooting on your land without permission or you suspect someone is shooting deer at night and the act is taking place call 999 immediately." The public are asked to report any incidents relating to wildlife crime or any other crime by phoning 101 or via their websites http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk">www.avonandsomerset.police.uk or http://www.devon-cornwall.police">www.devon-cornwall.police. uk. People should always dial 999 if a crime is in progress or there is a risk to a person or property.