Ricky Peter Hergenhan, 32, was convicted and fined $1000 in Toronto Local Court in April after he pleaded guilty to possessing an unauthorised firearm.

The conviction and fine were dismissed by Judge Ralph Coolahanafter an appeal against the severity of the sentence.

Defence barrister Terrence Healey told Newcastle District Court that Hergenhan was of impeccable character, familiar with firearms after growing up on a dairy farm.

Hergenhan, of Coopers Gully near Bega, had a valid Tasmanian gun licence and the .22 rifle he used to shoot the ibis was on loan from his father, a statement of facts said.

A witness reported seeing Hergenhan shoot a bird on the Morisset property on December 23 last year.

The gun was returned to Hergenhan's father.