Peter Euan Starr appeared before Wagga Local Court on Wednesday via video link, pleading guilty to multiple charges including growing cannabis plants and possessing an unregistered firearm and ammunition.

In sentencing, Magistrate Christopher Halburd said a strong message needed to be sent that those who have weapons, and who do not follow regulations, will "not be treated lightly".

"We have strict licensing rules for the protection of the community," he said.

On September 8, at 7.58am, police arrived at the bush reserve on Kolhagens Road, Yarragundry after reports of someone possessing a gun and cannabis plants.

A car and trailer were parked, with plastic tarps leading to the water's edge, where the 56-year-old was living at the time.

Court documents reveal officers talked with Starr who admitted to having 17 illicit cannabis plants at the location.

"Yeah, they're mine. I water 'em and look after them," Starr told police at the time.

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When asked what he intended to do with them, the 56-year-old said "grow them for another six weeks and smoke it and give it to friends".

Police continued to look for the reported weapon, asking Starr where it was, and he said it was "under my chair".

Upon further inspection, officers found a sawn-off .22 calibre rifle concealed under his camp chair and wrapped in a towel.

It was loaded and cocked, while police also located a box of ammunition containing 43 rounds. Police arrested Starr on that same day.

Mr Halburd acknowledged that the 56-year-old was not growing the cannabis for profit which was "important to note", but the charges relating to the gun were "troubling".

"An item like that has no place at all in the community," he said.

"There needs to be a very clear message to the community ... people who have that in the community can expect to be treated harshly in the courts."

Mr Halburd said that the offender had been on the disability support pension for 20 years.

"He has had a difficult life ... he has rarely lived in a home," he said.

"But, he has a record that really doesn't entitle him to any leniency.

"I am satisfied that the only appropriate penalty is one of imprisonment."

Mr Halburd handed down a combined sentence of 12 months behind bars, an 18-month community corrections order, and a $500 fine.

Starr is eligible for parole from March 7.