So what exactly was negotiated on hunting?

In Malta, the two main species that are hunted are turtledove and quail. Under EU law, hunting in spring is normally prohibited so that birds can be protected during migration. However, during negotiations, Malta declared that it will use a derogation from this part of the EU law so that hunting in spring can continue in Malta for turtledoves and quail.

As a result, therefore, after membership, Maltese hunters will continue to be able to hunt in spring. However, it will be limited to turtledoves and quail, which are the two main species that are hunted at that time of year. This means that other species will be protected in spring.