Hunters await opening of 'spring seasons'

The Federation for Hunting and Conservation is expecting the government to announce this year's trapping seasons by next Thursday, federation secretary Lino Farrugia said yesterday.

The government could also open a short sea hunting season next month on the basis of suggestions made by the federation, he said.

Mr Farrugia said the government could not continue to treat hunters and trappers in the manner it had treated them so far. Hunters and trappers could not continue living in insecurity and confusion and had a right to know where they stood.

Mr Farrugia hoped the federation would be able to celebrate after next Thursday because of the announcement of the opening of the spring seasons.

But, if need be, the federation would organise protests and demonstrations.

Public relations officer Joe Perici Calascione said that during a meeting in Brussels on January 17, organised by the Environment Directorate, FACE - the Federation of Associations of Hunting and Conservation - made it clear that member states had the right to apply derogations and not to apply for derogations.

Asked about the threatening messages posted on the federation's internet forum, Mr Farrugia said efforts were being made to control the content on the website.

He pointed out that anyone could post messages on the site and hunters and the federation received a lot of threats themselves.

There are 16,000 licensed hunters and trappers in Malta.