Spring hunting season shortened

Hunters will be able to shoot turtle dove and quail from April 10 to May 20, Environment Minister George Pullicino announced in a letter sent to Ornis Committee chairman Louis Cilia last night.

The spring season was previously allowed between March 25 and May 22.

The Ornis Committee had recommended to the minister that hunting of quail be permitted between April 1 and May 10 and of turtle dove between April 10 and May 20.

In his letter, Mr Pullicino said he had reached his decision about the dates as data submitted by hunters in their game bag record over the past years showed that migration was more substantial after April 10. He decided to open and close the hunting season on the same date for both species in order to make enforcement easier.

Turtle dove and quail trappers will be able to practise their pastime between March 26 and May 20.

The Ornis committee is scheduled to meet today to discuss the finch trapping issue and the shooting of ducks from sea craft.

Hunters have proposed that they should be able to shoot ducks from sea craft in March and that the finch trapping season should open in the same month.

The European Commission has told the government that spring hunting is not justifiable.