Hitting the bull's eye

I would like to inform James A. Tyrell (April 5) that many shooters in Gozo would like to practise their hobby of clay pigeon shooting.

The problem is that the facilities available have been officially opened three times now - before every election with all the publicity needed for propaganda - and closed soon after the election is over, with the excuse that they are not licensed.

Some members travel from Gozo every weekend to practise their sport at Malta's shooting ranges.

On the other point, that he would like to see more hunters shifting their hobby to clay pigeon shooting, this would become very possible if our project to have an international standard shooting complex, with four layouts to accommodate trap shooting, skeet shooting, double trap and compact sporting, were to materialise.

This would not only attract hundreds of local and foreign sport shooting enthusiasts but also thousands of hunters with the introduction of compact sporting to our facilities.

Compact sporting is getting very popular in northern European countries where it is gradually replacing hunting.

Actually compact sporting might be introduced in the London 2012 Olympics and if we prepare well for this I am sure we can peacefully solve the hunting issue and enjoy our sport.