Hunters: We have won the war

Johnny Xerri

Sep 16th 2009, 18:00

Come on Mr Nielsen, take the decency to answer some questions, considering you took the liberty of mudslinging.

Considering that the hunting season is open one wouldn't want to be a chicken right now!!!! -:)

Not replying really confirms that when proved silly, your likes just hide away, awaiting yet another occasion to shine like a light bulb, thats very bright on the outside but very empty inside

Joseph Pace

Sep 16th 2009, 10:19

Hunting is NOT a sport!

Someone playing tennis is practising a sport.
Someone getting ready for his daily jog is practising a sport.
Someone playing golf is practising a sport.
Someone going out on his bike is practising a sport.
Someone meeting up with his friends and playing football is practising a sport.

Someone who kills an innocent defenceless animal just for the thrill of killing is a monster.

Stop calling hunting a sport, its offensive.

Steven Brockwell

Sep 15th 2009, 18:41

FKNK warns of zero tolerance of those who break the law. well said why should all of the hunters suffer just because some people cant keep their guns at home during closed season. most of us just want what is ours and bide bye the the law the rest just shame us.

Johnny Xerri

Sep 15th 2009, 18:23

@ Martin Nielsen

1. People don’t not need to starve in order to hunt. Hunting is a natural manner of obtaining nutritious food. Manage, maintain and conserve habitats, and invest in the environment, instead of speculating and building brick and mortar habitats that are suitable (if they are) for humans.

2. Fishing is also a form of hunting, just for a different animal, so why is fishing acceptable and hunting not. Judging by the prices those rods & tackle cost and the price for bait, it surely would be much cheaper to buy the fish caught by professional fisherman or farmed in fishfarms. Yet amateur fisherman still fish as a hobby.

3. I am not sure if you are knowledgeable of our country's traditions & customs but I am not only knowledgeable of my country's traditions & customs but also those of many other countries and I still haven’t encountered one in which no hunting takes place. Kindly respond by stating your country of origin and it allows hunting; you would surely enlighten many anti-hunters.

4. 'sort of activity that doesn't belong in a modern society' and exactly which modern societies have banned hunting? USA, UK, EU27??

Martin Nielsen

Sep 15th 2009, 17:55

Perhaps I will be informed of my ignorance, as it is clear people are quite passionate about this, but I can't help but wonder what is so fun about hunting and killing birds. To me it seems this is a sort of activity that doesn't belong in a modern society. I don't think too many people in Malta are starving, so why is hunting so popular (widespread support, though of course there's also plenty of people opposing it)? I really don't get it. But again, I know I'm probably ignorant in the eyes of the pro-hunting community. :-)

Norbert Vella

Sep 15th 2009, 13:47

@Alexander Laurence

I am not a hunter myself altough i have in my family. But the mess that "people who enjoy walking out with their families in spring" leaves behing it's incredible.

What i can say is that every Monday morning when i pass from Mizieb with my car i always see members of the FKNK cleaning the mess left by the people the day before.

Carmel Gatt

Sep 15th 2009, 12:56

If there is anyone who is taking seriously the FKNK zero tolerance seriously then they are living on the moon. These people shoot at anything in the skies which crosses their gun sights, be it protected or not. We have had numerous examples in the past on how disciplined and law-abiding these so called sportmen are when out in camouflage and toting a gun in the fields. Time will tell.

Joe Genovese

Sep 15th 2009, 11:10

@David Borg Cardona

Every time documented evidence was produced in the press about illegal hunting, the FKNK always came out guns blazing saying it was a put-up job by Birdlife.

Never was there a specific instance when FKNK gave its backing to Birdlife when it produced video clips showing gung-ho comouflaged cowboys caught in the act.

Once on national TV, a former president (Wenzu....) of the Federation said that if it were up to him birds of prey would not only be fair game but also legal to hunt.

The howls that went up by his fellow hunters as they rooted for this remark that night lifted the studio roof.

Months later a Griffon Vulture was spotted around Zurrieq. A frenzied barrage met the poor creature which forced it to land on Filfla.

Though it survived the lead, it had so much that it was unable to lift itself off the rock.
Dozens of boats sped out for the spoils.

It ended up as a stuffed trophy.

This Griffon Vulture formed part of an experimental flock introduced in the Med. (by UNESCO)
where it hadn't been seen for the preceding 70 years.

Not one peep from the Federation.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Sep 15th 2009, 09:54

Mr James Degiorgio, I am sure you must have some kind of scientific survey to substantiate your presumptuous statement!! It may be disappointing for you to learn that besides the hunters themselves, there are their families and other pro-hunting individuals who are not appalled at all by the practice of this "Maltese socio-cultural passion of spring hunting"!!

Kenneth Cassar

Sep 15th 2009, 09:49

"The European Court judgment on spring hunting in Malta has been described by an international lawyer who helped the hunters' federation as a case where the hunters had lost the battle but won the war".

No one would expect a lawyer entrusted with a case to say "I have failed you", right?

Alexander Laurence

Sep 15th 2009, 06:23

What war is this? The war on people who enjoy walking out with their families in spring, and getting peppered with shot?

Pretty poor sport to me. And why not drop 'Konservazzjonisti' from your title? It turns your lot into an even bigger sham.

The huge majority of the Maltese population simply abhor you and are against hunting. Is it that difficult to understand? Or so hard to realise that by the time your kids grow up the only things left in the sky are the clouds?

D. Zammit

Sep 15th 2009, 01:41

To James De Giorgio,

I do not call a population of 60,000 people involved in hunting as a small minority. This figure comes from the amount of gun permits including their next of kin and immediate relatives who normally are also involved in hunting.

So, 60,000 from 400,000 is quite a percentage !!!!

Although never a hunter, I always respect other people's opinions and hobbies. Some like to bird watch, others prefer walking their dog or rambling . . . they all have the right to do it.

James De Giorgio

Sep 14th 2009, 21:49

Maltese socio-cultural passion of spring hunting?!!

It's a very small minority that is passionate for hunting, the rest of us are rather appalled by it.

E.Schembri

Sep 14th 2009, 17:03

Well said J.Farrugia. If the hunters strictly adhere to the law ....and THEY make sure all other hunters do the same, maybe there is a solution so that nature lovers and hunters can live together on the same island!

J Farrugia

Sep 14th 2009, 14:37

Can someone explain to me what Victory the FKNK has made? Because except incitement against the Government by the FKNK I have seen nothing in the sentence which makes it possible for spring hunting without specific conditions! That is if - granted - the government decides to open spring hunting once more under some conditions as may be granted by the EU, should some hunter bully or abuse his role, all the other hunters will forfeit this newly opened spring season. And that is a fact. So let no one ilude himself that Spring hunting is here to stay. It will only stay if hunters act correctly and according to the law. Otherwise, forget spring hunting forever. So THE BALL IS IN THE HUNTERS' COURT AND NOT IN THE GOVERNMENT'S field. If they behave well, they will have it REDUCED according to law, IF they exagerate (shoot from the roads, bullying the citizens of Malta, etc,) there will be a stop to all spring hunting. You have now been warned.

John Betts

Sep 14th 2009, 08:56

"What more do you want????"
Action on the first and not the second instance (the relapse mentioned) of illegal hunting. That is what should be done. The killing, wounding or trapping of a protected species, should not be tolerated at all.
I assure you that I have read your posts Mr. Xerri.

James Wightman

Sep 14th 2009, 07:25

War...? battle...? clearly this gun thing is going to the hunters heads? But I'm glad to see they are taking a hard line with illegal acts. Lets hope they can stick to it otherwise the EU like 'Arnie' "will be back...."

d. borg

Sep 14th 2009, 07:18

What war? The war against birds or against nature loving people?

Chris Finch

Sep 13th 2009, 19:49

Mr Borg Cardona, if the FKNK has always adopted a zero tolerance approach to hunting and trapping, how come Lino Farrugia was arraigned last year for encouraging a trapper to trap illegally.

Also will the FKNK adopt a zero tolerance approach to any hunters or trappers filmed hunting or trapping illegally by the CABS team during their stay, such as the trapper caught today? LEts see some action FKNK, not just empty words.

Also the PM cannot just open the spring hunting season. It is because he did this the past years that put Malta before the court - and was told in no uncertain terms that Malta cannot just open the season without applying for a derogation - which it is unlikely to get.

Johnny Xerri

Sep 13th 2009, 17:54

@ John Betts

Firstly read my comment well before commenting. FKNK has always took a clear stand against illegal hunting. FKNK did not condone hunters who hunted legal game in a season which was closed since hunters had been decieved by Malta's highest authorities and BLM

And I'm sorry, but "pushing for loss of membership if a hunter relapses." is nowhere near enough

Are you aware that by not renewing the relapsers membership the person will not be able to pay for his hunting licence. That practicly implies that that person will never be able to hunt legally.

What more do you want????

FKNK are no police agency they cannot put behind bars any poacher. Nor can they slap him with a fine.

However, they can make him unable to renew his licence. Isn't that enough for you?

Edward Camilleri

Sep 13th 2009, 16:42

Very well said Mr J Bonnici. Hunters aren't seeing beyond their noses!

Grow up FKNK or else remove the conservation word from your name.

M.Cassar

Sep 13th 2009, 16:31

What a victory. I don't see how anyone should feel proud of having achieved the right to slaugther Gods creators for sport. So those who think they have the right to kill birds of what ever species have won over those who would prefer to hear and see birds fly freely. What a sad state this world is in. Well said J. Bonnici. The real war will be won when the hunters children and grandchildren finelly realize the beauty of a bird flying freely in the sky or nesting in a tree. When those who love the sport of shooting start using shooting ranges and those who would like to watch nature can do so freely. Then the whole Maltese popluation will be threated equally. Then it can be truely called a victory for all.

Karl Falzon

Sep 13th 2009, 16:27

So now everyone knows who finally was saying the truth all the way about hunting in Malta! If we hunters really do bag millions of birds as Birdlife Malta have said, then the ECJ's decision would have been made contrary to what it has finally stated... "that autumn hunting for turtle dove's and quail's may not be considered as satisfactory" And this clearly shows that Malta really isn't on the main bird migration route as Birdlife Malta says.

John Betts

Sep 13th 2009, 16:18

"But.. trust a patronising Brit to come up with such an assumption !!"
Here we go again - Mr Borg Cardona I must disappoint you: I have Maltese citenzenship and am 7th (or is it 8th?) generation Maltese. My ancestors were Maltese before hunting became enshrined as a socio-cultural passion by its exponents. And if anything I had been writing, not talking, gibberish, as you glibly put it.

"FKNK has been condemning illegal hunting for countless years " - fair enough, then why should zero tolerance start now, as indicated by the words of the FKNK reported in the article.

Mr. Formosa - I agree that not all hunters are law breakers, but I was not commenting on the words of hunters but the association representing most of them, the FKNK, which is wrong in stating zero tolerance should start now.

Mr. Xerri: "How can one therefore expect collaboration from hunters when the highest authority didn't keep its promise? " - are you implying then that illegal hunting as a form of non-collaboration is acceptable? And I'm sorry, but "pushing for loss of membership if a hunter relapses." is nowhere near enough.

Anthony Formosa

Sep 13th 2009, 15:02

Well Done FKNK for such a victory, now I hope that any government in power will respect that.

@ John Betts. FKNK was always firm with its policy, and many of those law breakers were not FKNK members or unlicensed, however it is high that we will have one or two representatives for hunters and trappers in Malta. But please the few isolated cases should not reflect on all hunters, or else we can say that all Maltese are all drug addicts, corrupted, alcoholics, etc etc. In Malta their are more human deaths that can be avoided than birds killed illegally, so we blame who?

Johnny Xerri

Sep 13th 2009, 14:18

Mr Betts I presume its because:

1. Hunters were promised spring hunting and that no new regualtion would be in force unless for the benefit of hunters. This was made by the prime minister (not some village canvaser). Furthermore hunters were promised complete invlovement in all things regarding the future of our hobby.

2. How can one therefore expect collaboration from hunters when the highest authority didn't keep its promise?

3. How could one condone the 'illegal hunting' of turtle doves and quail in spring when even the ECJ ruled as being insignificat and that couldn't be replaced through autumn hunting?

4. How could FKNK condone a hunter for hunting gamebirds in spring when the hunter was promised by EFA, PN and MIC that he could do so???

However, FKNK always condoned any illegal hunting on raptors, waders...and has been pushing for loss of membership if a hunter relapses.

Now that we are at it could you please explaining to the readers the following cases:
http://ww.sportinggun.co.uk/news/252235/Police_fail_to_tackle_wildlife_crime_across_UK.html

http://www.shootinguk.co.uk/news/341596/New_guidance_to_help_control_protected_predators.htm

and how come UK, Spain, Cyprus and other EU member states hunt all year round?

David Borg Cardona

Sep 13th 2009, 13:41

Please allow me also, on behalf of many hunters I know, to congratulate Joe, Lino and all the other members of the FKNK comittee on this landmark judgement. The hard work they have put in over the years has now paid off and what all of us have been saying all along has finally been proven right i.e. that autumn has and never will be a suitable alternative for the spring hunting season. Prosit to you all once again !!

Dr. Gonzi.. f'idejk il ballun issa... you publicly declared that you will abide by the decision of the ECJ. Let's hope you stand by your own promises and open the 2010 spring season. We shall wait and see...

David Borg Cardona

Sep 13th 2009, 13:34

@ John Betts..

Pls do not talk gibberish.. FKNK has been condemning illegal hunting for countless years and has never accepted or ignored poaching as you are implying. The subject of illegal hunting was always high on its agenda and has repeatedly issued stern warnings to any hunters caught flouting the law. But.. trust a patronising Brit to come up with such an assumption !!

J.Bonnici

Sep 13th 2009, 13:30

The war will be won when the hunters' children and grandchildren will finally realise that it's much more fun to watch birds flying freely in a natural environment.

John Betts

Sep 13th 2009, 13:09

"Finally the FKNK firmly warns all hunters and trappers that, with immediate effect, it will adopt zero tolerance measure with any of its members who might persist with illegal hunting acts."
Why only 'with immediate effect' now? This would imply that it has previously condoned or at least accepted, tolerated or ignored illegal hunting.