Germany was one of the pioneers in the manufacture of pre-recorded bird-callers.

The use of these devices is not permitted while hunting and/or capturing wild birds by the use of nets as per EU Directive 79/409/EEC known as the Birds Directive, however the privilege of their use is given to licensed bird-ringers.

Licensed bird-ringers also enjoy several other exclusive privileges in combination with bird-callers to capture wild birds. No wild bird is protected; they use non-selective mist-nets placed in an upright position (licensed trappers are not permitted the use of non-selective and/or upright nets); they can capture all the year round, no closed seasons, and anytime, even at night time; and they can put up their nets anywhere, even in bird sanctuaries.

According to the summary of the EU Commission's Derogations Reporting from the Birds Directive, during 2005, 16 local bird-ringers captured a total of 14,420 mainly protected wild birds, an average of 901 wild birds per person, and in 2006, 18 local bird-ringers captured a total of 9,771 protected wild birds, an average of 543 protected wild birds per person. Any capture of unprotected wild birds is not given in the latter year's report.

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