23 pay for special spring hunting licence

A total of 23 hunters disobeyed the hunters’ federation directive and paid for a special spring hunting licence, enabling them to hunt between tomorrow and April 30 up to noon, excluding Sunday.

The FKNK said in a statement these hunters had to:

· Wear the official band on their arm so that they can be recognised;

· Catch not more than two birds per day but not more than three over the whole period;

· Inform the Malta Environment and Planning Authority about each bird caught by SMS;

· List their catch on the Carnet de Chasse before leaving the hunting ground; and

· Keep from trapping for quails and turtle doves.

The FKNK encouraged its 12,000 members who obeyed its directive to report to it or the police if they say any one of these hunters breach the regulations.

It said it was also going to appoint marshalls and observers to report any breach of regulations, the passing of any quails and turtle doves and any other incident.

It said it would eventually say what action it would be taking against people who hunted during this period.