Hunters complain of poor bird migration season

The migration of turtle doves and quails over Malta in September was “very poor”, according to hunters.

This was stated in a report the Hunters’ Federation (FKNK) submitted to the EU’s environment director general in an attempt to justify spring hunting by arguing that autumn is not a satisfactory alternative.

“The migration of turtle doves and quails in September over Malta was very poor, particularly that of quail, justifying, yet again, the European Court of Justice ruling that autumn hunting does not offer a satisfactory solution for Maltese hunters,” the federation said in a statement yesterday.

The report covers the month of September when BirdLife Malta and German partners CABS organised raptor camps to monitor the situation on the ground as migratory birds of prey passed over Malta.

Hunters admitted there were a “handful of poachers” who engaged in illegal activity. However, they said the hotspots were identified and insisted on more collaboration between hunters, the police and conservationists to eliminate illegalities.

Reacting to the findings, BirdLife Malta said the federation refused to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation when it spoke of a handful of poachers.

“BirdLife has continued to receive numerous shot protected birds and witnesses illegalities committed on a daily basis in widespread locations throughout the islands” a spokesman said, insisting the bird conservation group had yet to see evidence of an improved situation.