Hunters should adhere to stringent licence requirements - FKNK

The hunters’ federation said today that although it disagreed with conditions tied with the application of the spring hunting derogation, this year’s application is an improvement over last year’s.

In a statement, the Federation for Hunting & Conservation instructed hunters who wish to apply for a special turtle dove and quail hunting licence this spring to adhere to the stringent requirements of the licence.

It said hunting will be permissible from two hours before sunrise to 3 p.m, Mondays to Fridays, and between two hours before sunrise and noon on Saturdays between April 13 and 30, both days included.

The national bag limit is of 9,000 turtle doves and 2,500 quails and the special licence fee is €50.

The federation said that the individual bag limit is of one bird per day to a maximum of four for the Season.

If the national bag limit of either species is reached before April 30, hunting for that particular species would immediately stop.

When a bird is bagged, the hunter has to send an SMS to the relevant authority, and note the bag on his Carnet de Chasse before leaving the area. A hunter not in possession of a mobile phone cannot apply for the special licence.

Special licence holders have to wear an identification arm band and carry their special licence while hunting.

Live-capturing of any of the two species is not permitted.

The FKNK said it still cannot understand why the calculation in the order of one per cent of mortality criterion as stipulated in the guidance document to the “Birds” Directive, issued by the EU Commission is not reflected in the national bag limits.

It felt that because of the very unpredictable and peculiar nature of migration of turtle dove and quail over the Maltese islands, both individual daily and seasonal bag limits are unpractical and cause unnecessary pressure on law enforcers.

It also believes Sundays, public holidays and live-capturing measures are discriminatory.

It said that while it disagreed with the conditions tied with the application of the derogation, this year’s application was an improvement over last year’s.

The 11th hour application of the legal notice did not leave room for further discussions and negotiations for this spring, the FKNK said.