The government is considering the application of a derogation to permit autumn/winter trapping of the golden plover and song thrush, as recommended by the Ornis Committee, the Prime Minister told hunters.

In a statement, the hunters’ federation, FKNK, said a delegation of its top officials, led by president Joe Perici Calascione, had a meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Environment Minister Mario De Marco.

The meeting focused on hunting and trapping issues, particularly the application of a derogation to open an autumn/winter trapping season.

FKNK reiterated their opinion, as expressed during the Ornis Committee meeting, that such a derogation could be applied to permit trapping for the seven finch species.

The Prime Minister, however, referred to the reasoned opinion that Malta received in relation to the application of past trapping derogations and said the government was solely considering the application of a derogation to permit trapping on the golden plover and the song thrush, as recommended by the Ornis Committee, the FKNK said.

The meeting also discussed other topics, including spring hunting, fixed autumn/winter hunting seasons, CABS and 'drones', the Majjistral Park, close-rings for captive bred birds, wild rabbit hunting and trapping, the carnet de chasse and law enforcement.