The spring hunting season opened yesterday to an uncanny silence, as police officers and soldiers were out in force to patrol the countryside.

Weather conditions were not ideal for bird migration, according to hunting federation president Joe Perici Calascione, which would explain the absence of gunshots across the countryside.

“The wind was not right for migrating birds to fly over the islands and only single specimens were seen in very localised areas,” Mr Perici Calascione said.

But hunters reported a strong presence of law enforcement officers across Malta and Gozo, including roadblocks at strategic locations, he added.

The opening of the hunting season came three days after Malta voted to retain spring hunting in a historic abrogative referendum. A government spokesman said between 80 and 120 police officers and soldiers were deployed to patrol the countryside and enforce hunting regulations.

Hunters can shoot on turtle dove and quail. They have a bag limit of two birds per day and four throughout the season. Hunters have to report their catch as soon as it is made by calling a dedicated number.

Read more on Times of Malta.

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