Hunting may be a controversial pastime but it contributes at least €32.4 million a year to the economy, according to economist Mark Bonello.

The figure, based on the average annual expenditure to maintain the hobby, equates to almost €2,300 per hunter, considering there are about 14,000 registered.

Mr Bonello, a hunter himself, originally conducted field research in 2007 and has since updated the figures to reflect the annual increases in inflation.

“The expenditure is equivalent to 0.4 per cent of GDP, not an insignificant amount when taking into consideration it derives from a minority in society,” Mr Bonello said.

He spoke to the Times of Malta on the eve of the autumn hunting season, which opens tomorrow and is likely to bring about a fresh bout of wrangling between bird conservationists and hunters.

Hunters pay a licence fee and insurance that tot up to some €1.3 million a year.The amount is actually bigger because some opt for a higher insurance premium.

Video: Hunters fire a salute during the feast of St Julian's yesterday. More in Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.