The hunting of birds on land is permitted between today and January 31 on weekdays and Saturdays from two hours before sunrise to two hours after sunset.

On Sundays and public holidays, hunting is only allowed until 1pm.

Between September 15 and October 7, hunting will not be permitted between 7pm and two hours before sunrise of the following day.

The same restrictions apply to hunting of birds at sea, which is permitted from October 1.

Anyone caught shooting or trapping protected species will incur a €5,000 fine and a year in prison, as well as having the shotgun confiscated and being slapped with a permanent ban on obtaining a hunting or trapping licence.

A second offence will incur a €10,000 fine as well as two years behind bars.