A Gozitan hunter threatened to kill volunteers patrolling the countryside to prevent illegal hunting practices, according to the German-based CABS.
The incident happened on Monday in Qala when a young hunter allegedly blocked the patrol car of bird guards from the Committee Against Bird Slaughter.
CABS said the hunter approached the birdwatchers, started shouting violently, swore at them and also threatened to kill the team leader. He was later summoned to the Victoria police station and apologised for his actions, which he put down to “frustration” at not managing to shoot a turtle dove.
CABS said its members did not press charges against him for the time being.
We told him that if any of our team members on Gozo were attacked or harassed again he would have to stand trial
“We told him that if any of our team members on Gozo were attacked or harassed again he would have to stand trial. It is now in his own interest to convince his hunting friends to let us work in peace in ensuring that birds can continue safely on their migration,” Craig Redmond said.
The incident followed the discovery of a massive illegal cage trap in Wied Għasri between Żebbuġ and the Tal-Ġordan lighthouse. The cage had 11 turtle doves trapped inside.
CABS alerted the police and in a joint operation with the army deactivated the trap and confiscated the birds.
The turtle doves will be rehabilitated and released after the end of the hunting season.
The spring hunting season closes today in what could possibly be the last if a referendum to stop hunting in spring goes ahead and gains majority support.
Spring hunting is allowed under a special EU exemption.
Hunters can only shoot turtle dove and quail, with an individual season limit of four birds and a daily bag limit of two.
Conservationists want the practice to stop since it coincides with the northward migration of birds from Africa to breed in Europe.
In 2009 the European Court of Justice ruled that the autumn hunting season was not a satisfactory alternative, which Malta took as an opportunity to open a limited and controlled spring hunting season.