I refer to the article by Natalino Fenech entitled ‘Close the hunting season? Why?’ (The Sunday Times of Malta, October 2).

Dr Fenech shares the same arguments that I put forward at Ornis meetings during my time as a committee member. I always wanted to make my views public but considering that I am an ex-hunter, it would perhaps have been difficult for the public to accept them.

However, coming from Dr Fenech, who I always admired for his forthrightness, such arguments carry more weight. The authorities should take on board his expert advice when it comes to pressure by Birdlife to stop hunting altogether.

I endorse Dr Fenech’s view that the days of aiming at anything that flies are over. It is true that we have come a long way and proof of this is Birdlife’s claim that 20 birds were illegally shot down in 20 days. Previously, triple this number would have been shot in one morning.

It is no longer a case of hunters competing over who will be the first to shoot at protected birds. Nowadays, genuine hunters know that their worst enemy is the poacher. Consequently, it is in their interest to report any illegalities. I repeat my advice to Birdlife that instead of being negative and demanding a total ban on hunting, they should cooperate with other NGOs to keep illegalities to a minimum.

We have managed to make big strides in a span of a few years and this is very positive.