Montagu’s Harrier, one of 18 protected birds targeted during this year’s spring hunting season. Photo: Birdlife Malta

Birdlife Malta yesterday released photographs of 18 injured and dead protected birds the organisation received during the spring hunting season, as the government lauded the results of increased law enforcement.

Birdlife also published a comparison of the number of shot protected birds recovered this year with spring hunting seasons in the same period in previous years. Only one less protected bird was targeted this year, the organisation said, contradicting government claims that less protected birds were shot down because of better law enforcement.

The government said in a statement that police inspections during the spring hunting season resulted in 54 suspected offenders being charged with a total of 63 offences. Only two of the offences registered were in connection with targeting protected species.

The government admitted receiving and investigating several reports of suspected targeting of protected birds, but said the evidence gathered through investigations so far was insufficient to identify and charge suspected offenders in court.

A total of 21 offences related to hunters’ reporting requirements: failure to declare shooting a game bird, not having the licence required or the carnet de chasse booklet needed to record shot birds, and hunters not declaring on their booklet that they went out hunting.

The spring hunting derogation depends on accurate and honest self-reporting of kills by hunters, but these were listed as “minor” offences in the government statement released.

Eleven violations were listed as more serious, including shooting of protected birds, illegal trapping, hunting in a bird sanctuary, hunting without a licence and during unpermitted hours. All cases are being prosecuted, the government said. It added that police officers carried out 2,105 physical spot-checks on individual hunters to verify compliance with special spring hunting licence conditions.

These spot checks were performed in addition to 2,178 routine field patrols and inspections carried out by the ALE, and “several hundred” further inspections by district units and Gozo police, government said.

Law enforcement officers also dedicated hours to interrogating BBC journalist Chris Packham, and summoned two wildlife conservation activists for questioning.

The spring hunting season for turtle dove and quail opened between April 12 until the end of the month, with 9,798 spring hunting licences issued.

It was marked by controversy from the start with the hunting lobby and some government officials condemning Queen guitarist Brian May for declaring his support for efforts to ban spring hunting.