Hunters today welcomed the government’s application of derogations from the EU’s Birds directive to once again permit the trapping of the golden plover, song thrush and seven finch species, trapping for which was suspended on December 31, 2008.

The hunters’ federation (FKNK) noted the very limited application and strict restrictions of the derogation especially compared to the practice before 2008.

It also noted the imposition of further restrictions in the application of the derogation for trapping of the golden plover and the song thrush in contrast to the derogation applied up to last January 10.  These restrictions are that

  • the construction of new trapping stations is being prohibited;
  • trapping stations, previously situated on garigue and other protected habitat, have to be dismantled;
  • trapping stations per trapper are now being limited to four;
  • Clap nets' sizes are now imposed;
  • The golden plover trapping season is being reduced by 10 days; and
  • Hefty increases in trapping licence fees and the introduction of costly new special licence fees.

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