The government today announced the dates of the autumn hunting season, saying hunting on land will be allowed between September 1 and January 31 from two hours before dawn to two hours after sunset, Mondays to Saturdays. Hunting on Sundays and public holidays has to stop at 1 p.m.

In order to protect birds of prey, no hunting will be allowed after 3 p.m. between September 15 and September 30.

Hunting at sea may take place between October 1 and January 31.

The dates are the same as last year.

The governemnt said the dates were established on the basis of recommendations by the Ornis Committee.

The committee also recommended application of a derogation to allow trapping for turtle dove, quail, song thrush and golden plover. In terms of the EU's Birds Directive, the government felt that this recommendation needs further information and assessment before it can be applied.

This is the first time that trapping for turtle dove, quail, golden plover and song thrush is not being allowed.


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