Birdlife and the hunters’ federation, FKNK, have to accept what Lawrence Gonzi felt is in the national interest, to move forward. A mechanism has been agreed with the European Commission that offers a small relief to the hunters and a big disappointment to Birdlife. In other words, neither party can declare a just solution to their demands.

However, Malta (the public) has emerged victorious in the end, allowing a spring season with the consent of the Commission and avoiding the risk of another court case with its implications (fines). Birdlife should look at the positive side of this issue by joining the efforts offered by FKNK to tackle illegal activity.

The hunters, on the other hand, are way off from what had been promised. It is not easy for them to accept the limited spring hunting season. Dr Gonzi is fully aware of the promises made but reality has proven they were not acceptable to the Commission. It took months of negotiations to conclude on the government’s proposition. There are various methods to justify bag limits but unfortunately none would have obtained the green light from Brussels. Obviously, these figures do not reflect any form of scientific result but gives the Maltese hunter the opportunity to reclaim hunting in spring. Dr Gonzi has proven that with solid arguments and perseverance a solution to spring hunting was possible.

The hunters now know what formula has to be used to get the maximum spring bag quota. They also know that the autumn figures have a bearing to establish this quota. In this connection, I feel they should limit their bag takings for doves and quails in autumn once there are much more species to hunt, so that they may claim full quotas the following spring.

The birds listed as huntable are in no way endangered, otherwise they would have been declared protected. The problem is poaching, which all hunters are being blamed for. All NGOs and the police should work to a common aim – to enforce the law. It is not easy but possible.