Call for close season to be brought forward

BirdLife Malta has again argued that the close season should be brought forward, both for the sake of Maltese breeding birds as well as for migratory birds.

"By this time, any species that might have attempted to breed would have already been shot and the current laws do not give adequate protection to migratory birds returning to northern countries to breed," the society said.

Today, May 23, marks the start of the close season for hunting on land. It means that no hunting or trapping of birds can be practised until August 31. The trapping season has been closed since April 11.

However, rabbit hunting is allowed from June 1 to December 31, thus creating a loophole as some hunters continue to hunt for birds claiming they are out rabbit hunting. This means that the next nine days are the only days in the Maltese Islands when no form of hunting or trapping is allowed whatsoever. Any hunter carrying a loaded shotgun is automatically breaking the law until May 31.

From June 1 to August 31, any hunter caught with a loaded shotgun must prove ownership of the land he is hunting on, or that he has permission from the landlord to hunt rabbits, and that he is in effect hunting for rabbits.

Birdlife Malta appealed to the authorities to be exceptionally vigilant at this time because there were still hunters and trappers who continued pursuing their activity illegally.

"In Gozo, many trappers still continue using mist-nets illegally, both during the trapping season as well as in the closed season. It is easy to check for these, as very often they are located in eucalyptus plantations and the tops of the poles can be spotted even from a distance.

"These were particularly evident in some areas off Gharb, and in the valleys around Nadur and Xaghra among others," BirdLife said.