FKNK submits proposals for sustainable hunting and trapping

Proposals intended to ensure the success of a derogation to ‘special license’ turtle dove and quail hunting in spring have been submitted by the Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FKNK).

In a statement, the federation said its proposals were in strict compliance with the European Court judgment and further proof of its determination to improve the level of sustainable hunting in Malta.

The FKNK said it would renew an application for an EU Life+ Project to captive-breed and release turtle doves and quails.

This measure involved captive-breeding birds from wild stock caught by local trappers and releasing both the off-spring and most of the breeding stock into the wild following the end of the spring season and before the commencement of the autumn season.

The federation said it was prepared to take all possible steps to follow the principle of sustainable hunting. Although restrained by the small size of the hunting territory and other limitations, it intended to make a start at returning to, instead of just taking from, the wild.

This measure would further compensate to a degree the net numbers taken by hunting and trapping.

The FKNK proposed that the specifications for the construction of hides/blinds for hunting/trapping purposes be incorporated within the regulations governing hunting and trapping.

The use of portable hides/blinds should also be encouraged.

This was necessary to ensure that hunters’/trappers’ hides or blinds were constructed in an environment friendly manner, ensuring that a recreational necessity did not become an eyesore, but blended better with Malta’s countryside

The FKNK said it would pass on an observation record chart to members to record on a daily basis the number of turtle doves and quail they observed in April and May.

It would then collect the charts and eventually produce a report from the recorded sightings.

The federation also wanted to organise a photography competition in association with the Malta Photographic Society to encourage members to take photographs of any wild birds they may encounter when hunting and trapping.

It said it also welcomed the BirdLife Malta spring camp scheduled for April to further curb unlawful activities and help respect law-abiding hunters’ and trappers’ rights.

In this sense, the FKNK would also be willing to pay for police on extra duties to accompany any individuals, couples or groups from the camp on their field-surveys during the period covered by the derogation. It was also willing to do the same for CABS, who were scheduled to be in Malta in April.

The FKNK said it would embark on a very serious name-and-shame campaign against illegal activities. This would be run on a daily reporting basis in collaboration with the police.

This, the federation said, would continue to foster responsible and sustainable hunting and trapping.