'No room for changes' on spring hunting, longer season possible next year - PM

There is no room for changes to the government's decision on the spring hunting season, the Prime Minister said today in reaction to hunters' negative reception of the announced season.

"No there is no room for change. There may be operative details that I would be prepared to refine, obviously, but the general principles of the decisions announced are what they are," he said speaking from Abu Dhabi, where he is currently leading a trade delegation.

Dr Gonzi was asked to react to the Wednesday ultimatum that the Hunters Federation gave to the government to change its proposals for the hunting season which is meant to be open for a week between 24 and 30 April.

Under the regulations announced on Friday, hunters would have to apply for 2,500 special licences and only 3,900 quails and 3,600 turtle doves can be taken - when that tally is reached, the season ends.

Asked to react to the hunters' complaint about the restriction of having only 2,500 people to hunt from some 10,000 hunters that usually hunt at this time, Dr Gonzi said that the government priority is to have control over the season.

"I hope that there will be a sense of responsibility because if the rules are broken and there is abuse, then the whole argument on which we based our case so far will collapse. I am convinced that there are serious hunters who understand the government's position and who will do their best to encourage us to keep moving ahead in this area in full respect of everyone's position and the law."

Dr Gonzi said the possibility existed of extending spring hunting to three weeks next year in agreement with the European Commission.