By Lino Farrugia  

Over the years hunting ceased to be essential, nonetheless this does not eliminate the fact that game is recorded as a delicacy on any menu.Today hunting is a recreational sport since mankind has not lost the hunting instinct within his roots. Hunting is not just the kill, but a devotion throughout the year when hunters contribute immensely to nature through conservation of habitat, planting of trees, cleaning debris and so on. The hunter and trapper has become a part of nature’s pattern contributing towards wildlife besides acting as predator where necessary.

The hunter depends a lot on his hunting capabilities and understanding of his prey. These capabilities include the knowledge of ecology of habitat. It is never in any hunter’s interest to help in the decline or total extinction of a species.

The modern hunter, coupled with the science of ecology, produces the strongest force in the defence of natural habitat, making the hunter a manager of nature and wildlife, a necessity that all true conservationists recognise.

Ecology has also produced ‘protectionist’ movements, anti-hunting lobby groups whose interpretation of the science can be somewhat unscientific, often based on emotional and moral arguments. Whereas the safeguard of the natural environment requires co-operation amongst all interested parties from hunters, farmers, scientists and ‘protectionist’ groups, there exists two different ways. One is the ‘no use’ way favoured by the ‘protectionists’, the other being the ‘wise use’ conservative hunters’ way.

In Malta the rivalry between the hunters and the ‘protectionists’ could be even harsher due to the small size of the islands, than the rest of the world.

Due to the rivalry initially it was very difficult to get the hunters to collaborate in any study. Today the situation has somewhat improved and the Dederation for hunting and conservation (FKNK) is getting much more support and feedback from its members for any study. The Federation had also reached an agreement with the Maltese government in 1997, which stated that a scientific study regarding the migration of birds, and the effect of hunting and trapping on the birds, be undertaken.

Hence it is very clear that the modern hunting community has to be well-versed in ecological knowledge, obtainable only through such first hand unemotional studies. When necessary these studies can be used as a major force in favour of the sports and in the promotion of nature conservation.

Mr Farrugia is secretary of the Federation for Hunting and Conservation

  By Marica Mizzi

Of course hunting should be abolished, and for that matter so should trapping. Tradition, hobby and sport have always been used to defend the indefensible.

Cock fighting, bear baiting and dog fighting all once fell under those banners. But they have all been abolished now.

Sport? This is the most laughable and blatant misnomer. Granted, watching our national football team play may disprove this concept, but in theory sport should be a pastime in which both parties taking part have an equal chance of winning. In addition, those taking part should do so voluntarily. So how can hunting ever be a sport?

Tradition? Well traditionally humans used to live in caves. But one of the joys of civilisation is that we evolve and move forward, away from traditional things, to modern things. So, if hunting was ever a tradition, it certainly isn't appropriate now.

Hobby? To get enjoyment hunters kill birds, and in so doing, deprive many others of seeing these beautiful creatures alive?

Hunting can never be acceptable as a hobby if it deprives others of enjoyment and takes away the life of an innocent creature.

The issue is not only an animal rights issue, it's a human rights issue as well. Hunters infringe the rights of humans, to enjoy birds in their habitat, to walk unhindered in the countryside, to peaceful mornings in the spring and autumn and to a lead-and-empty-cartridge-case free environment.

The only question is not, "Should hunting be abolished", but "When will hunting be abolished". The policy of World Animal Conscience is to be against the killing, or mistreating of any creature for pleasure.

Ms Mizzi is Director of World Animal Conscience.