Hunter fined €2,000 for being in possession of ammunition after hunting hours

A hunter in Gozo has been slapped with a €2,000 fine and had his licences suspended after approximately 100 shotgun cartridges were found in his car, two hours after the close of hunting hours.

Anthony Camilleri, 56, from Gozo, was charged with carrying ammunition after hunting hours as well as with breaching the conditions of his hunting licence. 

An ALE patrol had stopped Camilleri at Wied il-Mielah and had found the box of shotgun cartridges in his car. The discovery of the ammunition took place at 13.45 – after the close of hunting hours at noon. However, no shotgun was found in the man's vehicle.

But Magistrate Joe Mifsud noted that the law specifically prohibited the carrying of ammunition during the closed season, reading  "no person shall during the closed season for the hunting of birds not at sea, hunt, or attempt to hunt any bird, or carry ammunition or a fire arm outside its case.”

The quantity of ammunition found was also considerable when compared to the bag limit.

Stressing that the limited spring hunting season had to be strictly enforcemed to avoid abuses, Magistrate Mifsud said he would not tolerate any illegalities or breach of the regulations.

Camilleri was found guilty of the charges and fined €2,000. His hunting and weapons licences were also revoked for two years and the shotgun ammunition was confiscated.

Inspector Edel Mary Camilleri prosecuted. Lawyer Anthony Stellini appeared for the accused.