Spring hunting to open on 14 April, pending referendum result

The environment ministry has announced it will open the spring hunting season for turtle dove and quail on Tuesday 14 April, pending the outcome of the abrogative referendum on spring hunting of 11 April.

Maltese voters will be asked to decide whether Malta should be allowed to derogate from the EU’s ban on spring hunting.

The Malta Ornis Committee, which decides on the derogation, has recommended the opening of the season.

The government said the season will open on Tuesday 14 April, and close on 30 April.

The national hunting bag limit for this season has been established at 11,000 turtle doves and 5,000 quail. Hunters are not to exceed the daily bag limit of two birds and a seasonal bag limit of four birds per hunter. They will be required to report their catch by calling the telephone number specified in the special licence and follow instructions given through voice prompts.

Hunting will only be permitted during the dates of the season from two hours before sunrise until 2pm between Monday and Friday and on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays from two hours before sunrise until noon.

Eligible licensed hunters must hold a valid hunting carnet de chasse for 2015/2016 and obtain a special spring hunting licence.

Applicants are required to present their identity card and a valid hunting carnet booklet, duly stamped by the police and a hunting organisation, with their application. They will be required to register a mobile phone number to be used for catch reporting purposes. Persons applying on behalf of a licensed hunter will be requested to present their ID card.

The non-transferrable special license, which is conditional on the outcome of the referendum, only permits the hunting of turtle dove and quail, and no other species.

Hunters are also legally required to declare every time they go out hunting or upon making a catch on Carnet de Chasse before leaving the hunting area. 

The ministry said that compliance with the relevant provisions of national legislation will be closely monitored and supervised. “Infringements will not be tolerated and convicted offenders will face the increased penalties stipulated in law,” the ministry said.