A statement issued by the Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FKNK) on Thursday says that recent research shows how turtle dove hunting in Malta is sustainable.
The results were obtained from data collected voluntarily by the organisation in September 2021. With regards to whether these birds are caught as adults or chicks, the study has reportedly shown that the autumn hunting season is sustainable.
The statement points out how this result, ‘together with other studies and research carried out by the FKNK also led to the fact that after a five year break, we had a turtle dove hunting season again in spring 2022.’
Hunters were asked by the FKNK to send an SMS during the hunting season in September 2022 whenever a turtle dove was caught, indicating whether it was an adult or a baby.
The FKNK also took issue with the Wild Birds Regulation Unit (WBRU) leaving the publishing of a notice about the season until the eve of the opening of the hunting season of September 2022.
The notice detailed information in regards to the quota of dove which can be caught, the allocated times and dates when hunting is allowed, and the obligations and responsibilities to be adhered to. The FKNK said that this mode of operating does not promote good relations and cooperation between the WBRU and hunters and trappers.
#MaltaDaily