The hunting season for turtle doves and quails opens today and lasts till May 20, the Department of Information said yesterday. Hunting during this period will be allowed only on these two species of bird and only in places where it is allowed.

The government was expecting all hunters to observe hunting rules. No abuse would be tolerated, the DOI said.

Abusing hunters, it added, were the worst enemies of hunters who respected the law and would be endangering the future of hunting in Malta.