BirdLife (Malta) plan to yet again provoke Maltese hunters and trappers this spring – as they did last September, they will also be inviting foreigners to assist them play policemen, according to the Federation of Hunting and Conservation (FKNK) yesterday.

Between 14-29 April, during which “the society is hoping for a hunting closed season”, and by what is being termed as a ‘camp’, BirdLife (Malta) and their foreign guests, intend to maintain “a strong presence in the countryside to make sure that hunters respect the law...”

However, if Malta still allows spring hunting, “...then volunteers will be needed to demonstrate the impact of this hunting season, by recording the extent of hunting in spring, while at the same time making sure that hunters do not target protected species,” the FKNK said.

If spring hunting is banned, the scope of the camp will consist of monitoring the countryside to record any hunting activity taking place. This will involve using both static and active observation posts to look for hunters in the countryside, reporting any illegal activity to the police authorities, recording evidence using hand-held video and still cameras, and keeping illegal hunters under observation until the police arrive at the scene.

If spring hunting is not banned, the work of the camp will focus on recording the impact of intensive hunting on migrating turtle dove and quail to demonstrate the negative impact of these activities to the European Union, the government of Malta and the public.

The camp will also record the illegal hunting of protected species (all species except for turtle dove and quail) and liaise with police to make sure the criminals are apprehended. Camp activities are carried out every day during the morning and afternoon.

“The FKNK regards this insulting plan as being organised by supposedly a Maltese organisation out of spite and envy for fellow citizens. The FKNK also hopes that the Maltese Police Corps retains some pride and will not be led by amateurs, Maltese or foreigners, in the carrying out of their duties, while all other local authorities should seriously reflect about the dangerous consequences that may result from this confrontational plan,” said FKNK’s secretary, Lino Farrugia yesterday.

“FKNK will issue and publish very clear and legal directives to its members, regarding their legitimate right to practise hunting and trapping; trespassing and rights of land ownership; foreign interference; data protection; right of refusal to be filmed or photographed etc.” added Mr Farrugia.