The minister responsible for hunting Clint Camilleri and the FKNK have come to an agreement as to how hunters can hunt turtle doves and over a "research project" involving the capturing of songbirds during autumn.

In a statement, the FKNK said that the minister held two meetings with an FKNK delegation.

"In one of the meetings, officials from the Wild Birds Regulation Unit (WBRU) were also present."

"Both sides discussed a number of items, including certain proposals related to hunting and trapping. In particular, lengthy discussions about the hunting of turtle-doves during the September hunting season as well as the research project regarding song birds in Autumn.

"Agreement was found as to how these two practices are to be practiced by hunters and trappers legally, and how the data that hunters and trappers report during the season will continue to contribute to the evidence of sustainability of both practices," the FKNK said.

The FKNK reminded trappers that they have between 29 August and 3 September to file their applications.

The trapping of songbirds is highly controversial, Brussels has also threatened to take Malta to court over the practice.  

BirdLife Malta has been calling for the autumn hunting season to open after the 15 October to avoid the shooting of protected birds of prey.