The trapping season for song thrush and plover birds is set to open on Sunday and on 1 November respectively under strictly supervised conditions, the Ministry for Gozo and Planning said on Friday.

Detailing the 2024 derogation for the trapping of song thrush and plover birds, the Ministry, which is politically responsible for hunting and trapping, said that the government has considered the recommendation of the Ornis Committee.

It continued that the opening of the season for the trapping of song thrush birds is from 20 October 2024 to 31 December 2024, with both dates included. Concerning plovers, it said that the season is from 1 November 2024 to 10 January 2025, with both dates included. There is a national quota of 5,000 song thrush and 700 plovers, it said.

The ministry stated that anyone who is licensed to trap the two bird species is obligated to immediately report any instances of the birds that he catches. These reports can be made by calling the number 8000 2020 free of charge from a mobile number registered in the individual's name. Alternatively, the reports can be made by using the Game Reporting MT mobile app. The ministry said that the two systems confirm the report by sending back an SMS as confirmation.

If a song thrush or plover is caught with a scientific ring, the ministry said that the individual must write all the details in the ringing form issued in the name of the person with the licence. It continued that any trapping effort which does not catch a song thrush or clover is also to be reported by using the previously explained methods.

The Ministry concluded that anyone in possession of the special licence for the trapping of the song thrush and plover is legally obliged to observe all the regulations linked to this derogation.