Hunters want removal of hunting curfew

The Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FKNK) welcomed the extension of hunting hours in autumn announced earlier today by government and advocated the gradual removal of the curfew.

The federation insisted that the curfew was intended to curtail the number of hunters in the countryside.

The environment ministry has practically removed a hunting curfew that previously allowed hunting between the 15 and 30 September to stop at 3pm, by taking the curfew up to 7pm - practically allowing hunters to catch birds all day long.

"Despite the fact that legal hunters are being unnecessarily restricted during a perfectly legal hunting season, the FKNK will support government's first step towards gradually eliminating a curfew that was unilaterally imposed during such season and that only served to reduce the number of legal hunters out in the field who thus deter poachers," FKNK said. 

The ferderation stressed that it was taking full responsibility for its statement and underlined its determination "to remain evermore disposed to itself initiate any appropriate action as well as co-operate fully and unreservedly with the police in respect of any reported infringements."

The hunters' federation said that it recognised the severe pressures that have been created on the subject and fully supported efforts to curtail illegal activities.

"The FKNK wishes to emphasise the immense importance on the fact that protected birds are not targeted by the irresponsible minority."

In its "unrelenting effort to curtail any illegal activities in the field that could in any manner be connected with hunting," the FKNK appealed to the general public and more so to its members to report any witnessed poaching activities directly to the police.

The FKNK also warned that it will not tolerate any abuses and will revoke the membership of any of its members found guilty of poaching any protected birds.