Hunters ‘best deterrent against illegal shooting’ – FKNK

Once again the hunters' federation (FKNK) reminded its members to abide by the law and report fellow law-breaking hunters to the police.

FKNK warned its members, that as from today, up to 7 October 2013, hunting is not allowed after 7:00 pm. 

During the same period hunting is not permitted after 1:00 pm on Sundays and public holidays.

"At the risk of being repetitive, the FKNK again, seriously warns its members that illegalities that may be attributed to hunting and that may occur at any time throughout the season will not be tolerated.  During this sensitive period, FKNK members are urged to keep a sharp look out for anything that could ill-affect traditional and legal hunting."

In recent days a number of protected birds, including a black stork and honey buzzards were shot down by hunters and these shootings were reported by BirdLife and Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS).

FKNK said it would take drastic disciplinary action against any member who may be found "in serious breach" of the hunting regulations, including revoking their membership without which, hunting licence renewal is not permissible. 

"Again, the FKNK instigates its thousands of members who abide by current regulations to do their utmost to ensure that any person, responsible for any criminal act related to shooting, be brought to justice; the illegalities reported to have occurred in Gozo yesterday being no exception." 

FKNK urged its members to assist the police in their duties and to report any illegalities they may observe directly to the police authorities on 21224001. 

It reminded that such reports could be made anonymously by any FKNK member as well as by the general public.

"It has again been made evidently clear that legal hunting, and therefore genuine hunters' presence in Malta's countryside, is the best deterrent against illegal shooting of protected bird species," the federation said.