Kaccaturi San Ubertu (KSU), in a statement regarding the amendments implemented for the 2016 spring hunting season announced today, said that "these amendments address the call for restrictions on the hunting as part of Turtle Dove Conservation Actions proposed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)."

KSU said that spring hunting is applied under derogation for two specific species, namely the Turtle Dove and Common Quail. The Common quail enjoys a favourable conservation status.

"It is a known fact proven by years of observation and official records that the migration of Common Quail occurs earlier than that of Turtle Dove. This fact was reflected by the opening of the spring hunting season earlier in April."

KSU's recommendations to the Government referred to hunter-financed scientific studies and a compensatory breeding programme for Turtle Dove and the retention of the hunting dates previously in force. "This was done specifically not to negate the `satisfactory solution' for quail hunting in spring referred to by the European Courts of Justice."

"Whilst commending the decision to open the season KSU contend that the dates in force for this spring hunting season unnecessarily restrict quail hunting even more so following a poor autumn season," KSU concluded.

Permalink: Spring hunting dates unnecessarily restrict quail hunting – KSU