Malta’s hunting lobby has submitted a proposal to Minister Clint Camilleri to open a spring hunting season targeting the vulnerable European Turtle Dove, requesting permission to shoot up to 1,500 birds between 21st April and 4th May 2025.

The Federation for Hunting and Conservation – Malta (FKNK) presented the proposal directly to Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri during a meeting on Saturday, also pushing for permission to live-capture Turtle Doves using traditional clap nets under the guise of a “citizen science research project.”

This comes despite widespread concern over the declining population of Turtle Doves across Europe, with the species currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

The proposal has reignited tensions with BirdLife Malta, which has filed a Prohibitory Injunction Warrant against both the Government and the Ornis Committee — Malta’s hunting advisory board — to prevent the discussion from taking place at committee level.

FKNK dismissed the legal action as a “shameless” and “arrogant” move, pointing to previous failed attempts by BirdLife Malta to halt the spring hunt — including a European Court case in 2009, the 2015 referendum, and a series of unsuccessful court actions between 2022 and 2024.

In a strongly worded statement, the hunting federation accused BirdLife Malta of trying to “block the process” simply because it disagrees with it, while also questioning the organisation’s financial support from certain state entities.

FKNK has expressed full confidence in Minister Camilleri’s “wisdom and knowledge” on the matter, stating that the final decision now lies with him. The federation also announced plans to publish its full proposal and supporting documents online in the coming days.

Meanwhile, conservationists continue to call for a ban on spring hunting of Turtle Doves, arguing that targeting a vulnerable species during its migration period is incompatible with international conservation standards — and undermines Malta’s credibility on environmental issues.

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