At the FACE General Assembly on 24th September, discussions focused on agricultural policy, bird conservation, large carnivores, protected areas and ammunition.

The European Hunters’ Conference, which followed the General Assembly, focused on the impact of Brussels’ decision-making on hunting and conservation in Europe, especially on large carnivores and migratory birds.

A session on hunting and the media also formed part of the agenda.

On the 27th, FKNK hosted Camilleri as well as high-ranking officials from FACE and CIC to a dinner at Caviar & Bull Restaurant in Budapest with Maltese chef Marvin Gauci, who is a FKNK hunter member, providing them a meal based on Maltese game.

The meeting happened the same week a number of protected birds were allegedly shot illegally and just days before flamingos were shot and killed in Malta.

At least three protected birds were believed to have been shot during that week. A few days later, at least four flamingos were shot down, leading to FKNK issuing a statement condemning the illegal hunting.

“FKNK will continue to work, both locally and at European and international level, in favour of the socio-cultural and sustainable traditions of hunting and trapping in the Maltese islands,” Secretary General Daniel Xriha said.

The FKNK said that its thousands of hunting and trapping members would never allow any offender to remain part of the federation, calling the hunter’s actions “acts of total disgust and condemnation”.

Camilleri has yet to respond to Lovin Malta’s questions over FKNK’s claim that Environment Minister Aaron had no right to ban hunters from Qawra Point.

What do you make of the current hunting situation on the island?