Malta and hunting policy (2 Viewers)

ColD · Sep 25, 2012

Several emails from the last few weeks

Sorry I have been away without internet access and have just caught up with emails from this org. These may interest some of you !

25th SeptemberMedia Statement for IMMEDIATE Release:

“Labour said our demands were possible”

The Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) refers to the article published in the issue of the Sunday Times of the 23rd. September 2012 (and on its internet portal) wherein it was stated that: “The Labour Party has promised hunters it will amend legislation regulating the spring and autumn hunting seasons as well as the number of birds which can be shot, according to the hunters’ federation president”

This article in both its factual content and in the corresponding implications is, in its most important aspects misleading, untrue and incorrect. This ‘right-of-reply’ media release is precisely being made to clarify matters and state the truth, as the FKNK has always done:

- The FKNK President NEVER made the above statement;

- The fact that the FKNK has been involved in continuous discussions with representatives of the Labour Party on a technical basis has been publicly stated before and is no secret. The same can be said for meetings that have resumed with the Nationalist Party, also on a technical platform. The FKNK has always and will continue to do its utmost to safeguard the rights of its thousands of members and such meetings (as is the case with meetings on other areas represented by their respective associations and entities) normally culminate close to general elections time in official declarations issued by the FKNK on the position of both parties on the issue; no more, no less;

- The FKNK has NOT recently requested revision of hunting and trapping regulations with any emphasis on a tenfold increase in the bag limit. The FKNK has been requesting revision of regulations, including to the 2010 framework legislation, since enactment of Legal Notice 79 of 2006, and NEVER made any emphasis on a tenfold increase in the bag limit. This ‘tenfold increase’ is nothing short of a manipulation of an FKNK Press Conference address of the 10th instant, which can be accessed from: http://www.huntinginmalta.org.mt/uploads/53/865/Press_Konf_ECJ_anniv_10-09-12.pdf .

Whilst it is not clear as to what occasioned the grave misrepresentation of facts contained in this article, the extent of such misrepresentation is very substantial and goes well beyond what may normally be acceptable and thus required immediate redress. FKNK would like to think that the incorrectness of this article is not occasioned by any particular underlying agenda which has nothing to do with the facts at issue.

To try to warp facts and statements to make them sound blatantly in favour of one political party or another is not really sound journalism and if this article is anything to go by, then the FKNK feels sympathy for our citizens that are only being fed sensational elements interpreted in a manner that aspire to reach the agenda of a particular journalist or other.

In view of the implications of various incorrect and untrue statements in this article, the FKNK will be seeking legal advice in order to safeguard its interests and those of its members.

Lino Farrugia

Secretary General

23rd September Image for this is attached !!!!

‘Grandmaster’ CABS Overlooking Maltese Countryside from Atop Nadur Tower limits of Rabat Malta (Photo: FKNK)

‘Grandmaster’ CABS!

German based group, CABS’ arrogance, disrespect and disregard of legislation, privacy, data protection and private property know no limits, in the Maltese islands.

It seems as if the local authorities have no power to prevent CABS from breaching laws and regulations. Over and above, the local government imposes an afternoon hunting ban every September (nothing to do with EU regulations) when CABS personnel descend on our islands and are free to roam our countryside, be this private or State owned, they do not care, to play policemen.

Earlier this week, the Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) filed an official report with the Commissioner of Police against CABS, since these, yet again, trespassed into the FKNK’s Hunting Reserve at Miżieb.

Today, one sees a CABS personnel overseeing the Maltese countryside from atop the historic building of Nadur Tower which is found at the limits of Rabat, Malta. From up there this person must believe to be another foreign ruler of the Maltese islands, as were the Grandmasters from the Order of St. John who ruled the islands between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, and who had in fact erected Nadur Tower.

Lino Farrugia

Secretary General

20th September

The Prime Minister in a Meeting with FKNK Officials

A delegation of top officials from the Federation for Hunting & Conservation - Malta (FKNK), led by its President Mr. Joe Perici Calascione, met the Prime Minister, Dr. Lawrence Gonzi and the Minister responsible for Tourism, Culture and the Environment, Dr. Mario Demarco.

The meeting focused on hunting and trapping issues particularly on the application of a derogation from the “Birds” Directive to open an autumn/winter trapping season. FKNK reiterated their opinion, as expressed during the Ornis Committee meeting, that such a derogation can be applied to permit trapping for the seven finch species.

The Prime Minister referred to the reasoned opinion that Malta received in relation to the application of past trapping derogations and said that government was considering solely the application of a derogation to permit trapping on two species, the golden plover and the song thrush, as recommended by the Ornis Committee.

During this meeting other topics were discussed including spring hunting, fixed autumn/winter hunting seasons, CABS and 'drones', the Majjistral Park, close-rings for captive bred birds, wild rabbit hunting and trapping, the carnet de chasse and law enforcement. Other matters discussed, which concern the Tourism and Environment Ministry were Birders’ Tourists and the Natural History Museum Curator.

At the end of the meeting it was confirmed that other meetings on a regular basis would ensue between the Ministries and the FKNK to further tackle all issues discussed.

Lino Farrugia

Secretary General

ColD · Sep 25, 2012

AND THE FACE MEETING !!! The judges comments are ...

FACE CELEBRATES 35TH ANNIVERSARY

EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik thanks FACE in a special address supporting the preservation of Europe’s species and habitats

FACE celebrated its 35 years of working together for hunters, society and nature during a series of gatherings last week.

FACE GENERAL ASSEMBLY - 6 SEPTEMBER

The representatives of the European hunting world from 25 countries gathered in Brussels for the annual FACE General Assembly on Thursday 6 September. The intensive meeting covered a broad range of topics impacting on hunting in Europe, with FACE Members discussing its activities in FACE’s 12 work areas, each crucial to hunters - ranging from Member Services, to Animal Welfare & Health, Firearms & Ammunition and of course Nature & Wildlife Conservation. The wide variety of issues discussed is representative of the importance and breadth of the EU’s influence.

FACE Leadership Elections

FACE is the largest democratically representative body for hunters in the world, with elections for its President, representative Board and Bureau taking place every three years. Each country represented within FACE receives one vote. The Board is composed of the 5 biggest hunting countries as well as 6 representatives covering each of Europe’s regions (see graphic at end for new composition 2012-15).

Gilbert de Turckheim was unanimously re-elected by the FACE membership as FACE President. As FACE President during the past 9 years, Gilbert has chaired FACE’s main gatherings and led the organisation through a time of great change. His success in the role has made him by far the longest-serving President FACE has ever had.

FACE’s long-standing Secretary-General Yves Lecocq officially stepped down after 28 years in the role and FACE’s Chief Executive Angus Middleton who has led the FACE Secretariat in Brussels for the past 4 years was unanimously named FACE’s Secretary-General, thus consolidating the two roles.

The intensive meeting was followed by a special evening Reception in the heart of Brussels’ EU Quarter where FACE Members Delegates celebrated with key officials from the European Commission and Parliament, long-standing FACE personalities, partner conservation organisations and industry representatives.

35 YEAR CELEBRATIONS DAY - 7 SEPTEMBER

Member of the European Parliament & President of the European Parliament Sustainable Hunting Intergroup Véronique Mathieu opened the Day by expressing her deep support for FACE and its aims in a speech where she also paid homage to FACE President Gilbert de Turckheim before he took the floor for the President’s Address.

EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik gave the day’s key note address, congratulating FACE on its achievements and also provided points of consideration as well as a perspective on specific issues such as Large Carnivores, Natura 2000 and Invasive Alien Species. The Commissioner took questions from FACE Members and provided an opportunity for open dialogue between the European hunting representatives and the leader of European environmental policy.

The Commissioner appreciated FACE’s contribution and constructive role in the conservation of Europe’s nature. He emphasised the positive impact FACE and its members have made since 1977 and its exemplary dialogue and collaboration with other conservationist stakeholders. He especially mentioned the Sustainable Hunting Initiative as a “very good example of constructive dialogue between all different parties involved and shows how much can be achieved through proactive involvement and cooperation.” Commissioner Potočnik concluded his speech “by thanking you once again for your involvement and support, your constructiveness and readiness to help and cooperate.”

Yves Lecocq, FACE’s longstanding Secretary General of 28 years, charted the history of hunting in Europe with a dynamic session – FACE: 35 Years in the Making, reflecting on the great milestones for hunters and other conservationists in Europe since 1977. The presentation included interventions by FACE founding fathers, personalities and longstanding partners. This Celebrations Day was more than the chance to reflect on the past, but rather to draw on the 35 years of knowledge and experience in the evolution of hunting and conservation in Europe so as to best inform our shared future.

Building on this invaluable experience gained through FACE’s Members and Partners, the European hunting community engaged in an interactive thought-provoking panel discussion on The Outlook for Hunting featuring high profile speakers including eminent wildlife biologist John Linnell, key officials from the European Commission Nick Hanley and Eric Peters. The session was moderated by Dr. Michl Ebner, a long-standing Member of the European Parliament and now Honorary Member of FACE.

In contrast the Members’ General Assembly the day before where FACE’s work was discussed in technical detail, this session looked at the greater picture of hunting in Europe and raised the big questions surrounding our future. The panelists agreed on the great challenges that await hunting and hunters in Europe, to be shaped by political and economic factors, the future of the EU, and our ever-changing society and the impact of mass urbanisation. The benefits hunting does have for society and the potential it has to offer Europe in the 21st century were also outlined. Consensus existed on the importance of clearly profiling the benefits of hunting and finding a dialogue with the public and also other conservation stakeholders so as to improve understanding and sustain hunting in the future. A prominent message was that in these challenges lie great opportunities.

Judge Nicholas Forwood, EU Court of Justice provided the verdict of the day, noting the importance of the 35 year retrospective session, and quoting British historian Arnold Toynbee of the rise and fall of civilizations “History not used is nothing, for all intellectual life is action. Like practical life, and if you don’t use the stuff well it might as well be dead.” Forwood highlighted the political life of FACE, and the fact that organisations thrive together when they have a clearly identified common purpose. He drew on the message that any ‘enemy’ of hunting needs to be identified as a problem or issue rather than a specific group – something that FACE has done with great success in the past 35 years, finding the common ground with seemingly opposing groups. The critical impact of perceptions of issues was underlined, and how best to manage the public perception of hunters and hunting in an ever-changing and rapidly urbanising world whilst continuing to provide a solid scientific base for the activity. Forwood gave his judgment by recalling Véronique Mathieu’s opening words: FACE has shown over its last 35 years that it is indeed “a reliable partner with great added value”. Forwood judged that “the added value is still going to be necessary, even more so than in the past and I personally hope as I’m sure everyone in this room does that we will see that contribute to a revaluation of the hunter in the eyes of the average European citizen.”

The high-profile nature of the speakers, panelists and participants reflect the impact and recognition FACE has achieved in the last 35 years - the benefits of which are felt not only in Brussels but in every hunter’s experience in Europe. As FACE steps forward for European hunters, to address an increasing number of challenges, it does so with a breadth and depth of shared experience, and a deep appreciation of its Members, the individual hunters they represent, of Europe, of nature, of people and of politics.

FACE President Gilbert de Turckheim closed the day by conveying vivid pictures of the individual hunter – whether it be a Finnish hunter, waking at dawn and heading out with his dog in freezing conditions or a Southern European hunter who waits all summer for the passing of the birds – reminding us all to think upon the passion that unites hunters. “Hunters are absolute determined to engage in the discussions and dialogues so as to ensure the future for the beautiful nature and hunting of Europe”.

The Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK), a FACE member since 1987, was represented by its President Joe Perici Calascione and Secretary General Lino Farrugia.

**ENDS**

NOTES TO EDITORS

PHOTOS & LINKS

FACE Members’ General Assembly Meeting on Thursday 6 September: http://www.flickr.com/photos/face_eu/sets/72157631510117314/FACE 35 Years Celebration & Reception: http://www.flickr.com/photos/face_eu/sets/72157631510509624/

Keynote Address by the Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik is available through the Commission Releases in English only: http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH%2F12%2F593&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=enWHAT IS FACE?

FACE is the European Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation.

Established in 1977, FACE represents the interests of Europe’s 7 million hunters as an international non-profit-making nongovernmental organization (NGO).

FACE is made up of its Members: national hunters’ associations from 38 European countries including the EU-27. FACE also has 4 Associate Members and has its Secretariat in Brussels.

FACE upholds the principle of sustainable use, has been a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 1987, and more recently of Wetlands International. FACE works with its partners on a range of hunting-related issues, from international conservation agreements to local implementations with the aim of sustaining hunting across Europe. www.face.eu

• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Greece
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta

LIST OF 25 ATTENDING FACE MEMBER COUNTRIES:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France

LIST OF SPEAKERS AND PANELLISTS:

*more information available on request

•Janez Potočnik, EU Environment Commissioner
•Véronique Mathieu, Member of European Parliament & Current President of the European Parliament Sustainable Hunting Intergroup
•Michl Ebner, FACE Honorary Member, Member of European Parliament 1994-2009
•Nicholas Hanley, Head of Unit International Relations & Enlargement, European Commission, DG Environment
•John Linnell, Senior Researcher, NINA (Norwegian Institute for Nature Research)
•Eric Peters, Advisor at the Bureau of European Policy Advisors of the President of the European Commission
•Nicholas Forwood, Judge at the EU Court of Justice
•Gilbert de Turckheim, FACE President
•Angus Middleton, FACE Secretary General & Chief Executive
•Yves Lecocq, Senior Policy Advisor, FACE Secretary General 1983-2012
•Giovanni Bana, FACE Co-founder, Current Vice-President (Italy) and Former President
•Theo Veen, FACE Co-founder, Former FACE Board Member, Former Director of Royal Dutch Hunters’ Association (Koninklijke Nederlandse Jagers Vereniging)
•Anne Teller, European Commission, Directorate-General for Environment, Nature and Biodiversity
•Peter Lebersorger, Austrian Central Hunting Federation (Zentralstelle Österreichischer Landesjagdverbände)
•John Swift, FACE Treasurer General

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Marilise Saghbini, Communications Manager, [email protected] - +32 4 98 56 70 21
Lino Farrugia

Secretary General

ColD · Sep 25, 2012

Well we have seen what they do on their so called holidays !!

THIS IS THE LAST OF THREE POSTS, POSTED TODAY..... RELATING TO EMAILS RECEIVED FOR SEPTEMBER

19th September
:C :C FKNK :C :C

Notice to Members Hunters
Interview Survey regarding travel for holidays of Hunting

The Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FKNK) served to do a survey among its members regarding hunters travel holiday of game. The FKNK, therefore, commissioned an independent company 'statistician, so they choose FKNK 1000 member from among all hunters FKNK members, prepare the questionnaire in the mail days are jintbgħad to thousand members selected, and finally janaliżaw responses and issue a report and survey statistics.

The purpose of this survey is that the hunters are FKNK know how they travel, how often, why, where they are going and whether they consider such shooting out of sustainable islands. Also collected statistics as jsifrux actually not such a holiday, and why, and they intend isifru later.

The questionnaire should only take a few minutes to complete. It is important to fill out this survey questionnaire to succeed.

Therefore FKNK those who receive the questionnaire to follow instructions below:

· Who has not at hunting holidays abroad also has a section x'jirrispondi.

· Should read both the questions and rrisposti be as applicable to the individual.

· To be segwieti instructions carefully to the answers to the questions are also well.

· How to complete the questionnaire has jintbgħad through the envelope provided, by mail.

Needless stamp affixed to the envelope because the post is already paid. The FKNK served tassiguraw jibqu participants anonymous, say that no one has to know who they are or how they responded. So it is important not to include the name, address, phone number or ID number anywhere, both on the questionnaire and on the envelope.

Responses must jgħaslu FKNK at the latest by 15 October 2012, and every person who participates in taking part in the November 2012 mid rises lottery with a prize for one person holiday of five days turtle doves and quail hunting into Romania in the year 2013, fully paid, air, accommodation, food and hunting (some conditions apply). Because of this lottery is important that the questionnaire be returned by post in an envelope bearing a unique number provdutt.

If a participant has any questions about this survey or how to complete the questionnaire and jintbgħad can call on 21310448 or 99495133 numbers.

Thank in advance of the time and participation to those selected.

FKNK

Irish Kite · Sep 27, 2012

Its hard to know where to start with Lino and his ilk - they certainly seem to inhabit a parrellel universe. I also think CABS needs to start monitoring the activities of Maltese hunters travelling abroad since their contempt for basic wildlife laws in their own country is more than likely mirrored in their activities elsewhere:C

ColD · Oct 7, 2012

Change of PR tactic by Lino and his FKNK

Greater Flamingos Shooting Atrocity

The shooting by an individual near Qawra at a flock of Greater Flamingos, reported by BirdLife Malta (BLM), is a deplorable act that we unreservedly condemn. We augur that, as reported, the suspect allegedly identified by BLM will be brought to justice.

This flock of 40 birds had been sighted by several of our members in several locations along the eastern coast of our islands on the 2nd and 3rd October. In none of these locations where they were filmed and photographed, were any of these protected birds shot at.

We object, therefore, to BLM's claims of "illegal hunting being widespread and not isolated cases as claimed by the authorities". It is also wrong for BLM to make assumptions without first verifying the facts concerning this one isolated incident. Claims of birds "probably killed", unless proven, serve little purpose except to stoke hatred against all hunters without justification.

We understand BLM's frustration at seeing protected birds shot at, and we assure BLM that we share the same feelings. However, we strongly deplore their speculating about a known small problem that through our combined actions and those of the police is being steadily eradicated.

It is only through the apprehension of these irresponsible few that such illegalities will continue to be reduced drastically.

Both the Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) and the St. Hubert Hunters (KSU) are determined to intensify their efforts to see the perpetrator/s of an atrocious act such as the shooting of flamingos brought to justice. For this purpose we augur that there will be more co-operation between the police, BirdLife Malta, and our organizations, based on accurate reporting and sharing of information.

Lino Farrugia David Borg Cardona

Secretary General Secretary

FKNK KSU

ColD · Oct 10, 2012

I have not included the two images.

Reporting at its best :-O

Robert Camilleri, an FKNK Hunter Member The two immature Egyptian Vultures

admires one of the Egyptian Vultures just

a few meters from his hunting lodge

Photos: Natalino Fenech

Vultures Hunting

The 4th of October 2012 started off as another regular day out quail hunting for Charles Saliba, a Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) member and avid quail enthusiast.

Charles owns over 24 tumoli of prime quail hunting ground situated at the north-western part of Malta, known locally as 'ta Żuta'. Charles regularly takes out his dogs and scours his fields in the hope of bagging a few quails, however, unfortunately this season turned out to be relatively poor for quail migration.

After working his way through the vegetation, as he does every hunting season, the dogs tirelessly running ahead nose to ground, out of the corner of his eye Charles glimpsed a big bird. Just 20 paces away to his right, Charles could make-out a large brownish bird descending onto the bare rocks just meters away. Our hunter immediately realised the bird was some form of raptor and looked at it in awe, a few seconds later a second low-flying 'monster' (Charles' words) passed him to join and settle with the first bird on the cliff rocks.

Charles proceeded to inch forward to get a good look at these marvellous birds and managed to get a firsthand look at 2 immature Egyptian vultures, preening and stretching in the hazy sunlight. Charles identified the 2 birds immediately, based on his years of experience and hours spent out in the field. Charles recounted that this wasn't the first time he had observed Egyptian vultures throughout his hunting career, though the plumage of these 2 birds put him off a bit initially, because Egyptian vultures' plumage is yellowish-white (in adult birds). Further peeking and observation satisfied Charles' experienced eye that these 2 birds were indeed immature Egyptian vultures.

Someone shouting from across the field also alerted Charles to the fact that he was not alone, an assortment of uniformed personnel, binoculars and cameras, where lined up across his fields. Charles lingered a few more minutes, observed the birds and the audience congregated opposite and decided to head back on his usual routine to try and flush a quail.

Mr. Saliba, personally contacted the FKNK so as to recount his story, but before leaving us he wanted to add how as he was moving away from where the birds were resting, his dogs seemed agitated. Hoping that one of his hounds had sensed a quail, Charles tensed to see what had triggered the agitation, however soon went cold when to his astonishment he saw a human head emerge from the fennel and discovered that a birdwatcher (non-Maltese and sporting a green t-shirt) had been secretly filming the whole scene. Had to, a quail suddenly flush, Charles might have shot and would have never had time to see this birder hidden in the bushes! The 'intruder' hurriedly left the scene without exchanging any words with Charles, who concluding by stating that he would have gladly let this person in his field for a better look at the vultures, but he was dismayed at the intrusion and lack of respect for his property.

Finally, the FKNK would like to thank its thousands of hunter members who respect the protected status of any protected species they happen to observe on a daily basis.

(as recounted by Mr. Charles Saliba, FKNK member,

to FKNK officials on 5th October 2012)

Joseph Buttigieg

PRO

PS Why the foreigner was secretly filming and thus spying Mr. Saliba’s doings is anybody’s guess.

ColD · Oct 18, 2012

Now CABS members cannot walk along the street !!

CABS MALTA REPRESENTATIVE CONVICTED OF A CRIME AND A CONTRAVENTION

David Camilleri, hailing from Malta’s sister island of Gozo and CABS (Committee Against Bird Slaughter) German based group local representative, has been found guilty of the criminal offence contemplating arbitrary exercise of pretended rights and of the contravention of “violation of private property”, by the Court of Magistrates as a Court of Criminal Judicature (Gozo).

Last April, Lino Farrugia, the Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) Secretary General, lodged a report with the police, after Camilleri, in the company of four other CABS’ members, entered private land without the owner’s permission.

Camilleri was arraigned in Court this October and was fined €75 for the criminal offence and a further €25 for the contravention after the Court of Magistrates found him guilty of the above-indicated offences.

Upon leaving the law courts, Farrugia and another witness who had also been summoned by the police in the same case, noticed that Camilleri, who in the meantime had changed and was sporting a CABS T-shirt, followed them for a while.

Farrugia has now lodged another report with the police regarding this apparent harassment attitude by Camilleri. :-O :-O :-O

Daniel Xriha

FKNK Secretariat

ColD · Nov 27, 2012

“The world can’t make a racehorse out of a donkey”

“Alternattiva Demokratika’s (AD) electoral manifesto will give prominence to hunting issues”: that is because they have very little else to talk about.

The Federation for Hunting and Conservation – Malta (FKNK) has always opposed extremists, wherever they come from: – AD is no exception. No tolerance, no understanding and no room for discussion or compromise – their way or the highway. AD only seems to sympathise with minority groups that fall within its limited list of “favourites” and if for some reason one does not agree with them they will throw away their teddy bears and go all out to try to destroy opponents.

The FKNK believes that this is not the way forward in today’s civilized society. The FKNK will continue to defend the local cultural and social passions of hunting and trapping within the ambits of European Nature Directives as these evolve with time. Spring hunting is one example, live-finch capturing another.

One would have thought that AD would have words of praise for Maltese and Gozitan hunters and trappers who have been fundamental over centuries for the maintenance of local habitats whether on privately owned land or on land rented for the practice of their passions. AD have not reinvented the wheel when they state that hunters should stay on their privately-owned or rented-out land, because this is precisely the way things have always been. AD are so confused that they say that hunters should not trespass, whereas, the way things stand today, it is exactly the opposite way round.

As the saying goes: “The world can’t make a racehorse out of a donkey” and with such bright ideas and complete intolerance AD will never make it to parliament.

The FKNK can ascertain that, yet again, its thousands of adult members and their families will not be voting for AD in the forthcoming elections. And if they do we will throw away our teddy bears

Lino Farrugia
Secretary General arhh bless :-O

ColD · Nov 29, 2012

For Socio-cultural , read H.neanderthalensis

The Derogation for Live-capture of two huntable Species is being

Correctly Applied and Enforced

BirdLife Malta (BLM) have been reported as stating that trappers are abusing the autumn trapping derogation at present in force to permit live-capture of the golden plover and the song thrush, because they are catching finches instead. Furthermore, they said that during their surveillance on Gozo they noticed that the police are not monitoring the derogation, and therefore the derogation is not thus being strictly supervised and being used as a cover to catch finches.

These are the latest BLM blatant incorrect allegations. BLM have no authority in subject matter and thus start shooting from the hip to tarnish the perfectly legal and well organized, and very well strictly supervised autumn trapping derogation, also on Gozo, for the live capture of two huntable species, as said, the golden plover and the song thrush. The 1100 or so trappers who applied for the special trapping licence under derogation for the autumn/winter trapping season had to, in the first instance produce a valid map of two trapping sites, duly registered with the Malta Police. No trapper is so stupid as to jeopardize his situation and try to 'abuse' any legal system, simply because, the trapper himself has already disclosed his geographical position to the authorities.

Secondly, the methods used for the trapping of the two huntable species are not the same that need to be used for live-finch capturing, and thus the application of the derogation cannot be abused or used as a cover to capture finches. For one thing, the 30mm sq net mesh legally used is the best deterrent in catching the diminutive finches - the mesh is simply too wide for finches to remain entangled in the nets.

Moreover, the police need all the praise for their efficient enforcement of the relative regulations that further guarantee that the derogation is being correctly applied. The Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) is also informed that the minor infringements that the police have come across in connection with the application of the derogation at present can be counted on the fingers of one hand.

Finally, the FKNK sees the correct application of this derogation as a precedent for the immediate future similar correct application of derogation, that a politically-willed government can employ to again permit the traditional socio-cultural passion of finches’ live-capture.

Lino Farrugia
Secretary General

ColD · Jan 28, 2013

Been some while since I have heard from this lot !!!!

NATURA 2000 Sites - Hunting and Trapping

BirdLife Malta (BLM)’s latest crude attempt to influence the electorate makes one wonder who really is ‘directing’ BirdLife Malta.

In his statement to the media regarding NATURA 2000 Sites, BLM’s Executive Director, Mr. Steve Micklewright, admits that “Almost all of these protected nature areas are (or should be) accessible to the public, either by public roads and footpaths, or as nature parks and reserves.” Therefore, it is completely incorrect for him to assert at the same time that “hunters and trappers have been allowed to rule the roost in the Maltese countryside”. In case Mr. Micklewright, a UK national, is ignorant of the fact, BLM’s UK partners, the RSPB, even permit hunting in some of their bird reserves or sanctuaries, also NATURA 2000 designated sites. Furthermore, Mr. Micklewright should be aware that in the UK various forms of hunting may be legally practised 24/7 throughout the whole year, so why should he come to Malta and militantly try to abolish our recreational socio-cultural hunting and trapping passions.

BLM’s demand that Malta’s designated NATURA 2000 sites be declared no-hunting zones is pure nonsense. Most of the land within NATURA 2000 is privately owned mostly by people whose way of life is hunting and trapping. In effect, this means they are also major stakeholders, and consequently their interests must be taken into consideration and respected. Whereas such zones are not totally protected, they are amenable to hunting and trapping since these activities are perfectly compatible in such zones, unlike what Mr. Micklewright would have the uninformed general public believe!

We refer Mr. Micklewright to the hereunder link which regards an EU FACE (Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation in the EU) project “NATURA 2000 and Sustainable Hunting in Europe” co-financed by the European Commission, in partnership (20%) with ELO, the European Landowners’ Organisation, and with the support of none other than BLM’s partners, BirdLife International. The Federation for Hunting and Conservation – Malta (FKNK) was an active participant in said project:

http://www.huntinginmalta.org.mt/uploads/90/892/NATURA_2000_Write-up_in_English-October_2007.pdf

Contrary to what BLM believe, this project proves beyond doubt that activities such as hunting and trapping may continue on NATURA 2000 sites as long as they are compatible with its conservation objectives. Moreover, since all NATURA 2000 sites will be placed under specific management, all activities, including hunting and trapping, will have to be legally practised and controlled, an ideal situation for the good of biodiversity conservation, that, though, BLM are too myopic to see.

Lino Farrugia

Secretary General

TWM · Jan 28, 2013

Mental!!

ColD · Jan 28, 2013

Haha TWM, bout sums him up, or 3

ColD · Feb 16, 2013

Lino's getting knickers in a twist again

Mr. Micklewright and BLM’s Arrogance

Since joining BirdLife Malta (BLM) in the position of Executive Director, Mr. Steve Micklewright, from the UK, has only transmitted incorrect and biased communications with regard to the local hunting and trapping scene. Maybe he still believes that, we in Malta are still living a century behind the times and that, therefore, anything told to us by persons from the UK is to be taken as Gospel truth.

Mr. Micklewright has now taken the Labour Party Leader, Dr. Joseph Muscat, to task, because Dr. Muscat has stated that he: “wants Maltese hunters and trappers to be treated like those in other European states” and that “Where derogations are applicable, we will apply them.” Does this, therefore, mean, that Mr. Micklewright and his lackeys, expect that Maltese hunters and trappers should be treated less than their European counterpart EU member citizens! Treated like 2nd Class EU Citizens! Could this maybe be the impression that the present state of affairs has inflicted on BLM and their like – that they are superior EU citizens? Does Mr. Micklewright and BLM’s arrogance extend so far as to expect local government to denounce its EU Membership-given right to apply derogations as and when necessary, as do other Member States including the UK (where over 1000 derogations are applied on an annual basis see: http://www.huntinginmalta.org.mt/uploads/90/900/UK_-bird-derogation-report2007.pdf)!

Mr. Micklewright has also deceivably and incorrectly stated that: “..hunters in the Maltese Islands can legally shoot 41 bird species during the five-month autumn hunting season, compared with just 18 wild bird species that can be hunted recreationally during the autumn season in the UK”.

Wild bird species, including game birds, only make an appearance over the Maltese islands according to natural migration circumstances and depend very much on the prevailing weather conditions. Such appearances are completely out of the context of any pre-set man-made autumn season since said species are never met throughout the stated 5 months, as Mr. Micklewright tries to imply, but only for a few weeks for each species, and in most cases none at all. As a matter of fact, out of the 41 bird species on the legal hunting list, the local current status sees 3 species listed as ‘very common’; another 3 as ‘common’; 11 as ‘fairly common’; 7 as ‘scarce’; 6 as ‘very scarce’; and 2 as ‘vagrants’. The other 9 species, added in May 2010 as a result of Romania and Bulgaria’s EU Membership are listed as ‘alien’, because these are not to be found occurring naturally in the wild in the Maltese islands, and Maltese hunters couldn’t possibly be also accused of hunting ghosts! (Zammit and Farrugia, 2012a and b).

Mr. Micklewright is both deceitful and incorrect when he ‘conveniently’ quotes UK figures. In the UK 22 bird species may be hunted, out of which 16 are migratory. Furthermore, 7 deer species may also be hunted, besides other game termed as ground-game such as the hare.

(http://www.facelive.2foo.com/sites/default/files/uk.en_.2010_0.pdf). Moreover, an innumerable number of both bird and mammal species may be taken by shooting, destruction of eggs and nests, use of cage-traps and lamping at night. These species, termed as ‘pests’ include: collared doves, woodpigeon, starlings, and other as far as bird species, and mink, rabbits and fox, and other as far as mammals are concerned. What’s more, and what Mr. Micklewright also conveniently forgot to mention is that for these species there is no open or close season since they may be taken 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year! (http://www.basc.org.uk/en/shooting/pest-and-predator-control/).

Finally, the Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) would like to state that it appreciates any administration that is willing to defend Maltese hunters’ and trappers’ rights within the parameters of the European Union Nature Directives and regulations.

Lino Farrugia

Secretary General

ColD · Feb 20, 2013

My daily dose of laughter

:-O :-O :-O Thank you Lino, you make my day :t:

20 February 2013

BirdLife Malta (BLM) – Arrogant, Insolent, Humiliating and Abolitionists

Through their influence in the Environment Protection Directorate (EPD), Schools and other related government agencies, BLM have been leading the authorities by the nose far too long. Therefore, the Federation for Hunting & Conservation – Malta (FKNK) hopes that a new administration puts right this discrimination against hunters and trappers, and ends BLM’s reign of favouritism.

At the last Malta Ornis Committee Meeting held before the forthcoming General Elections of the 9 March, BLM’s representatives on the Malta Ornis Committee, Joe Mangion and Nicholas Barbara, once again proved to be arrogant, shamefully insulting, and disrespectful towards the other Committee members, to the point of even humiliating the Chairman of the Committee, Louis Cilia. This hijack of the Ornis Committee meeting by BLM on the eve of a General Election is a clear indication of its intentions and motivations of which, bird conservation today only plays a very minor role.

Since March of last year, BLM had asked for the resignation of the Malta Ornis Committee Chairman, citing a no-confidence vote in the Chair. Furthermore, in protest they refused to participate at any of the Committee’s Meetings since then. It must be stated that at the first Meeting of the Committee that followed BLM’s no-confidence vote, a unanimous vote of confidence in the Chairman was tabled by the other Committee members.

Now, BLM, have decided to participate at the last Ornis meeting held yesterday in order to propose control measures regarding the hunting of the turtle dove and the quail for this autumn; this in an attempt to abolish the hunting of the same species in spring of 2014. Nicholas Barbara immediately made it clear at the beginning of said Meeting that they were only participating to push through their proposals. The elected members of the FKNK on the Committee, Joe Perici Calascione and Lino Farrugia, had immediately opposed that BLM’s proposal be put on the Meeting’s agenda because: BLM had not withdrawn their request for the Chairman’s resignation; BLM had a whole year to participate in discussions concerning controls; and besides, BLM’s proposals, as circulated to Committee members prior to yesterday’s meeting concern controls used in the UK regarding fish! Thus, when BLM’s agenda item was about to be discussed, the FKNK representatives walked-out of the Meeting in protest. The FKNK is informed that Government’s appointed hunting and trapping expert on the Committee, Henry Fenech Azzopardi, then again asked BLM to withdraw their Chairman resignation’ request, and since BLM flatly refused, Fenech Azzopardi also walked out of the Meeting. The FKNK is further informed that the other civil servants and government appointees went ahead with the Meeting, and that it was finally agreed that the MEPA EPD representatives will meet BLM separately to discuss BLM’s spring hunting abolition proposal.

Lino Farrugia 3

Secretary General

ColD · Feb 28, 2013

28/02/2013

The PN has Abolition Hunting and Trapping Maltese Islands

Only one word, which said yesterday the Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi and Leader of the Nationalist Party (PN), without hesitation, clearly showed that if the government recurrence after 9 March intends to abolish the hunting and trapping of the islands, as readiness to hold a referendum to kill the heart of Maltese traditions of hunting and trapping, that spring.

The Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FKNK) and San Ubertu Hunters (KSU) are of the opinion that this statement of the Head of PN waqqat the mask of Dr. Gonzi, except as against any standard of democracy and defeats any right it may have any one minority to defend principle and legal right.

The right of a minority can not be removed by a majority simply because it is more bsaħħitha numbers, moreover, the right of a minority is protected by law and by the European Union (EU). The referendum that we recently regarding divorce has not been rinsed some rights to Maltese, indeed, by virtue of the result, the rights of the Maltese were on the lines of the rights enjoyed by all other citizens of the EU. And so should be assured the rights of hunters and trappers and upgrading a true Maltese government.

*

The statement of Dr. Gonzi gives the impression that this is the first step to not only drastically depriving members of FKNK and KSU a right given to them by the Court of Justice of the European common, but is key to whereby further crushing any hope they may have the KSU FKNK and application of exceptions permitted by the EU. In other words, an absolute denial of the rights of a minority of over 10,000 adult members missieħba hunter and trapper in FKNK until last year, all European citizens.

This attack of Dr. Gonzi on hunters and trappers, who do not have doubt that it was a unilateral statement, but what ddetta Dr. Gonzi is an expression of the "policy" of the PN and beans x'biħsiebu do if government is again, well done on during this election campaign, neither nor KSU FKNK have not addressed a electoral programs of both political parties to guide their members. Something, that FKNK and KSU officially intend to address in the coming days.

Lino Farrugia David Borg Cardona

General Secretar KSU FKNK

PN irid Jabolixxi l-Kaċċa u l-Insib mill-Gżejjer Maltin

B’kelma waħda biss, li qal il-bieraħ il-Prim Ministru Dr. Lawrence Gonzi u Kap tal-Partit Nazzjonalista (PN), mingħajr tlaqlieq, wera biċ-ċar li jekk jerġa jkun fil-gvern wara d-9 ta’ Marzu bi ħsiebu jabbolixxi l-kaċċa u l-insib mill-gżejjer Maltin, peress li hu lest li jagħmel referendum biex joqtol il-qalb tat-tradizzjonijiet Maltin tal-kaċċa u l-insib, dik fir-rebbiegħa.

Il-Federazzjoni Kaċċaturi Nassaba Konservazzjonisti (FKNK) u l-Kaċċaturi San Ubertu (KSU) huma tal-fehma li din l-istqarrija tal-Kap tal-PN waqqat il-maskla ta’ Dr. Gonzi, apparti li tmur kontra kull norma ta’ demokrazija u tkisser kull dritt li jista’ jkollha kwalunkwa minoranza li tiddefendi prinċipju u dritt legali.

Id-dritt ta’ kull minoranza ma jistgħax jitneħħa minn maġġjoranza sempliċement għax din hija iktar bsaħħitha fin-numri; barra minn hekk, id-dritt ta’ minoranza hija protetta mill-liġi u mill-Unjoni Ewropea (UE). Ir-referendum li kellna dan l-aħħar rigward id-divorzju ma sarx sabiex jittneħħew xi drittijiet tal-Maltin, anzi, bis-saħħa tar-riżultat ta’ dan, id-drittijiet tal-Maltin ġew fuq l-istess binarji tal-drittijiet li jgawdu ċ-ċittadini l-oħra kollha tal-UE. U hekk għandhom ikunu assigurati d-drittijiet tal-kaċċaturi u n-nassaba Maltin u Għawdxin minn gvern vera Malti.

Id-dikjarazzjoni ta’ Dr. Gonzi tagħti lil wieħed x’jifhem li dan ikun l-ewwel pass drastiku li mhux biss jiċħad lill-membri ta’ l-FKNK u tal-KSU minn dritt mogħti lilhom mill-Qorti tal-Ġustizzja tal-Kommunijiet Ewropej, iżda tkun ċavetta li permezz tagħha tkompli titfarrak kull tama li jista’ jkollhom l-FKNK u l-KSU ta’ applikazzjoni ta’ derogi permessibbli mill-UE. Fi kliem ieħor, ċaħda assoluta tad-drittijiet ta’ minoranza ta’ l-fuq minn 10,000 kaċċatur u nassab membri adulti missieħba fl-FKNK sas-sena l-oħra, lkoll ċittadini Ewropej.

Dan l-attakk ta’ Dr. Gonzi fuq il-kaċċaturi u nassaba, li m’għandniex għalfejn niddubitaw li kien xi dikjarazzjoni unilaterali, imma dak li ddetta Dr. Gonzi hija espressjoni tal-“policy” tal-PN u x’biħsiebu jagħmel jekk jerġa jkun ful-gvern, sar ukoll meta tul din l-kampanja elettorali, la l-FKNK u lanqas il-KSU għadhom ma ndirizzaw il-programmi elettorali taż-żewġ partiti politiċi sabiex jagħtu direzzjoni lill-membri tagħhom. Xi ħaġa, li l-FKNK u l-KSU beħsiebhom uffiċjalment jindirizzaw fil-jiem li ġejjin.

Lino Farrugia David Borg Cardona

Segretarju Ġenerali Segretarju

FKNK KSU

ColD · Mar 7, 2013

mmmmmm

https://www.facebook.com/FKNKMalta?fref=ts

MJB · Mar 8, 2013

ColD said:
https://www.facebook.com/FKNKMalta?fref=ts

This appears to be available only to those who have succumbed to participating in Facebook

- any chance of a summary?:eat:
MJB

ColD · Mar 9, 2013

MJB said:
This appears to be available only to those who have succumbed to participating in Facebook - any chance of a summary?:eat:
MJB

Its their "about us" statement that got me, the rest is their usual sounding off, there is not much traffic on there, I was hoping to make some comments, but you have to "friend" them and I will not give them the satisfaction of getting numbers up. The last two paragraphs in the statement got me though

ABOUT///////
The National Association of Hunters and Trappers was formed on 17th September 1973, with the clear aim to preserve the Maltese traditional socio-cultural passions of migratory huntable wild birds hunting and capturing with selective nets for the purpose of keeping the caught birds alive in captivity. This is still the primary goal today.

In May 1982 the Association changed its name to The Hunters’ Association and in July 1984 the Association again changed its name by adding the word conservation. On the 22nd June 1998 the Association's statute was reconstructed so as to form The Federation for Hunting & Conservation - Malta (Federazzjoni Kaċċaturi Nassaba Konservazzjonisti – FKNK) which incorporates an average of 23 Associations from as many districts and specific committees.
The Federation first received recognition from foreign hunting circles in June 1982. On the 11th September 1987, the Federation joined FACE (The Federation of Association for Hunting & Conservation in the EU), and as such is represented at FACE Board level. FACE represents the interests of over 7,000,000 hunters throughout Europe, and as such incorporates Member Associations from 36 countries and 4 hunting related Associate Members. Officials from the Federation also act as ‘focal points’ for Malta with regards to NATURA 2000 sites on the Maltese Islands.
On the 26th May 1989, the Federation was also accepted as a member of CIC (The International Council for Game & Wildlife Conservation) and on the 6th July, 1995, the Maltese Federation was one of the founder members of AECT (The Association of Traditional Hunting in Europe). In the year 2000 the FKNK was also one of the founder members of the Communications Group within FACE, InterFACE.

In 2008 the FKNK formed part of FACE Members within the Mediterranean basin to set up FACE MED and also became a member of ELO (European Landowners Organisation). In 2010 the FKNK enrolled as an NGO with the Maltese Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations, and an Official from the Federation was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of OMPO (Migratory Birds of the Western Palearctic).

The FKNK is by far the largest NGO in the Maltese Islands with over 10,000 adult paid-up members in 2011.

The Maltese hunters and trappers are all experts in wild birds’ field recognition having been trained from a very early age. Hunters and particularly the odd 4,000 trappers have kept wild caught birds in captivity mostly for use as live-decoys, call-birds, for their song and also for captive breeding, which in turn renders Maltese hunters and trappers very well experienced in all aspects that concern migratory wild birds’ species over the Maltese islands.

Maltese hunters and trappers, and hunting and trapping related activities contribute €82,000,000 towards Malta’s Gross Domestic Product per annum (2007) or 0.60%.

MJB · Mar 9, 2013

Thanks for the info.

Any thoughts about the effect a change of government in the Maltese General Election?
MJB

FOOON · Mar 9, 2013

Birdlife Spring Watch 2013 14th-30th April.........

http://www.birdlifemalta.org/Content/SpringWatch2013/1189/#.UTtsBqDW3ag

Malta and hunting policy (2 Viewers)

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