The Wild Birds Directiveprovides that certain species of birds may be hunted. Member States are to ensure that the practice of hunting complies with the principles of wise use and ecologically balanced control of the species of birds concerned. In particular, migratory species are not to be hunted during their return to their rearing grounds.
The opening of the spring hunting season for quails and turtle doves for approximately two months, during their migration period, which results i a mortality rate three times higher for quails and eight times higher for turtle doves than that |