This subsidiary legislation, published on 30 March 2026 as Legal Notice 81 of 2026, establishes a derogation to permit spring hunting of turtle doves (Streptopelia turtur) in Malta for the 2026 season. The regulations are issued under Article 9 of EU Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds and must be read together with the Framework Regulations for Opening the Turtle Dove and Quail Hunting Season in Spring.

The turtle dove is classified as a huntable species under Part B of Annex II of the Birds Directive. For the purposes of this derogation, "small numbers" is defined as a sample of 1% of the total annual mortality of the reference population. The reference population is understood as migratory birds from EU regions from which the majority of specimens passing through Malta originate. The calculation of 1% of annual total mortality for Malta's turtle dove reference population is set at 2,510 birds, based on a minimum breeding success of 2.029 chicks per pair and specified mortality rates for juveniles and adults.

The spring hunting season for turtle doves in 2026 is set for 20 April to 3 May 2026 (both dates inclusive), from two hours before sunrise until midday. The total quota for the season is 1,500 turtle doves across all hunting licences issued. All hunting must comply with the conditions specified in the Spring Hunting Licence and the framework regulations. The Minister may issue notice in the Government Gazette or by other means to immediately cease or postpone the season, and the hunting licence and these regulations shall cease to have effect upon such notice.

Wild Birds Conservation — Spring Hunting Derogation for Turtle Doves in 2026 (L.S. 549.183)