Wild birds and the law
Bird hunting, trapping and collecting is regulated by a number of international, national and regional laws, regulations and agreements. The basic rules are relatively easy to explain, but the devil is always in the details. Even experts cannot always simply say what is allowed and what is forbidden. At this point, we just want to explain the basics.
The EU Birds Directive
The EU Birds Directive regulates the protection of breeding areas and migratory routes as well as the hunting of wild birds. It is our most important legal instrument in bird protection.
Derogations in the EU
Some countries have special rules and permits to allow the otherwise illegal shooting or trapping of protected bird species.
Other legal instruments
The Bonn Convention and the Berne Convention also regulate bird protection at the international level, and there are national laws in each country.