The Conservation of Wild Birds (Framework for allowing a derogation opening a spring hunting season for turtle dove and quail) Regulations 2010 stipulate that during the Spring hunting season hunters are obliged to send a text message (SMS) as soon as a turtle dove or quail is shot dead.

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority set up a system through which SMSs sent on the set mobile numbers for turtle dove and quail were logged.

The number of reported birds shot dead is 1842 turtle doves and 366 quails.