Seasonal · Malta

Walking a dog in Malta during hunting season

Malta's hunting season runs from 1 September to 31 January. Most of the island's open countryside (Buskett, Mellieha, Dingli, Mizieb) becomes active hunting ground at dawn and dusk. For dog owners, this changes which walks are still safe.

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When and where hunters operate

The general hunting season runs 1 September to 31 January. Spring hunting (a separate season, mostly turtle dove and quail) runs a few weeks in April. Most active hunting happens at dawn (sunrise to roughly 10am) and dusk (4pm to sunset), which overlaps with the cooler walking hours most owners prefer in autumn and winter.

The hotspots are Mizieb (north-west), Mellieha (and the Marfa Ridge), Dingli Cliffs, Buskett, and the country lanes around Magħtab and Burmarrad. Inner-harbour towns (Sliema, St Julian's, Valletta, Gżira, Msida) are not directly affected, but the open garigue around Pembroke can have isolated activity.

How to keep walks safe

Stay on marked paths and avoid country lanes during dawn and dusk hours in hunting season. If you must walk early, choose the urban grid over the garigue or the village outskirts.

Keep dogs on lead in any rural area between September and January. Even a well-trained dog can spook at gunshots and bolt; recall in those conditions is unreliable.

Use a high-visibility vest or collar light on autumn-winter walks. Mistaken-target incidents are rare but not zero, and visibility helps.

Where Petme walkers shift to

During hunting season, Petme walkers in Mellieħa, Naxxar and St Paul's Bay typically shift the daily long walk away from the open countryside and toward the bay-side promenades or village core streets. The Mellieħa Bay promenade, the Bugibba seafront, and the Qawra Point coastal loop all stay safe year-round.

For inner-harbour owners, hunting season has no practical impact on walks. The Manoel Island perimeter, the Sliema promenade, and the Valletta gardens are urban-only.

Frequently asked

FAQs

When does Malta's hunting season run?
The general hunting season runs from 1 September to 31 January each year. A separate spring season (mostly turtle dove and quail) runs a few weeks in April.
Which areas should I avoid?
Open countryside at dawn (sunrise to ~10am) and dusk (4pm to sunset): Mizieb, the Mellieha hinterland, Dingli Cliffs, Buskett, and the country lanes around Magħtab and Burmarrad. Inner-harbour towns are not directly affected.
Is the Marfa Ridge safe to walk in hunting season?
Some parts yes, but with caution. Avoid the dawn and dusk hours, stay on marked paths, and keep dogs on lead. Many Mellieħa walkers switch to the Mellieħa Bay promenade instead during the season.
What about Sliema and St Julian's walks?
No impact. The inner-harbour walking routes (Sliema promenade, Spinola Bay, Manoel Island perimeter, Valletta gardens) are urban and unaffected by hunting season.
Should I use a high-visibility collar light?
For autumn-winter walks in any rural area, yes. It costs nothing and reduces a small but real risk. A high-vis vest also helps with car visibility on country lanes.

Dog Walking in Malta

Verified walkers who know the safer urban and coastal routes during the September-January season.

Summer dog walking schedule in Malta

The other seasonal adjustment: the June-September heat windows and pavement rules.

Dog Boarding in Malta

Overnight home boarding for autumn weekends away, with €20,000 vet protection per booking.

Pet Sitters in Mellieħa

The town closest to the Mizieb and Marfa Ridge hotspots, with sitters who walk the bay promenade instead.