It is sad to say that hunting of birds is not by any means limited to the USA. Southern Europe - along the Med. coast - France, Italy, Malta etc. it is endemic and whilst there are some positive signs that by education of children particularly, it will if nothing else be reduced over the years. The numbers of migrating birds from Africa to Northern Europe which are shot each Spring and reverse in Autumn is a disgrace on the human race. It might just be that the widening of the European Union will help in this direction. In the UK there is 'official' shooting allowed of Red Grouse in the Autumn, Pheasants (these are often where birds are reared for the purpose I'm afraid), Wildfowlers in the winter months and still some so-called Gamekeepers on larger Estates who have not yet got the message that shooting/poisoning of Raptors is illegal. But 'hunting' is virtually unknown. In 40+ years of birding in the UK I doubt if I witnessed it more than half a dozen times. Egg collectors are probably a greater threat to rare birds. There are pretty strict gun laws which must help. Since the reduction in the widespread use of pesticides also, birds of prey in particular have done well. Coupled with protection by volunteers from the RSPB etc. The increase in Red Kites is incredible. From being down to a handful of pairs in Wales 30/40 years back, they have been now re-introduced into England and Scotland and are doing well, but Central Wales remains the real stronghold, where I would guess there are several hundred pairs breeding. In recent weeks BBC TV carried three weeks of a Natural History progamme - four nights a week, where cameras had been set up from the Bass Rock in Scotland (Gannets) to a farm in Devon, covering nesting birds. The series proved to be an outstanding success and thousands of people pledged to do something to help birds/animals in their own gardens (yards). There are also some good signs that farming practices (which have proven to be real downers for birds over the years) are if not changing, are being amended to allow birds to nest etc. so after years of despair, (Rachel Carson got it right with 'Silent Spring'), I am beginning to feel a bit brighter! Sorry to have gone on into a broader theme.
Best wishes
John Hillmer Wilmslow England
jhillmer at onetel.net.uk