IF you’ve ever had game bird, it could well have been the most expensive meal you’ve had given the various costs involved in the venture.

Every year, hundreds of hunting enthusiasts fan out across the island to their favourite hunting sites to shoot game bird.

It’s a long-held tradition for many of these hunters, some of who’ve been tagging along with their granfathers, fathers, and uncles since they were tots. But it isn’t a free-for-all: hunters must satisfy a number of criteria to become eligible to participate.

The Wild Life Protection Act stipulates that they must procure a hunter’s licence from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) or other agencies authorised by NEPA. The licences come at a cost of $ 15,000 per hunting season. In order to qualify, prospective hunters must hold a private firearm licence and a valid taxpayer registration number (TRN).

Apart from the fee is the cost of the firearm and ammunition and wages for bird assistants, commonly called bird boys.

“A case of ammunition containing 250 rounds could cost us $8,000 and we can use five or more boxes [containing 25 rounds each] in each session. Depending on the experience of the shooter we can use more,” said Benjamin Hodara in between aims at baldpate and long-tailed pea dove on his family’s farm in Bunter’s Hill, Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth.

Hodara was accompanied on the opening day of this year’s bird hunting season — August 22 — with members of his family and friends

On Saturdays during the hunting season, the hunters usually partake in two shooting sessions — from sunrise to 9:00 am and from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm. On Sundays, however, they are only allowed one session, from sunrise to 9:00 am.

When his aim connected, his assistants darted from various hiding spots in the bush to retrieve the birds. Their duties also include ensuring hunters have access to ammunition at all times, assisting with spotting game birds, and plucking and cleaning them once the shooting is over. For their services they are paid an average of $1,500 to $2,000 per shooting session.

While the various costs associated with the sport may be prohibitive to the average man, Bejamin’s uncle, Bobby Smith said the financial demand is incomparable to the camaraderie it allows.

“It’s really the love for the sport more than anything else. You get to spend time with family and friends so the money really doesn’t matter,” he said.

Hunters who adhere to the guidelines under the Wild Life Protection Act are able to enjoy the hunting season freely, but those found in breach are liable to a fine not exceeding J$100,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment.

Bird hunting, which takes place in every parish except Kingston, runs for five weeks this year — from Saturday August 22 to Sunday, September 20.