The complex question of the legality of hunting these two bird species in Italy; Directive 791 409/EEC (the Wild Birds Directive) and the need for a derogation to permit hunting; Italy's law No. 157 - the extent to which it implements the Wild Birds Directive and its failure to implement Article 9.1.c; Circular No. 3 of 1993 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry - its attempt to correct the position and the further problems arising; the Decree of the Council of Ministers of 22 November 1993; Circular No. 16 of 15 July 1994 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forest Resources - difficulties of interpretation and apparent unlawfulness; administrative problems in establishing the status of species; conclusion that the position of brambling and chaffinch remains to be clarified.