The hunters' directive not to apply for the special spring hunting licence was a huge success, the Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FKNK) said in a statement.

It said that its directive obtained the support of 99.5 per cent of eligible applicants, an unprecedented achievement for all sectors in Maltese society.

The FKNK thanked the 10,700 hunters who abided by the directive and the other three hunting organisations, St Hubert Hunters (KSU), Għaqda Dilettanti tas-Senter u l-Gabjun and Moviment Kaċċaturi Nassaba Ambjentalisti, that directed their respective members to abide by the FKNK’s directive.

"The government’s attempt to discriminate against hunters, by granting a special licence to only 20 per cent of hunters, has failed miserably.

"It has served only to unite hunters and trappers as never before, and has made them more determined to step up their fight for the justice that Dr Gonzi’s government, in spite of the September 2009 ruling of the European Court of Justice, is afraid to deliver," the FKNK said.