(Adds KSU's statement)

Members of the SHout campaign insisted today that a ‘No’ victory in the referendum on spring hunting would mean a return of the countryside to the people in all of spring.

The comments were made by Mark Sultana, campaign spokesman, at the Foresta 2000 site in Mellieha.

He said that contrary to claims by the 'Yes' campaign, this site was open to the people – and there were eight access points.

It was only hunters who could not go into the site, he said, meaning people could enjoy the area without the risk of intimidation. With a No vote, the same would apply for all the countryside, he said.

In a statement, St Hubert Hunters (KSU) said hunters were also people and many  purchased or leased land for their enjoyment.

"If this provocative campaign is to lead anywhere SHout are being requested to clarify which parts of the countryside they intend returning to the people since other than private or leased land the remainder already belongs to the people."

KSU said that other than bird reserves or sanctuaries, no other public property where hunting was practiced was fenced off.