As a frequent user of the countryside for what now some consider my egoistic pleasure (my hunting passion), I have invested a substantial sum of money in purchasing land for my enjoyment.

I have invested time and effort to transform a parcel of barren weed-infested land into what I consider my little paradise.

I now have olives to harvest, grapes for my family and friends and land which I cultivate with a passion.

Besides, my small children treasure the time we spend in our fields.

My land is surrounded by other small plots, privately owned or held by farmers. Many of them hunt on their land or allow their friends to do so. In my area none of the land is public or free for anyone to use as they please.

Notwithstanding this, the number of instances when unauthorised persons have trespassed, damaged property or stolen produce is infinite.

I have on many occasions witnessed land owners being insulted arrogantly for simply asking people not to enter their clearly marked private property.

I have absolutely no objection to members of the public using all the areas of the countryside they are entitled to. However, I cannot see the logic behind someone expecting to get into any piece of available land that is clearly not their property.

Also, I fail to see how the use of private property (or that held under title) is now being represented as an ‘occupation’ by the Shout campaigners. It is nothing short of vile that those aiming to ban spring hunting stoop to such a sickening level in order to try and gain support.

Resorting to such provocative claims is not only irresponsible, it also shows that the anti-hunting lobby has no sound, convincing arguments with which to substantiate its reasons to ban a perfectly legal spring hunting season.

This is yet another last-minute attempt to divert attention from the real question that people are being asked to vote upon.