The choice facing the Maltese public in the spring hunting referendum is whether to move forward or remain stuck in the past, according to the No campaign.

Speaking during an outreach activity in Valletta this afternoon, Shout campaign spokesman Mark Sultana said those campaigning in favour of spring hunting were trying “to turn back the clock”.

“This referendum will send a message about the importance of the people versus the interests of a small section of the population. If the referendum is lost, we will be sending a clear message that hunters can do whatever they please,” Mr Sultana said.

“Twenty years ago, a decision was made to close the spring hunting season. In that period, Malta and Gozo overflowed with nesting birds. At last there was proof that with no spring hunting, the countryside is better and more beautiful,” he added.

Mr Sultana encouraged the public to collect their voting documents before the April 11 referendum, and pledged to help those who required assistance to cast their vote.

During the activity, members of the Apus project (Appreciating Protecting and Understanding Swifts) also led younger members of the public in building nesting boxes for swifts.

A Shout spokeswoman said swifts had only starting nesting again in Malta in 2008 and 2009, two years when the spring hunting season did not open due to a pending case against Malta before the European Court of Justice.

In a reply, the Yes campaign said it was not true that the spring hunting season did not open 20 years ago. A special licence had then been introduced but the season had opened every year and it was then from March to May.