The Spring Hunting Out (SHout) campaign today thanked those who would be voting No in Saturday's referendum.

Spokespersons Mark Sultana, Moira Delia and Saviour Balzan warned that if hunters won the referendum, they would be occupying the countryside  with their shotguns on Tuesday.

They thanked the organisations and associations that backed their campaign, voters and also Times of Malta, The Malta Independent and MaltaToday for supporting their campaign.

"This was an unprecedented step that was never before experienced."

They campaigners said they took note of the political maturity of many members of parliament from both sides who opted not to take sides.

They said that while the Yes campaign looked backwards and wanted to uphold habits which were destructive and negative, the No campaign looked ahead to create a positive future.

“There is a lot at stake in this referendum. It is a reflection on whether we are going to give a priority to environmental issues,” they said.