Hunters gathered in their favourite localities to celebrate their win in the spring hunting referendum yesterday. What has been a major worry for them in the past few months turned out to be a triumph for them as spring hunting will remain a legal practice.

They took to the streets in carcades in various localities and let off petards to celebrate their victory. There were reports that shots were fired in the air by some hunters.

The FKNK warned its members to respect the law, telling them that all forms of celebration must be in accordance with the law

"In this happy moment for hunters, The FKNK wants to thank the Maltese and Gozitan people for the historical result of the referendum".

"We do not expect that hunters, after all these months, will not celebrate however the largest celebration will come on Tuesday, when we will again be allowed to hunt".

The FKNK appealed and gave a clear directive to hunters that all forms of celebration must be held in respect of the law. The FKNK insisted that its members do not antagonise anyone, "especially those who did not agree with the Yes campaign. We must respect the entire population".

"This referendum throws more weight onto our shoulders and as such every member's behaviour must be exemplary, in order to show the Maltese and Gozitan people of our seriousness".

The FKNK will be holding a press conference today to give its views on the result.

Yesterday, The Malta Independent spoke to several hunters celebrating in Rabat, with most of them thanking Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and, to a lesser extent, Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil, for the help they had given them (palata). Some cars, mostly covered in camouflage netting and tree branches, formed a small carcade and drove through the streets of Rabat with their horns blaring. Some sported placards with offensive slogans, mostly aimed at SHout spokesperson Moira Delia. The carcades went around Malta and were also seen in Sliema and St Julian’s. Siggiewi and Mellieha also saw large numbers of hunters celebrating in the village squares.

The hunters were initially cautious even when the 'no' camp conceded defeat. But once FKNK representatives Lino Farrugia and Joe Perici Calascione confirmed that the "yes" camp has won, the hunters could start their countrywide celebrations.

Video: Paul Jones, pictures: Jonathan Borg