Police are asking for the duck hunters who shot and wounded two trail walkers along the Clutha River on Sunday. 

Duck hunting on the river is prohibited, and after briefly assisting the walkers, the hunters left the scene. 

Queenstown Police Detective Sergeant Paul Slater Police would like to speak to a group of men involved in a duck shooting incident on Sunday morning. 

At around 11am two women walking along a track by the Clutha River in Alexandra sustained minor shotgun pellet injuries. 

One was injured in the lower leg and the other in the shoulder. 

“The shots were fired by a group of men duck shooting from a boat in the river,” the Police statement says. 

“The men responsible spoke to the injured women when they realised what had happened and offered assistance, however they left the scene in their boat and have not yet been identified.” 

Police were notified of the matter after the women arrived at the Alexandra Medical Centre, where their injuries were treated. 

“Officers investigating the incident would like to speak to the men, and we ask them to get in touch as soon as possible by calling 105 quoting P046364839.

“Anyone else who may have seen the incident is also asked to get in contact.

“This incident is an important reminder for people to stay vigilant about safety when hunting this game bird season.

“Anybody handling a firearm should always treat it as loaded; that means always pointing the firearm in a safe direction and checking your firing zone.

“When your firearm is not in use, Police would encourage people to take chamber flags with them and insert them in the breach.”

Vincent Community Board Member Russell Garbutt posted on Facebook to discuss the topic of shooters from boats on the Clutha River, which he spotted himself over the weekend. 

“Along with many others on a perfect Central day I went on a bike ride and part of that was going down the track to Doctor's Point,” Russell wrote. 

“I was surprised to see three jet boats going down the river and shooting ducks from the boats.  

“Around the middle of the day. Lots and lots of people on bikes and walking on the track.  

“I don't go duck shooting, but did wonder at the rules round whether its ok to have guys sitting in the back seat of a boat shooting while travelling in a boat. Just curious.”

According to section 5.3 of Fish & Game’s 2021 Game Bird Hunting regulations (page 45), “Shooting from a boat is prohibited on the Clutha River from 1 May to 9 May 2021.” 

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Police also want to remind people of the Seven Basic Firearms Safety Rules:

1. Treat every firearm as loaded

2. Always point firearms in a safe direction

3. Load a firearm only when ready to fire

4. Identify your target beyond all doubt

5. Check your firing zone

6. Store firearms and ammunition safely

7. Avoid alcohol and drugs when handling firearms.

More hunting safety information can be found here.