“The actions of the few spoil it for the many,” Duntroon farmer Geoff Keeling says.

Geoff discovered dumped rubbish and a “substantial mai-mai” on Sunday (May 7), following the opening weekend of duck shooting. 

The mai-mai included bunks and a pot belly stove, and was set up on the Waitaki River bank, which had been accessed via his land.

Littering the surrounds of the structure, and also in the river, were empty beer cans and bottles, food wrappers, empty shell casings, and used toilet paper.

Geoff posted about the mess left on his personal Facebook page on Sunday night, including photographs.

“Along with the majority of other farmers along the banks of the Waitaki River we provide public access through our properties for fishing and recreation purposes,” he said.

The points of access are promoted by Fish and Game and have been for many years. 

“Virtually all of those farmers also state quite clearly that this unfettered access is for fishing purposes only. Any access for hunting and use of firearms must be requested on a case by case basis.”

But some people seem to think the rules did not apply to them, he said.

“This is primarily for safety of our own staff, families and animals.”

Bullets could travel a long distance, and he did not want one lodged in a member of his staff, he said.

“To the people who think this is acceptable - it is this type of behaviour that ruins it for everyone.”

Since Sunday night, Geoff had received a lot of support from other duck shooters, the post “had the desired effect”, and the responsible parties had been in touch with him.

“Contact has been made, and humble pie eaten,” he said.

Shell casings left lying in the Waitaki River, following a weekend of duck shooting.