Last week, Wānaka police responded to a call from a member of the public who saw the firearm in an unoccupied, unlocked vehicle parked at the airport.
Snr Sgt Roberts said the situation was made worse by the fact the vehicle’s owner had caught a flight and left the region "for a week".
"Really irresponsible. We don’t want to see anything like that."
She said police were following up on the incident with the person involved.
The beginning of duck-shooting season today meant it was important for firearms licence holders to ensure they were up to speed on gun safety.
"Be really vigilant. We want you to have a really good time."
Snr Sgt Roberts said police were encouraging people to remember the safety rules around firearms, including treating all firearms as loaded, always pointing firearms in a safe direction, only chambering a round when ready to fire, double-checking the target and firing zone, storing and transporting firearms safely and avoiding alcohol and drugs.
She said New Zealand statistics showed 87% of birdhunting took place in May and 50% of bird hunting-related injuries happened "in the opening weekend" of the season.
