VT Hunting Accident

[Glenn]

This is such a sad story. I saw it on a few of the national news sites. I feel terrible for both families. The fact that one lost a daughter almost two years ago is heartbreaking.

http://www.benningtonbanner.com/ci_19422649

 

[jaja111]

I read this on my phone yesterday, while hunting. Made me sick. So so sad.

 

[TheBEast]

So tragic.....

 

[from_the_NEK]

Tragic but avoidable.

Basic steps to shooting a deer -

Step 1A: Where orange in the woods during hunting season (whether you are hunting or not)

Step 1: Positively identify your target as a male deer with at least 3 points.
Step 2: Turn of safety and put you finger on the trigger
Step 3: Re-check positive identification of your target as a male deer with at least 3 points.
Step 4: Aim in the kill zone and make the decision to pull the trigger.

If people actually followed these steps I don't understand how in the world anyone could possibly shoot a another person "by mistake".
I've been hunting for a long time and have never had an issue differentiating between human and deer, even when I've come across humans in camo and/or wearing rather dark colored clothing.

 

[Geoff]

Tragic but avoidable.

Basic steps to shooting a deer -

Step 1A: Where orange in the woods during hunting season (whether you are hunting or not)

Step 1: Positively identify your target as a male deer with at least 3 points.
Step 2: Turn of safety and put you finger on the trigger
Step 3: Re-check positive identification of your target as a male deer with at least 3 points.
Step 4: Aim in the kill zone and make the decision to pull the trigger.

If people actually followed these steps I don't understand how in the world anyone could possibly shoot a another person "by mistake".
I've been hunting for a long time and have never had an issue differentiating between human and deer, even when I've come across humans in camo and/or wearing rather dark colored clothing.

Isn't there a Jack Daniels rule?

 

[C-Rex]

Gotta agree with NEK here.

I'd add one more step though:

Step 3a: Check your target's backdrop and ensure it's clear.

And I'd move "put your finger on the trigger" to 3b.

As a mountain biker I hear about a lot of run ins with hunters. People getting shot at or their dogs getting shot, or just some angry, half in the bag hunter cussing them out because they "almost shot them".

I agree people need to know the hunting seasons and take precautions when going into the woods. Gotta wear orange or bright yellow and a bell for you and your pooch wouldn't be a bad idea either. That said, it's ultimately the hunter's responsibility to positively identify his target. If your eyes can't tell the difference between a black lab and a coyote, you shouldn't be looking down gun sights to begin with.

 

[from_the_NEK]

Gotta agree with NEK here.

I'd add one more step though:

Step 3a: Check your target's backdrop and ensure it's clear.

And I'd move "put your finger on the trigger" to 3b.

Excellent addition.