"No, you make darn sure of not just your target, but the surroundings. That includes what is behind your target, the possibilities of people or other unintended targets moving into your line of fire, etc. If you're not completely sure, you don't fire. People who've been shot on the edge of woods are shot by careless hunters who don't take the time to know the lay of the land, their position and any possible people who might be in the area."
My guess would be that the V.P. swung his gun to follow the flight of the quail (a sport requiring quick reflexes and quick actions). I am suspicious that he might have swung down on his hunting buddy. When you are hunting quail, or other birds, you should always be aware of where your buddies are, and you should constantly, "CONSTANTLY," be analyzing your permissible parameters of fire.
If I am driving a car and you run out in front of me leaving me no time to swerve or brake to avoid you, who is to blame. That is correct, you are to blame. If I am firing at a target and you walk into the line of fire leaving me no time to react to save your sorry butt from getting hit, who is to blame? Rightttttttt.