I started hunting when I was ten years old (don't hunt any more, but not because I think hunting is wrong).
And my dad made it absolutely clear that I was to only shoot when I knew I wouldn't be hitting something accidentally. You need always be aware of where everyone in your party is and where any nearby roads or buildings are - especially with quail which stay low to the ground.
I thinks this does not speak well of Cheney or Whittington that they are just jumping out of a car and shooting willy-nilly at quail without observing any kind of caution. And I think it was also wrong that it was not reported sooner.
So now we'll both get flamed by those who just defend Bush or Cheney without thinking through the entire story.
I can't believe the number of people on this thread who seem to suggest that shooting a fellow hunter is "normal." I've been hunting with friends and family for well nigh 20 years now, and no one has ever been accidently shot.
Bottom line: Cheney was careless.