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There seem to be a large number of either non-hunters or inexperienced hunters on here.

Accidents do happen, but the only way hunting accidents can be avoided is for the hunter to take active personal responsibility for his actions. That means a responsible hunter does not climb into or out of a deer stand with a loaded gun. It also, and most importantly, means a responsible hunter knows what he is shooting at, and he is certain that it is safe to shoot in that direction.

The man who was shot was approaching from behind the Vice President. There was no way the Vice President could have known whether or not someone was approaching from his blind side. Therefore, as a responsible hunter, the Vice President should not have fired when the bird flew into an area that he did not know for certain was clear. In other words, he should not have been shooting behind himself, without having checked that field of fire first.

I would bet the Vice President would agree with that analysis, and I would bet he feels pretty dumb for shooting in a direction he did not know was clear.

Yes, I have been dusted with bird shot. And yes, regrettably, I have also dusted another hunter with bird shot. I know the rationalizations, and have used them myself.

This is not about legal liability, we can leave that to the lawyers who are left to sort that out. This is about not shooting in a direction that you don't know, for an absolute fact, is safe.

Excellent analysis. I think we are better off calling this for what it is - a stupid act by the entire hunting party.

Even a lot of otherwise over-the-top libs on MSM boards I frequent don't see the hunting accident as a big deal. If anything, it should make people a bit more aware of not getting too excited while hunting and taking one's time, even if the second covey can scurry away before everyone is safely back in line.

"Therefore, as a responsible hunter, the Vice President should not have fired when the bird flew into an area that he did not know for certain was clear. In other words, he should not have been shooting behind himself, without having checked that field of fire first."

For all we know he did check it first, and saw nothing but the quail. So what would that mean? He needs a new optical prescription, his view was obstructed by a gnat in his eye, he sneezed from the ragweed and pulled the trigger, or he's a careless old goat? Or any one of a thousand other possibilities?

Maybe the old guy Wittington was standing right beside Cheney and suddenly decided to tiptoe off and take a leak, thinking he was in the men's room at the Ritz Carlton. Or maybe he wanted to commit suicide? Who knows? Sometimes there is no 'blame'. But I think Cheney is an honorable, truthful man. If he was negligent he'll admit it and give a public apology to Wittington and the country. Until then, though, I'm assuming there were some mitigating circumstances involved. Let's wait and see.

Bingo. And, contrary to those who want this to be about 'bashing the President', this is about sending the right message about firearms safety in the most publicized hunting accident story in quite a while. And the right message does not come from blaming the guy who was accidentally shot.