It might also be worthwhile to read up on the Briney Trapgun Case from Iowa back in the early 1970s. Never set a trap or spring gun and never shoot at something you can't see.
Interesting that this is from Ireland. My father is from Galway and he tells the story of what happened when some tinkers (homeless Irish vagabonds) came to his uncle's farmhouse one day in the 1920's. The men were working in the fields so it was the lady of the house and some daughters at home when the tinkers entered the house. They demanded food before they would leave. Not taking kindly to the demand as opposed to a request, the woman stated that they'd get nothing and to be on their way. They refused to leave and started looking menacingly at the women. Then the uncle returned from the field thru the back door and asked what was going on. The wife explained. The uncled asked the tinkers "Did anyone see you come in here?". They replied "no". My uncle then reached up for the ax on the wall and said "Good, then no one will see you leave unless you get the F%^#K out now.".... Needless to say, they left and never came back...