Reply #47: The one who pulls the trigger is ALWAYS responsible . . .

[pat_k]

THIS IS GREAT!!! Emblematic of the "NO Accoutabiliy" administration. They do whatever the heck they want. Blame others. Demonstrate disdain for the public. Cowardly avoidance of press. . . this incident captures it all!!

From the Ten commandments of shooting safety:

3. Be sure of your target and what is in front of and beyond your target. Before you pull the trigger you must properly identify game animals. Until your target is fully visible and in good light, do not even raise your scope to see it. Use binoculars! Know what is in front of and behind your target. Determine that you have a safe backstop or background. Since you do not know what is on the other side, never take a shot at any animals on top of ridges or hillsides. Know how far bullets, arrows and pellets can travel. Never shoot at flat, hard surfaces, such as water, rocks or steel because of ricochets.

A hunter who pulls the trigger before confirming they have a safe shot is always at fault. Sure, there are protocols and courtesies that help to ensure safety, but ultimately, it's up to the one pointing the gun to know what they are pointing at. Every hunter knows this.

Perhaps people unfamiliar with hunting will buy the "blame the victim" BS, but I can't imagine any hunters buying it.