Posted: 12/5/2010 12:28:10 PM EDT
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I regards to this thread, I felt the need to ask this question, but did not want to disrespect the OP who lost his friend by asking it in his thread.
How the hell does this happen????? I have only hunted 4 times in my life, all of them this year. I have not pulled the trigger once since none of the dear I had a shot on were legal per club rules. Even if I were not at the hunting club, I would have to abide by state rules and would still have to carefully examine my intended target to ensure it is a legal shoot. How can someone possibly mistake a human for a deer if they are checking the target for proper species, sex, size, etc.? Are they just shooting anything that moves? Very tragic, and unless someone can point out where my line of thinking is wrong, very unnecessary and careless as well. |
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You ever been hunting and hear about 6 shots in a row? Those are what you call "Tail Shooters" and there is a lot of them. It takes a plethora of mistakes to mistakenly kill something, so many that I can't fully comprehend how you could do it. The only justifiable mistake killing I can think of is if some nimrod was in your background not wearing any orange and you missed a deer and tagged him.
Also, from no light to low light you should have a headlamp on with the red lights lit. |
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I could not agree more with BIG_PAPA. This is a tragedy that should never have happened. I am age 64. I have hunted for 50 years. Be it squirrel, rabbit, upland birds, deer, etc., I have never pulled the trigger without thoroughly identifying the target. A deer looks like a deer. Even in my early years, if I heard something walking, the gun was not elevated until the target was clear. I never tried to identify a deer by using my rifle scope. Otherwise if the source of that noise had not been a deer, that would have meant that I had just covered a human being with my muzzle. This is why we carry binoculars. Years ago, LTC Jeff Cooper reduced all those old "10 Commandments of Shooting" or "12 Rules of Safe Gun Handling" to just four simple rules that all could remember. Rule #4: "Be sure of your target and what is beyond it." Wow, how much simpler can it get?
In this case, sympathies and condolences to the dead man's family, except that I have a hard time sympathizing with the father who fired the shot. Absolutely no excuse for this. |
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How can someone possibly mistake a human for a deer if they are checking the target for proper species, sex, size, etc.? Exactly what I was going to post. When I'm deer hunting, I first have to determine if it is a deer. Then I have to determine if it is a buck or a doe. If it is a buck, I then have to determine if the antlers are large enough to meet my personal requirements. Lastly, I have to make sure that I have a clear shot at the ribcage. Someone shooting at something that mistakenly appears to be a deer obviously has no idea what part of the "deer" they are even aiming at. A human silhouette looks nothing like a deer –– NOTHING. If you can't see enough of a human to determine that it is a human, you certainly can't see enough to determine what part of a deer you are aiming at, let alone all the other aspects discussed above. |
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How can someone possibly mistake a human for a deer if they are checking the target for proper species, sex, size, etc.? Exactly what I was going to post. When I'm deer hunting, I first have to determine if it is a deer. Then I have to determine if it is a buck or a doe. If it is a buck, I then have to determine if the antlers are large enough to meet my personal requirements. Lastly, I have to make sure that I have a clear shot at the ribcage. Someone shooting at something that mistakenly appears to be a deer obviously has no idea what part of the "deer" they are even aiming at. A human silhouette looks nothing like a deer –– NOTHING. If you can't see enough of a human to determine that it is a human, you cerainly can't see enough to detemine what part of a deer you are aiming at, let alone all the other aspects discussed above. I need not say more. |
| My father has been a hunter safety instructor for over 20 years so all this stuff has been pumped into my head since I was a child but there is one story that always sticks with him. He was using a 30-06 with an optic on it hunting state land in the dead of winter. He saw 2 brown things moving faster than a human can run so he shouldered his gun. As soon as he got them in the crosshairs he realized it was 2 people in carharts cross country skiing. Putting a human in his scope one time was enough for him to go to bow only hunting. One thing to consider to all those who glass with your guns optic. |
| Well, we can all "Monday morning quarterback" this one to death. This father has made a grave mistake that will haunt him the rest of his days. None of us can understand how this happened and hopefully that means we will never be in the same situation. My prayers go out to the family. |
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I am always saddend to hear of other hunters getting shot. I know of 2 instances (land that I hunt) where people got shot.
Both were the result of hunters shooting at deer - but not sure of what was beyond the target. Two guys picking up their friend waiting in a truck were shot by the friend in blinding snowstorm that shot at a running deer. The bullet fragmented upon hitting the passenger door and got both guys in the truck. The second and more troubling was over a big field. Seems one of the guys sat next to a stump and promptly fell asleep. He slid down and was prone on the ground snoring. Another hunter jumped a deer on the far side of the field and shot 3 times. The second shot hit the sleeping guy 2 inches from his nut sack in the meaty part of the thigh. This one bothers me becuse I have taken deer in this same field. This field "angles" up and the backstop is into the ground. Had the other hunter been sitting or standing he would have been clearly visible - but because he was asleep and laying down he couldnt be seen. Troubling part is I think that I too, would have taken the shot that resulted in injury...... |
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Quoted: My father has been a hunter safety instructor for over 20 years so all this stuff has been pumped into my head since I was a child but there is one story that always sticks with him. He was using a 30-06 with an optic on it hunting state land in the dead of winter. He saw 2 brown things moving faster than a human can run so he shouldered his gun. As soon as he got them in the crosshairs he realized it was 2 people in carharts cross country skiing. Putting a human in his scope one time was enough for him to go to bow only hunting. One thing to consider to all those who glass with your guns optic. Wow I would have probably shit my pants.... right before I started yelling at the skiers.  |
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Quoted: Quoted: Wow I would have probably shit my pants.... right before I started yelling at the skiers. My father has been a hunter safety instructor for over 20 years so all this stuff has been pumped into my head since I was a child but there is one story that always sticks with him. He was using a 30-06 with an optic on it hunting state land in the dead of winter. He saw 2 brown things moving faster than a human can run so he shouldered his gun. As soon as he got them in the crosshairs he realized it was 2 people in carharts cross country skiing. Putting a human in his scope one time was enough for him to go to bow only hunting. One thing to consider to all those who glass with your guns optic. Yeah, how dare they go skiing... But they probably never even thought to wear orange. Or at least something besides deer-hide brown, since they themselves weren't hunting... |
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Let's just whittle this down for simplicity's sake...
From this: Quoted:
Quoted:
How can someone possibly mistake a human for a deer if they are checking the target for proper species, sex, size, etc.? Exactly what I was going to post. When I'm deer hunting, I first have to determine if it is a deer. Then I have to determine if it is a buck or a doe. If it is a buck, I then have to determine if the antlers are large enough to meet my personal requirements. Lastly, I have to make sure that I have a clear shot at the ribcage. Someone shooting at something that mistakenly appears to be a deer obviously has no idea what part of the "deer" they are even aiming at. A human silhouette looks nothing like a deer –– NOTHING. If you can't see enough of a human to determine that it is a human, you certainly can't see enough to determine what part of a deer you are aiming at, let alone all the other aspects discussed above. To this: Quoted:
Quoted:
How can someone possibly mistake a human for a deer if they are checking the target for proper species, sex, size, etc.? ...When I'm deer hunting, I first have to determine if it is a deer... If you refuse to do this one, simple thing, then you deserve to be charged for murder. Ignorance is no excuse. |
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Another hunter jumped a deer on the far side of the field and shot 3 times. I have never taken a shot at a running deer in my entire hunting career. First, it's too easy to miss and send the round who knows where. Second, you run a great risk of wounding the deer but not recovering it. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Wow I would have probably shit my pants.... right before I started yelling at the skiers. My father has been a hunter safety instructor for over 20 years so all this stuff has been pumped into my head since I was a child but there is one story that always sticks with him. He was using a 30-06 with an optic on it hunting state land in the dead of winter. He saw 2 brown things moving faster than a human can run so he shouldered his gun. As soon as he got them in the crosshairs he realized it was 2 people in carharts cross country skiing. Putting a human in his scope one time was enough for him to go to bow only hunting. One thing to consider to all those who glass with your guns optic. Yeah, how dare they go skiing... But they probably never even thought to wear orange. Or at least something besides deer-hide brown, since they themselves weren't hunting... I don't care what you are doing, if you're out in the wilderness during hunting season, it might not be the best time to wear a brown fur coat. |
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Quoted: Quoted: I have never taken a shot at a running deer in my entire hunting career. First, it's too easy to miss and send the round who knows where. Second, you run a great risk of wounding the deer but not recovering it.Another hunter jumped a deer on the far side of the field and shot 3 times. I have, several times actually, but they were either fairly close or heading straight at me. It's only really hard when you're in thick woods or on un-even ground. 2 years ago i dropped two does 3 seconds apart with my 30.06 bolt gun, running wide open almost straight at me. Saw them coming a ways off, but held my shot til they were in full bound over a big log, no way to rapidly change course. Believe it or not, "wingshooting" is the easiest way to take a running deer. Over a log, over a fence, across a gully, etc... Can't change direction quickly when you're mid-air. Dropped a 400+lb hog 4 years ago from a bow stand (only elbows-on-knees for a rest), dead run (pretty darn fast for 400lb), 220yd, dropped it in one shot through both lungs. That is the farthes running shot i've attempted, and i would not have done it on a bounding deer... ETA: There was never any doubt about target or backstop in any of these situations... |
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Quoted:
Exactly what I was going to post. When I'm deer hunting, I first have to determine if it is a deer. Then I have to determine if it is a buck or a doe. If it is a buck, I then have to determine if the antlers are large enough to meet my personal requirements. Lastly, I have to make sure that I have a clear shot at the ribcage. Someone shooting at something that mistakenly appears to be a deer obviously has no idea what part of the "deer" they are even aiming at. A human silhouette looks nothing like a deer –– NOTHING. If you can't see enough of a human to determine that it is a human, you certainly can't see enough to determine what part of a deer you are aiming at, let alone all the other aspects discussed above. Well Said |
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Wow I would have probably shit my pants.... right before I started yelling at the skiers. My father has been a hunter safety instructor for over 20 years so all this stuff has been pumped into my head since I was a child but there is one story that always sticks with him. He was using a 30-06 with an optic on it hunting state land in the dead of winter. He saw 2 brown things moving faster than a human can run so he shouldered his gun. As soon as he got them in the crosshairs he realized it was 2 people in carharts cross country skiing. Putting a human in his scope one time was enough for him to go to bow only hunting. One thing to consider to all those who glass with your guns optic.
Yeah, how dare they go skiing... But they probably never even thought to wear orange. Or at least something besides deer-hide brown, since they themselves weren't hunting... I don't care what you are doing, if you're out in the wilderness during hunting season, it might not be the best time to wear a brown fur coat.
In a perfect world everyone would be educated to wilderness safety and we wouldn't have to worry about these things but that is not the case. Some of the state land where I hunt is very popular for hiking, snowshoeing, walking the dog etc etc. Most people are smart enough to steer clear during deer season but allot of them dont know people hunt other things there. I cant tell you how many times I have been squirrel or fox hunting and I have seen a dog scooting around the woods followed by a person wearing "outdoorsy" colors. Its their right to be able to use the land and its our responsibility as Hunters to make sure those other people are safe no matter what choices they make. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Wow I would have probably shit my pants.... right before I started yelling at the skiers. My father has been a hunter safety instructor for over 20 years so all this stuff has been pumped into my head since I was a child but there is one story that always sticks with him. He was using a 30-06 with an optic on it hunting state land in the dead of winter. He saw 2 brown things moving faster than a human can run so he shouldered his gun. As soon as he got them in the crosshairs he realized it was 2 people in carharts cross country skiing. Putting a human in his scope one time was enough for him to go to bow only hunting. One thing to consider to all those who glass with your guns optic. Yeah, how dare they go skiing... But they probably never even thought to wear orange. Or at least something besides deer-hide brown, since they themselves weren't hunting... I don't care what you are doing, if you're out in the wilderness during hunting season, it might not be the best time to wear a brown fur coat. In a perfect world everyone would be educated to wilderness safety and we wouldn't have to worry about these things but that is not the case. Some of the state land where I hunt is very popular for hiking, snowshoeing, walking the dog etc etc. Most people are smart enough to steer clear during deer season but allot of them dont know people hunt other things there. I cant tell you how many times I have been squirrel or fox hunting and I have seen a dog scooting around the woods followed by a person wearing "outdoorsy" colors. Its their right to be able to use the land and its our responsibility as Hunters to make sure those other people are safe no matter what choices they make. I agree, however I also believe its our responsibility to educate them as well. Maybe it wouldn't be as big of a deal for squirrel hunting, but during a rifle season I would feel necessary to say something (the only reason I used the word "yelling" in my first post is to get their attention, not as in being angry) Of course around here, it's pretty much all private land anyway, and nobody is going to be out milling around in the woods. Not to mention, it's way too flat to be skiing around here. |
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Quoted:
I regards to this thread, I felt the need to ask this question, but did not want to disrespect the OP who lost his friend by asking it in his thread. How the hell does this happen????? I have only hunted 4 times in my life, all of them this year. I have not pulled the trigger once since none of the dear I had a shot on were legal per club rules. Even if I were not at the hunting club, I would have to abide by state rules and would still have to carefully examine my intended target to ensure it is a legal shoot. How can someone possibly mistake a human for a deer if they are checking the target for proper species, sex, size, etc.? Are they just shooting anything that moves? Very tragic, and unless someone can point out where my line of thinking is wrong, very unnecessary and careless as well. Well when you read the linked article: According to Beauregard Parish Sheriff Deputies, Moore somehow ended up in his father's line of sight at around 6 p.m. Because the sunlight had gone away, Moore's father had limited visibility and could not see his son when he fired his gun.
He broke a basic rule in order to get a deer. |
| Well this stuff is sad and happens every year. I dont understand it at all. I take a good 30 seconds "feels like 5 minutes" to aim right for the kill. Some people just shoot into a bush if its moving I guess or they line up a shot, miss the deer and then hit something further down range. This is one major reason why I hunt alone in the middle of private land. |
| Sadly this also misrepresents gun owners as trigger happy retards. As with most things, its only the bad news that gets the most attention. I was shot at this year on state lands on purpose, because some guy was mad I was near him, and even though he meant to shoot "over my head" the round traveled down the hill and struck the tree 6 inches above my hunting partners head. People can be idiots.. |