UGLY: Avoidable Hunting Accident

My first thought is this was completely avoidable had some common sense gun safety techniques been practiced. My second thought was: Doesn't my backward State require hunter's safety courses prior to obtaining hunting licenses? Yes it does. How did this happen? Just goes to show that you can't legislate responsible behavior or common sense. :aargh4::aargh4::aargh4::aargh4:

Calif. hunter slips, accidentally kills companion - Updates - fresnobee.com

The Associated Press

Tuesday, Sep. 18, 2012 | 02:47 PM

BAKERSFIELD -- Kern County Sheriff's homicide detectives are investigating a hunting accident that killed a Clovis man who was hunting squirrels and other vermin.

On Saturday 27-year-old Ker Her of Clovis was killed near Lake Isabella when his hunting companion slipped and fell. The Bakersfield Californian reports (Details slowly emerge in hunting death; outdoors community ... - BakersfieldCalifornian.com ) that the man's finger was on the trigger, and when he hit the ground the rifle fired.

The name of the shooter has not been released.

The California Department of Fish and Game reports there were two fatal hunting accidents in 2010, the last year that statistics are available. One case was the fault of the shooter, and in the other the victim moved into the line of fire.

An autopsy on the recent victim was scheduled for Tuesday.

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that the man's finger was on the trigger, and when he hit the ground the rifle fired.

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Yes it does. But before we go out condemning someone it is plausible that as he fell his finger was off the trigger and a reaction to reach for something caused him or something to squeeze the trigger. I don't see enough info yet to rake this man over the coals.

There's a few every year unfortunately. I'm always selective....very selective about who I go out in the field with. Sorry, I ended a sentence with a preposition.

Not any different then when a person has an automobile accident. Stuff happens, even with the best of training.

Michael

A Father's Advice


If a sportsman true you’d be
Listen carefully to me. . .


Never, never let your gun
Pointed be at anyone.
That it may unloaded be
Matters not the least to me.

When a hedge or fence you cross
Though of time it cause a loss
From your gun the cartridge take
For the greater safety’s sake.

If twixt you and neighboring gun
Bird shall fly or beast may run
Let this maxim ere be thine
"Follow not across the line."

Stops and beaters oft unseen
Lurk behind some leafy screen.
Calm and steady always be
"Never shoot where you can’t see."

You may kill or you may miss
But at all times think this:
"All the pheasants ever bred
Won’t repay for one man dead."

"Early Instruction"
By Carl Kauba
c. 1902

Written by Mark Beaufoy of Coombe House, Shaftesbury, Dorset, England, in 1902, on presenting his eldest son, Henry Mark, with his first gun. Reproduced here by permission of the author’s granddaughter, Mrs. P. M. Guild.
Ruger - A Father's Advice


Hopefully the shooter wasn't carrying on a secret love affair with the deceased guys wife/GF.

Hopefully this Goomba was actually dumb enough to stumble around the hill and dale with his safety off, and actually tripped and the firearm accidentally went off after he somehow had his booger hook on the bang switch.

What a mess.

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Originally Posted by oneshot

Hopefully the shooter wasn't carrying on a secret love affair with the deceased guys wife/GF.

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My thoughts exactly.

A very similar incident occurred in my state except it was a husband & wife hunting together. The 'tragic accident' turned into a premeditated murder charge against the wife when further investigation revealed a point blank shot had been leveled at the back of the husband's head. She's in the penitentiary now.

Very sad.

There aren't enough details, but unless he was about to take a shot, why not have the safety on?

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There aren't enough details, but unless he was about to take a shot, why not have the safety on?

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They may call them accidents,but in reality it is usually negligence,walking around with the safety off and finger on the trigger is bad juju,I've fallen while carrying a gun,and my first reaction is muzzle control,I am never amazed at the lack of finger discipline at a gun range,and it's been my experience just because you have a slip of paper from a safety course doesn't mean you are safe.