Right. Accidents happen. They shouldn’t, but that doesn’t mean there was foul play.

Depends on the thermal scope that you are using and the hunting conditions, sort of like with using daylight scopes. Even with low end thermal scopes, distinguishing between a hog and a human in open terrain should not be a problem. Shooting at an image in a broken up view through the woods is about like doing the same with a daylight scope, which is how people sometimes get mistaken for other animals.

We don't know if the victim was standing, seated, or possibly on all fours for some reason. So we don't know the image that might have been presented to the shooter. That can certainly mess with one's ability to be able to make a proper identification.

We also don't know if this was an aimed shot based on improper identification in trying to hit what turned out to be the victim or a swing through shot (think Dick Cheney) or spray and pray where the victim was not the intended target.

As for the conspiracy theory, somebody in law enforcement will work that out. Based on what is typical in these situations, attempted murder is unlikely.

Given that a thermal scope was being used, there is a possibility that there is video from the shot. Now wouldn't that be interesting?



I get what you are saying. "Accident" is a euphemism people like to say to mean unintentional, while glossing over the negligence aspect. If you talk to an insurance adjuster, s/he will tell you that there is virtually no such thing as an automotive accident. Unintentional crashes occur as a result of negligence in driving and or maintenance.

The same discussion goes on about accidental discharges and negligent discharges. Guns almost never discharge accidentally. There is almost always a direct human factor involved at some level. So while the discharge may not be intentional, it is not without negligence.

There are tragic hunting 'accidents' that result in people going to jail, unless you are Dick Cheney.

Not to mention the personal and possible criminal accountability that goes with it, the financial liability that one incurs with shooting accidents like this must be enormous. Medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering. Not sure what type of insurance, if any, would cover it. It would be a mistake that would likely force the average person into bankruptcy.

I was told through internal TPWD channels the shooter who created the carnage in the photo below later faced a civil lawsuit over his mistake.

You are probably right. There have never been any cases where relatives have ever caused intentional harm to another relative. SMDH

That sucks! Fortunately the liver is one of only two organs in the body that can regenerate/regrow itself.

All the best to the injured.

X2

I have no legal responsibility in this case.

I've never looked through a thermal. I'm sure a person standing and walking looks way different than a hog, but how about a person crouched down kneeling etc?

28-30 aint not kids either.

Last time i went night hunting was at a buddies place he spottlighted some eyes and said its a coyote bust him. I couldn't tell what it was through the scope and even though my buddy was all but threatening me to pull the trigger something didn't seem right. We got closer and it turned out to be a black cow...

I have two accidental discharges of a rifle in my 69 years of hunting. Both were stupid decisions on my part.

You have guns?

Maybe you should quit reading tabloids and start a three word game.

wow
do you still hunt with this cat?

Prayers up for the shot hunter.

Prayers up for the shot hunter.

Prayers sent for speedy recovery.