Everybody is still having a grand ol' time with the whole "Dick Cheney shot a dude in the face" thing. There are a few things we pulled out that were interesting about the story. First, it appears that these two rich white dudes did not have the $7 license required by the State of Texas to hunt quail. CHENEY SCOFFS LAWS OF TEXAS! Then, Mrs. Armstrong, the owner of the ranch, said "The nature of quail shooting ensures that this will happen. It goes with the turf."
Really? So, let me get this straight. Going quail hunting means you will eventually, probably, at some point get shot. So, after learning this you eagerly pack up the shotguns and really bad hunting outfits and head out to rustle up some quail and...get shot. No thank you. Getting shot in the face has absolutely no appeal to us. Now, Cheney on the other hand...how do I put this delicately...it might be an improvement.
Alas, as ridiculous as this whole thing is, I've seen it happen too.
OK, is quail hunting just like paint-balling, except, you know, there are quails? Because the expectation that you'll get hurt (and the nature of the "injury") seem similar.
Repeat after me.
"Know your target and what is beyond.
Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally important, be aware of the area beyond your target. This means observing your prospective area of fire before you shoot. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap. Think first. Shoot second."
Didn't he learn anything at those 500.00 a plate NRA fundraisers?
Seriously, one of the first things they teach you in NRA classes is to watch for other people. Think first, Shoot second.
Unless youre Dick Cheney. Shoot first, Cover-up second.
WP is reporting Whittington had a heart attack after some of the bird shot migrated into his heart. Shit.
It goes with the turf? Complete and total bullshit. This girl has been quail and dove hunting since she was a girl. I've not been "peppered," and if I had, I'd kick the idiot's ass who did it. Each hunter has a range of fire, and it is NEVER, EVER behind you, not even slightly. So it doesn't matter if the person is announced or not. You flush coveys in a line. For those in the middle, the range is maybe 45 degrees, depending on the number of hunters (the more of you, the smaller the range) and for those on the end, it is at best horizontal and inward 45 degrees. And UP, you know, just to be sure to avoid hitting a 78-year-old man in the face. All it takes is a little frickin' common sense. Obviously the problem here.
As far as the permit is concerned, and I can't believe I'm coming to the Penguin's defense, the host should have taken care of that.
An ass whoppin was handed out after I was peppered. In glorious fashion.
Yeah eventually chances are you will get shot. I've been "peppered" several times. But, from about 200 yards away....still hurts.