Hunter Shoots Through Trailer Wall, Kills Toddler

re: Hunter Shoots Through Trailer Wall, Kills Toddler

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:55:04 GMT

This very same thing happened two months ago in my area - a colleague of mine (college professor) was sitting at his kitchen table when he was struck and killed by a bullet fired from a neighbor's property. Evidently a few people were doing target practice roughly 600 feet away (across level ground, with no backstop). It only took one stray bullet, plus in my view a serious and criminal negligence, to kill a man. Police are still investigating, so there's no word yet on what will happen to the shooter. For his colleagues, his community, and his family, it's a senseless and tragic loss.

re: Hunter Shoots Through Trailer Wall, Kills Toddler

Kim — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:31:03 GMT

As a hunter, I'm shocked by the level of irresponsibility it would take for a hunter to do this. It's absolutely mindblowing. This guy is a total scoundrel and deserves the full punishment available under the law. He earned my disdain long before he even aimed that rifle at that trailer.

That said, 300 Magnum is a pretty common caliber for elk/moose hunting. It's overkill for a deer, yes, but a very legitimate hunting caliber. Much smaller, more deer-hunting appropriate, calibers can also go a mile or more and pierce the side of a trailer from 400 feet away. The term "high-powered rifle" is pretty loose and include all big-game hunting rifles (deer on up). The issue isn't with the rifle, it's with this guy's mindblowingly irresponsible and horrible actions.

Hunters, or really anyone using any firearm, have a huge obligation to know how to use it safely and to always be sure of their target and what's beyond it.

re: Hunter Shoots Through Trailer Wall, Kills Toddler

Christine — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:16:19 GMT

Personally I'm not a hunter, but I don't have a problem with people hunting for food if they follow rules and take the appropriate precautions.

That being said, the only time someone should be out hunting with a weapon like that is when the wildlife start shooting back. Since that's not going to happen, there's no need to use it. It's a shame that it took a tragedy like this to prove the point.

re: Hunter Shoots Through Trailer Wall, Kills Toddler

km — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:10:29 GMT

"This should be the minimum punishment for anyone who shoots another person while hunting."

Kiki: You forgot to add, "Unless you're Dick Cheney."

re: Hunter Shoots Through Trailer Wall, Kills Toddler

Kiki — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:26:29 GMT

I grew up in NH, a very pro-hunting state, and I understand that hunting is for some a necessity (it put food on the table for many of my neighbors growing up), and a desirable activity for others, so I'm not going to debate the ethics of hunting animals. However, for far too long hunters have gotten off the hook when they inadverently shoot other hunters, hikers, dog-walkers, people stepping out of their houses on their own property, etc. Some hunters treat private property like their own gamelands, even when warned off. Some hunters drink while they hunt. Hunters need to bear the responsibility of their actions. This man definitely should go to jail for an appeciable amount of time, and he needs to have his hunting and gun licenses PERMANENTLY revoked. This should be the minimum punishment for anyone who shoots another human being while hunting, let alone kills them. You choose to go out and wield a gun at animals, you better be willing to pay the price for hitting another person. If you're not willing to pay the price, play hunting video games.

re: Hunter Shoots Through Trailer Wall, Kills Toddler

Here in Michigan — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:20:03 GMT

To answer your question, it is more evidence that some guns just don't belong in the hands of the general public. As for this foolish hunter's "remorse", perhaps he should have thought about what could happen BEFORE (1) hunting near a residential area (2) not getting permission to hunt on that property and (3) using such a powerful weapon to shoot a deer.

My sympathies go out to the family of the murdered toddler.