Rule Number 4

was broken by a dumbass who "accidentally" shot a child, and gave yet another example that will be used against those who want to safely and ethically hunt.

Rule # 4 reads:

BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET

Know what it is, what is in line with it, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything you have not positively identified. Be aware of your surroundings, whether on the range or in a fight. Do not assume anything. Know what you are doing.

Yes, you can safely hunt in an area that has houses in it, but you have to be careful. You have to know exactly where they are located, and set up your hunting so that you are not in danger of either shooting through your target and coming near them, or having an errant shot cause a tragedy.

If the area you hunt is that crowded, consider hunting with a bow. Heck, that gives you more chances to get out and hunt.

But because this guy didn't make sure that there wasn't a house behind his deer, a child is dead. Two families are destroyed because he either didn't take the time to learn about the environment he was hunting in, or he didn't care. And other hunters will pay for his actions. Land owners in the area will hesitate to allow safe hunters to hunt on their because they fear that something similar will happen. Anti-hunting and anti-gun groups will use this incident to push for even more restrictions on an activity that can be done safely if it's done properly.

I hope they throw the book at this guy, if for no other reason that it will drive home a personal price for being a dumbass with a gun. Remember, we as hunters and gun owners will be judged not based on the actions of our geniuses, but on the actions of our stupidest.