I said it was sunset time. However, since sunset, I have had more than a few PMs. Most have asked, more or less, "... when and where is it okay to not be sure of your target?" So... I am submitting this post in response to the PMs. I will not respond to any more PMs on this subject and I hope never to post here again.

"When and where...?" Never and nowhere. Not only that, but you must be aware of what is, and what may be, beyond your target.

From what I have read so far, accounts by several witnesses all indicate that Cheney followed proper safety procedures. Unfortunately, many posters here have either chose to overlook this fact or do not understand these procedures.

Okay. Just the basic, pertinent rules. (BTW, I do not participate in this type of hunting, for my own personal reasons.) In this type of hunting, hunters space themselves an agreed distance apart and move forward, slowly, at the same pace, an agreed distance, then stopping and checking the movement of the hunters on his left and right. Most hunters check movement of the others every few feet. As well, all stop when game is flushed, or for any other reason which may arise.   Each hunter has an agreed field of fire in which he may shoot. Noone may move forward until all agree. All must move forward as agreed. If any hunter decides not to continue, he must signal and retreat to a safe distance. The line is reformed. If a hunter wishes to join a line, he must signal and be acknowledged by all before moving up to the line. Any hunter joining the line must take the place of the furthest left or the furthest right hunter and the replaced hunter moves to remain in an end position. Once at the line, the hunter joining the line may load his weapon.

Now, the end position field of fire. Let's use the left end, facing due north. The field of fire of the left end extends from the agreed east angle, to southwest. So, if you ever decide to sneak up on a line, don't go near the ends.

There's a bit more than that to it. And, of course, there's a heck of a lot more to gun safety. But, I hope these basics give some of you an idea of what MAY have gone wrong.

As far as expecting someone to know you are moving into their field of fire, or even into their range of fire, from behind... well, it's obvious the guy should have signalled. That's why there are procedures. It really is just that simple.

Now, as far as anyone coming up with things like, say, "What if there was a deaf, dumb, blind man in full camouflage running around at top speed on a private ranch...", don't bother. I just hope the quail were tasty and that they saved a bite for the old fella that got shot... by accident.

And, seriously, no more PMs, please. Read the news releases.