I am not sure if anyone saw the Yahoo headline regarding the 5 murdered and 3 injured deer hunters in Wisconsin. Two of the injured were hanging on by a thread as of last night. Apparently a "hunter" (used loosely) was trespassing and when confronted he "agreed" to leave the property. He went approximately 40 yards and the opened fire on the group that asked him to leave. These hunters were killed instantly. Upon hearing the rapid fire the rest of the hunting party came to determine what the problem was. They too were met with gunfire. This "hunter" was using an SKS 7.62X39 for his weapon of choice. The arriving hunters did not stand much of a chance. Younger hunters remained in the cabin and notified the authorities. Thank goodness someone had taught these children properly.
When the police and DNR arrived, the least injured of the group was able to provide the "back tag" number of the assailant. In Wisconsin the hunter must display his/her hunting license on the back of the outer garment.
The assailant used all 20 rounds of ammo and started wandering the woods. He was found by some unknowing hunters and brought to safety. Luckily, a law officer who was aware of the back tag number saw the assailant and placed him into custody without incident.
I post this to simply remind all of us that we must stay on our toes even when hunting on private property and to ask that we all remember, in our thoughts and prayers, the families who have lost husbands, fathers and friends.
Rick.