Hunters and their apologists have been getting craftier lately in regards to public perception. They seem to understand that if they were to reveal hunting’s dark underbelly and its evil agenda to usurp all open land for their blood-sport, people would not only be appalled, but the roughly 95% of Americans who do not hunt would not go along with their program.

And their PR efforts seem to be paying off. That’s why you hear some non-hunters say things like, “The hunters I know rarely talk about ‘the kill,’ they talk about sitting on the hill in the still of the morning with the fog burning off, with their father/son/grandfather/uncles. They tell you stories of years past about the times spent with their friends and family.”

Ok, great, spend a nice morning watching the fog lift. Get out for a walk in the woods with your friends or family members. But leave the guns behind—that way nobody will get hurt. Too many people lately have had their day ruined when one of their party ends up getting shot. I’m sure the family of Joseph Steele wishes they had opted for a peaceful nature walk rather than an armed foray last Saturday evening, when the 28-year-old was accidentally shot and killed by one of his own.

As the Kokomo Tribune reports it in their update, “Name released in hunting death, Deputies say Joseph Steele was accidentally shot and killed by family member” Steele was hunting with family members in a wooded area just south of his residence. According to witnesses, the hunters had split up, and at some point they lost sight of the Steele. One of the hunters fired from a distance at what he perceived to be a squirrel, deputies said. Moments later, Steele yelled out that he’d been shot. He was able to communicate with witnesses before eventually losing consciousness…

It’s not the 1800s anymore, people. When we finally realize we can enjoy nature without brandishing a weapon, these kinds of accidents will be a thing of the past.

Text and Wildlife Photography © Jim Robertson