[Warning] Deer Hunters, Don’t Let Your Dog Shoot You

If you're a deer hunter, the experts say it's going to be a good season in Idaho.  Unless your dog shoots you accidentally.  It really happened.  

The general season is open to white-tailed deer hunters in Idaho for a few more days, and wildlife managers say there are about the same number of white-tailed deer available as last year.  And the Idaho Statesman reported there are more mule deer than usual this time around too.  So if you're into hunting, the outlook is positive.

That is if you don't end up seriously injured after accidentally being shot by your dog.

A 120-lb. Rottweiler mix named Charlie got his paw stuck on the trigger two weeks ago on a hunting trip with his owner in New Mexico and accidentally shot Sonny “Tex” Gilligan.  The gun was loaded, and when the dog slipped he caught the trigger and the shots went through Gilligan’s back, broke several ribs and shattered his collarbone. I bet that's a tough one for Tex to explain.  Hunters get accused of exaggerating all the time, but now he's got a story to one-up his buddies without the embellishing it one little bit.

People Magazine says Gilligan will be okay after lots of rehab, and the dog is staying with his son until he can get back home.

With thousands of hunters in Idaho this year, that translates to a plethora of loaded guns in pickups and SUVs.  And since dogs don't know the difference between a loaded gun and a flashlight, rifles are best kept out of striking distance of the paws.  One more safety tip to add to the list.

The deer season in Idaho runs through November 20th.  I'm sure you or your husband will bring back some good stories, but may they not involve your dog's paw accidentally hitting the trigger.