Sharp Shooter, you are right, and as the saying goes, S#$@ Happens. A person needs to way his options and consider things like background and backstop and decide if an alternate means such as rock or stick should be considered. And all things considered, accidents occur and the unexpected can always happen, but at least I know I have another option available if needed. I know this is unrelated to our discussion but on the topic of snakes, this happened. -- Two years ago, I decided not to shoot a snake when I brought a friend out to my claim. My friend decided that the snake was not a threat and should be left alone as he felt the snake was only looking for a mouse and would not bother us. He had brought his healer (dog) with him that day and while we discussed weather or not to kill the snake, it went down a badger hole. He stated to me, see, arent you glad you let him go. Two days later, he came back to see how I was doing, and that snake, near the same spot, bit his dog. The dog did not survive. At least he saved that friendly little snake..