Hunters Safety Beyond the Hunt
A Moral Responsibility
I think that ever hunter safety course should have a mention of the potential for finding human remains and or crime evidence. I think there should be a standard set to help folks recognize remains and know who to call. How to NOT disturb the scene. How to take pic with their cell phone etc -- almost every hunter has a camera phone and GPS equipment now days.
It's not a matter of should they report the findings, but a matter of they MUST report findings. Even when they feel their safety is compromised, they can move along and note the area where the proper authorities can return.
Calling the police might be a challenge as I'm sure that they often run down a report only to find animal bones. That's why a basic tutorial / protocol should be developed. This is something that could potentially be accomplished through joint efforts between the NRA www.NRS.org and IACCI http://cold-case.org/about.aspx
It's all about the location, preservation, documentation and investigation of crime scenes.
Published by Todd Matthews
Todd's calling to be a voice for missing and unidentified persons began when he solved the identity of the "Tent Girl" case, Barbara Hackman-Taylor, after a ten-year journey that ended in 1998. View profile
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4 Comments
Post a CommentMr. Matthews:
Thank you for your email. Hunter Education is administered by the states, not NRA. Perhaps you can make this proposal to the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA)? It sounds like a good one!
Sincerely
John Howard
National Rifle Association of America
NRA National Instructor Trainer
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
Volunteerism can overlap into recreation. We have to evolve from good to better. The same can apply to any number of outdoor activity -- even those who have no formal training like hiking, fishing, boating, ginseng hunting, mushroom hunters, walkers...etc. All of these have an incredible opportunity to become extra eyes for our community. Not just a set of eyes for the police -- but for the families and victims. With thousands of missing -- I admit I feel a little desperate at times..and not ashamed to ask our fellow Americans to do what I think they will be happy to do.
I'm anxious to see a standard protocol written up by real crime scene investigators and expert searchers. Maybe a bit more than "if you happen to see anything" to a "here's your chance to help fellow man by being extra vigilant"
Even while enjoying the sport -- with a few extra steps a hunter can really become a valuable asset for crime resolution.
Thousands of people hunt -- and each season can also become far more informed ground searches.
I don't think it is too much to ask that our hunters are made more aware of the cause and are given a bit of training and awareness.
Awesome article, Todd! You are absolutely right. I never thought about the number times hunters have seen remains and not reported them. Thanks for your incredible support for the missing!!