I am by no means a hunter--I do not understand the allure nor the art of hunting for helpless animals. However, one aspect of this accidental shooting strikes me as a bit odd, and I haven't been able to wrap my head around it.
Perhaps you can help.
From what little I know, quails prefer to run rather than fly.
It's fair to say, then, that the bird Cheney supposedly heard behind him was due to noise in the brush. This was, of course, his dear friend whom he shot--in the face.
Why would he have shot so high? Did he simply turn and fire thinking the quail would now be in the air?
Perhaps I'm wrong, but wouldn't the sound of a quail flying be minimal at best?
Your help on this matter is appreciated.