Makes no difference. The hunters are just as responsible for what their dogs did as they would be had they shot a hiker on a pig trail.
I see your point, and it makes good sense. I admit I have been ignorant about some of the details of rules governing hunting with dogs, but now that i (re)read the rules, i see that it is right there:
§13-123-22
Conditions and restrictions.
section 3()
(C) The dog's owner or handler shall
accompany the dog at all times while
hunting.
The dog shall be under control
at all times and physically restrained
except when hunting and actively in
pursuit of game.
(D)
The dog's owner shall be held strictly
liable for all actions, injuries, or
damages caused by the owner's dog.
(E)
The dog shall be under voice control at
all times and physically restrained in
all safety zones and closed areas.
also, i believe they would be required to wear an orange vest/etc.
mostly i am just glad it wasn't someone's kid.
Thanks, F.J., for helping me further my education