HUNTING -- Abiding by the laws and never putting a loaded gun into a vehicle prevents countless firearms accidents.

Beyond that, a hunter who's around children or animals must be especially vigilant to firearms safety, often beyond the law.

I like the actions-open approach to any dealing with a bird dog in the field, as the photo above shows.

The story below illustrates the consequences of ignoring basic firearms safety, especially around pets.

SHERIDAN, Wyo. (AP) – Police in northern Wyoming say a rifle discharged after a dog apparently stepped on it, injuring a 46-year-old man.

Johnson County Sheriff Steve Kozisek says the bullet struck Richard L. Fipps, of Sheridan, in the arm on Monday.

The injury is not life-threatening but Fipps is being treated in a hospital in Billings.

Kozisek said Fipps and two others were in a remote area trying to move a vehicle that had become stuck. Fipps was standing beside his truck when he told his dog to move from the front seat to the back seat.

The sheriff says a rifle was on the back seat and it discharged toward Fipps.

Read about another incident in which a dog shot its hunting partner.