Just a quick query I would like the groups opinion on - I reguarly shoot grey squirrels but it was mentioned on a different thread that if I shot one and didn't kill it out right then I could be presecuted for cruelty to animals. I take every possible care in targeting the squirrels, including lots of practice at non live targets, and so far every shot taken has killed the intended target but i know sooner or later, despite everything I can do, that the first shot will only wound the animal, maybe it moves just as i pull the trigger or it is a slighty deformed pellet that doesn't fly straight or some other reason. Now if this squirrel disappears into the canopy and despite my very best efforts I cannot get it would this leave me open to a charge of cruelty?
I'm sure everyone who shoots misses occasionally even through they do everything in their power to avoid it, so i guess there are a few other people out there who would also like other peoples opinions