Child killed in Campbell County raises questions

Previous stories:

13-year-old charged in shooting death of 10-year-old - Feb. 3rd

Identity released of 10-year-old killed in Campbell County - Feb. 4th

A shooting involving two young boys has raised questions regarding hunting and our youth.
   
On our website one reader wrote “Guns are for adults, not kids and a 13-year-old is a kid.“
   
While another writes “I can hand my 7-year-old a gun and he knows the rules.“
 
No matter where you fall on the debate lines it’s clearly written in the books.

“After 12 they have to take a hunter education course and pass it, that will allow them to buy a junior license,” said Captain Ron Henry with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Once a youth hunter gets their hands on a license legally they can head into the woods alone.
   
According to the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department the shooting is a criminal investigation, not a hunting accident, saying the teenager pointed the gun at Lambert, pulled the trigger, but was unaware the rifle was still loaded.
   
Captain Henry says adults play a vital role in youth hunting safety.

“We see a lot of children in the outdoors most of those young children are enjoying the experience with their parents,” he said.  “Mid teen or later teens are the ones that we generally see alone hunting.”
   
Henry says if you’re on your own land, many laws don’t apply.

“If you’re on your own property you’re not required to have a license.”
   
Henry adds at the end of the day safety is in the hands of parents.

“We depend upon the judgment of parents to know whether the children are properly experienced enough to go out by themselves.”