I have never hunted with or been around anyone hunting with dogs or shooting treed animals. I would asume they use small caliber or short range type weapons. I would also assume that missing would not be likely. I suppose the tree itself would stop or slow the bullet if it passed through or missed. I would also think there would be time to study the shot angle and make sure that a safe background is present. Or maybe I assume to much. Like I said I have never been involved with that kind of hunting.

Where I live now in eastern ND they use rifles for deer hunting. This is not a safe practice at all as this country is as flat as a table top. Also there are farmsteads on almost every section of land which means its seldom more that a mile across flat land between farm houses. I can't believe the allow rifles. It scares the hell out of me every time I hear a shot. In reality I quess by the time you here the shot it would be to late to duck. I do most of my deer hunting in western SD. There the places are usually miles apart and the land is a lot of prairie but with rolling hills. Its seldom more than 500-700 yards to the nearest solid land backing and I have never even heard of anyone being hit. However some hunter like to get that last shot off before the critter goes over the next hill. That what worries me. I have been through a war and don't need to get shot in my back yard. Up here I like to just sit tight in a good heavy shelter belt.