BlackfrogI feel your pain! It is circumstances like this that are taxing on friendships and hunting trips.

It is easy to point the finger at the driver and accuse him of a boneheaded mistake, perhaps even rightfully so. In the final analysis I do believe the driver to be more culpable than anyone else.

That said, if he is that careless of a driver why does the group let him behind the wheel ( I am assuming because he owns the vehicle)? I am sure that you all split the gas money for the trip, but does the remaining five of the group compensate the driver (owner) for the "wear and tear" on his vehicle that occurs on the hunting trip? Of course that is an intangible, but a real expense nevertheless.

Without a trailer there is no trip for the group, unless of course there are more vehicles to drive in which case there are more expenses to be paid by all. Could an effective argement be made to make the driver pay the entire cost (assuming some type of insurance money doesn't come through) of the damage? Certainly. Is it the "right" thing to do? There is some doubt in my mind......

Obviously there are no easy answers, and I make no judgement on the outcome of your dilemma. I hope some insurance money comes through and everyone can stay friends to hunt another day.