No its not illegal, but it isn't safe while shooting from the ground either. The guys were running dogs and from the report the guy who shot couldn't seehis friend who got hit by the bullet. Apparently he was shooting on the level and the bullet traveled through the woodsand struck his friend around the corner of the road. I would never shoot my rifle while running dogs on the level, i always shoot mine from a elevated position like on top ofmy dogbox. Thiscould have been easily prevented, dont be lazy get on your dogbox if you are going to shoot a rifle (or shotgun forthat matter).