Hard to believe they had the guns loaded and safety off in a crowded pickup cab. While I have carried loaded rifles in my pickup while driving in the woods, the safety was always on and I was always alone in the cab. More likely the guys friend shot him by accident and they made the "dog did it" story up to keep from having the friend arrested.
Darn dogs! if they’re not eatin your homework then they’re bumping your huntin rifles...