Posted by CalAbDiver on June 29, 2001 at 15:51:02:
In Reply to: Great Whites at Catalina posted by Brad on June 29, 2001 at 13:24:40:
if the shark was speared in its mouth, its mouth was open. if its mouth was open, it wasnt because it was yawning.
DFG officials use this same criterion to evaluate shootings of mountain lions. if a hunter shoots a lion in the mouth, its mouth was open. that is an aggressive display, i.e. it wasnt running away.
the diver did the right thing. if you are ever in a similar situation, you have a choice: spear the fish in its open mouth, or feed it. do what you want.
if he had speared it laterally, i would agree that the spearing would have been inappropriate. in this case, the evidence is otherwise. but go ahead and think whatever you will.