We've been doing deer and bear drives on a 3,500 acre timber company property that my hunting club leases for the twenty-five years I've been a member and they did them many years prior to that.

They are maxed out at the 25 man limit too. It is a very productive way to hunt. Especially deer, especially after the first few days when the go completely nocturnal and bed in the thickest, nastiest cover the can find.

In all that time, during all those drives with all those guys and girls, there's never been an accident or even anything remotely like a close call.

Statistically, there are many common things more likely to injure or kill you. I think your more likely to be shot while in the spring woods hunting turkey than while driving deer or bear.

There's nothing dumb about it.

Grew up doing drives. Bear camp used to have 20 to 25 guys. I don't see it any different than walking through the woods alone in rifle season. Maybe safer since the all the people around know u r there and where u r going.
Amish are not known for safety. And a stander wasn't shot, a driver was by another driver. We are all in a line and can see each other. Some whistle, some yell or make other noises. Normally deer do not make those noises so its easy for standers to know what's coming way before they see them.

Will be driving deer this weekend. It's the only way my group hunts deer. Been doing it safely and successfully for many years.