Maybe this comes from a rural up-bringing, but one of the top rules on my list is "Don't mess with crazy neighbors with guns". So, he shot down your toy. Don't start an E-mail conversation with him! Don't call the police on him. Next thing you know it'll be your dog instead of your drone, or worse. Just pack up the pieces and be glad it was something replaceable.
I can't believe this guy voluntarily contacted (and then sued) someone who has demonstrated no reservations about shooting his house.
> "I didn't contest what he said, as I didn't want to get argumentative with a guy with a shotgun," Joe said. "So I went back to my place [and] inspected it."
The person in the article did mention arguing on site was a bad idea. I think he was right to stand up for his property rights through email later when he was in his house and significantly more safe in comparison. History has taught us that appeasing an aggressor is generally a bad idea for the long term.
No one should be above the law, but the parent is right that safety concerns also come into play. In this case the damage to the drone was ~$700. Provoking someone who has already shown a disregard for your property could mean that person will do more damage to your property, or could threaten harm or damage to you. In this case, the legal concern of getting that $700 compensation may be trivial compared to the safety concern.
I can't believe this guy voluntarily contacted (and then sued) someone who has demonstrated no reservations about shooting his house.