Awesome synopsis for all of us, Girlhasnoname.
As far as James being mentioned as a Hunter, and his weapons being appropriately stored, it brought to mind my family's collection of firearms over the years. (We lived in rural Indiana.)
My father when asked would always say, "Some Hunters avoid ranges (preferring a natural environment), and other Hunters swear by them."
I noticed that there are at least 6 shooting ranges within 15 miles of Barron, Wisconsin, ( Anderson's PSR, Blue Hills, Fireline Center, Chippewa County Range, Bloomer's, etc.)
I was wondering if James had been a regular at any of them? A long-time membership at some point?
Did he go there on his days off? After work? Sundays?
Another Web-sleuther, 25 threads ago, had wondered if LE had spoken to James' hunting buddies. (??)
I'm also wondering if a dispute could have occurred at a shooting range, and James (through no fault of his own) was followed home by someone who wanted to settle the score based on their perception of the dispute.
I hope LE has interviewed all of James' buddies. They might actually know something ........ that they don't know is important to solving this.