As I’ve said in any of the dozens of bear threads, there are thousands of hikers crawling over trails here in the Pacific Northwest, and the vast majority of them are unarmed. I’ve read several hike reports so far this spring where the hiker or backpacker saw a bear, in some cases with cubs. The bear couldn’t be any less interested in the hiker. If they see, smell, or hear you coming- they are going to be moving away from you and you’ll never even know it was there. Cougars generally don’t hunt people, although they are known to stalk them. Goats can be aggressive, and we had one goat related death on the trail last year. Nevertheless, you cannot legally shoot a goat just for following you. Elk and deer attacks are even less likely. We don't have wild hogs, but they would make me nervous. So you’re going to point your shotgun at….what?
I don’t understand this paranoia that if you step ten feet off the pavement every animal over 40 pounds is going to start hunting you. Seriously, carry a firearm if it makes you more comfortable (I do) but if you’re so afraid of nature you believe you need a long gun, it might be better (for everyone) if you just stayed on the paved surfaces.
