It's called "the outdoors". National forests, state parks, .....And the area you friend worked in is exactly the kind of place I don't go if I can avoid it (which I usually can).
It's called "the outdoors". National forests, state parks, .....And the area you friend worked in is exactly the kind of place I don't go if I can avoid it (which I usually can).
In my area of Colorado, the threat matrix is valid across the entire range, excluding Brown Bear (for now) and waterborne (snakes, gators):
I have watched mountain lions over the sights of my sidearm. My father had to fire his to scare a cat away on one dusk hike.
I have watched 400+ pound Black Bear over the sights of my sidearm and long arm.
As a young teen, I discharged my sidearm to stop a dog attack.
As an older teen, I stood in the tree line of our campsite clutching a loaded and chambered Lee-Enfield as armed dirt bikers tore through the area near our location blasting away with shotguns at 1 am.
The density of vagrants and criminals occupying public lands has exploded over recent years.
The net result is that I will be armed when out and about in the boonies, and will probably be OCing, unless its illegal or some super congested area. I don't really care about offending the other recreationists, who would be smart to be doing the same.
It's called "the outdoors". National forests, state parks, .....
Actually no. It may sound weird to some people but part of the excitement of being out in the wilderness is the feeling of being alone and totally self reliant and yes even the possibility of encountering dangerous situations. If I wanted to be complete safety, relaxation & comfort I would stay home on my easy chair, next to my refrigerator and my TV.It must suck to want to go spend a little time out in the woods, and have to be watching your back constantly for unpleasant people.
What conclusions would anyone draw from that?My apologies for having no negative and aggressive social experiences in all the time I've spent hiking, camping and climbing in National Parks, Forests, and Wilderness.
Seems like some here have a big focus on bumping into a meth-head. I know a few spots in my area where that might be likely, and I simply don't go to those spots.
Usually I don't see undesirables on the trails I walk. Just average outdoorsy city folks looking for time in nature. I keep my head up, but I don't worry too much. On occasion I'll sit off to the side of a trail and glass an area looking for wildlife. People usually don't even notice me unless I move.
I feel bad for you guys who have to worry about junkies when you're out on the trails.
What conclusions would anyone draw from that?
Actually no. It may sound weird to some people but part of the excitement of being out in the wilderness is the feeling of being alone and totally self reliant and yes even the possibility of encountering dangerous situations. If I wanted to be complete safety, relaxation & comfort I would stay home on my easy chair, next to my refrigerator and my TV.
What would a few days in the wild be like if there were no challenges to face? Even if people were all angels there are still many other things that can kill a person if they are not careful or if ill prepared. I don't think anyone would downplay or call paranoia being prepared for possibilities like hypothermia, snake bites, breaking a leg or twisting an ankle so why is being prepared to deter a dangerous animal or human criminal element be any different? It really isn't at all.
I think some of you are overthinking this subject way to much. To borrow a phrase from J.B. Books (John Wayne) in The Shootist "Do what your insides tells ya".
I say if you carry what you want, how you want, pay attention to your surroundings and follow the applicable laws you'll be fine.
Actually no. It may sound weird to some people but part of the excitement of being out in the wilderness is the feeling of being alone and totally self reliant and yes even the possibility of encountering dangerous situations. If I wanted to be complete safety, relaxation & comfort I would stay home on my easy chair, next to my refrigerator and my TV.
What would a few days in the wild be like if there were no challenges to face? Even if people were all angels there are still many other things that can kill a person if they are not careful or if ill prepared. I don't think anyone would downplay or call paranoia being prepared for possibilities like hypothermia, snake bites, breaking a leg or twisting an ankle so why is being prepared to deter a dangerous animal or human criminal element be any different? It really isn't at all.
I certainly accept that. But I do not think that one's not having been aware of the existence of a "big problem" in a particular area should influence what or how to carry.I think the better question is why can you not accept that there are some areas of the country that don't have a big problem with dangerous and aggressive people hanging out in public lands waiting to prey on people?
when out in the woods being unarmed is an open invitation for disaster.
CC or OC but never NC.
I certainly accept that. But I do not think that one's not having been aware of the existence of a "big problem" in a particular area should influence what or how to carry.
If course, if a likelihood of trouble in an area is indicated--in areas known for pot growing, along immigration routes, for example--I agree with you: don't go there.
The same thing applies in town.
In the end whatever you do is fine. If you think you're 100% safe w/o a gun by all means leave it at home. But don't try to malign or ridicule those that do.
If someday you find yourself wishing you had brought your gun along instead of leaving it in your safe remember what Charlie from HR said:
"It's always better to have a gun & not need it than need it & not have it".