DO you pack a sidearm when hunting

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sturmruger

sturmruger

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So I was out squirrel hunting this weekend on some public land when I ran into some guys from MN in the parking area who was heading down to the creek to do some fly fishing. They were nice enough guys, one of them asked what I was hunting. I explained that I was hoping to see some squirrels. He then asked why I was also carrying a big revolver along with my 10/22. I didn't really know what to say other then I would rather be safe then sorry. HE had a puzzled look on his face but didn’t ask anymore questions. Him and his buddy got all their gear together and moved off towards the creek.

If I had needed to explain more I would have told them that recently some guy from MN shot some guys from WI and I would like to have another means of self defense then just my 10/22. That really isn't the only reason because I have always carried a pistol with me when I am hunting, but I am sure it would have stopped all the questioning.

My question is am I some type of gun nut? Is carrying a extra gun a good idea. Do you carry an extra gun??
 
I'd just say it for protection from predators. No need to say that 2-legged ones concern you more than 4-legged ones and slythering ones.
My question is am I some type of gun nut?
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Aren't we all here? You say it like it's a bad or something.
Is carrying a extra gun a good idea. Do you carry an extra gun??
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Yes, and yes. I always carry something besides whatever long gun I'm hunting with.

If I'm in an area where 2-legged critters are the biggest potential threat, my Ruger P94 .40 cal is on my hip. If big 4-legged critters (bears, cougars) are in the area my Redhawk .44mag tags along. Once I get my HBE Com3 holster the Sig P245 will go concealed IWB instead of the P94. It'll probably be in addition to the Redhawk when I decide to carry it.
 
Given your locale, maybe a reminder about the Shai Vang (sp?) shootings would have been appropriate. Anyhow, I usually do carry something. Anything from a snub .38 to a S&W Mountain Gun. The only time I go without a handgun is when I am elk hunting and every extra ounce matters.
 
I always carry a sidearm when hunting. The majority of my hunting is small game but I carry one when hunting deer or elk too. I carry a side arm when out in the woods for a walk too. Sometimes concealed, sometimes in a regular open carry style holster.

If I am fishing, I have a sidearm. Why not??

I am really more concerned with 2 legged predators than the four legged types, but you never know. I have posted on this forum about my run in with 6 pitbulls in the national forest, nothing happened but I did start carrying a 9mm with more than 5 rounds in it!
 
Yes. I usually carry a .40 in addition to whatever I'm hunting with, mainly for encounters with less than friendly country dogs.

Sturm, maybe the fishermen were just wondering if they needed to be carrying, too. You should've mumbled something about a recent Bigfoot sighting in the area. :D
 
Hell, I've read some posts here where some guys are carrying more gear for a trip to Wally World that I take out into the field. Not that it's a bad thing, just saying that as long as your legal and not intruding on others there's no need for an explanation.
 
I like to pack a light .22 handgun for small game when going after larger stuff, but I don't see much point in the reverse. I can see no real advantage a handgun would have over my CZ 452. Whatever ft. lb. gain there is from a magnum is negated by the vastly superior accuracy of the long arm. (Bear issues aside for the moment)

OTOH there are no restrictions about loading your main hunting rifle in Alaska (as far as I know), and IIRC some other states do require you to keep it unloaded when technically crossing areas where hunting for your target game is not allowed.
 
Depends. The last couple years I've taken a S&W 686 with me deer hunting, but mostly because some of the areas I'm hunting won't offer shots more than 15-20 yards. I may also take a .22lr pistol when I'm bird hunting, just in case I get a chance for some squirrels or rabbits.
 
Personally I feel naked without a handgun regardless of where I'm at. I've been called paranoid by some. Maybe so but it just seems natural to have one handy.
 
I can't say I always do because there are many hunting trips that I intentionally pack light... Light doesn't mean and extra 2-3 lbs of steel on my hip.

But usually I do - even when hiking four or five miles. Just habbit and it's what I usually tell folks too. Those that know me just nod dumbly, those that don't just look dumb. :D
 
gotta have it

Goo Vikings!!!!! :neener: :D You gotta have your side arm , everywhere,,, You just get used to it. Its like wearing your watch. If you don't have it on you it just feels wierd. I wear my single shot when I'm playing golf :cool: I keep my .357 in the cart.
 
Well, considering my phobia of rattlesnakes and water mocs and copper heads, I usually carry a revolver with a couple of rounds of snake shot loaded up followed by the real stuff for hardier creatures.
 
nope. no need for it. they don't make bears here, i don't care to pack the extra weight, i am a far better rifle shot than pistol shot, there is nothing i can do w/ a handgun that i can't do better and faster w/ a rifle, along w/ the benefits of increased accuracy and sure 1-shot-stops.

i carry all the time... except when hunting. lots of folks carry while they are hunting, and whatever makes 'em happy, i don't care - but i'm not one.
 
Always!

Then again, take a look where I hunt. Most of the time its within 25 miles of the border out in the desert.

So, needless to say there are more 2 legged critters walking out there than the 4 legged ones. :what:

BTW, the S&W 1006 10MM is always on my side.
 
Almost always a 10mm Kimber target. Last time I didn't, I was walking down the happy trail coming in from a hunt when I heard something CRASHING through some thick brush in front of me. Before I could react a nice 8 pointer bolted on the trail sprinting blindly straight for me. By the time I could get the Savage .308 bolt action unslung he was about 15 feet away and finally saw me and took a quick left down a hill. Then came the 3 dogs that were chasing him. They decided that I would be an easier catch than the buck. They calmly surrounded me and started growling. I stood still and kept a bead on the Alpha (big one) with the other 2 smaller go alongs to my side and back. I decided to give him one step of mercy since I was hunting on a friends private property and did not want to start a feud by shooting a neighbors dog. Finally the Alpha backed off and the others retreated with him. If I had my Kimber on my side C + L I likely would have had the buck and felt more assured to take out all three dogs than I did with just a bolt action. I still have flash backs of that buck that should have been in my belly by now.
 
When deer/elk hunting with rifle? No... My 30-06 or 30-30 is my only protection....other than two knives. And I generally only carry 9 shells.

When archery or muzzle loading? Yes. In Utah one can carry a sidearm during these hunts IF one has a CCW license.

Interesting that those fly fisherman seemed to scoff at your weapon. I fly-fish and hike quite a bit. AND I ALWAYS carry a sidearm. I generally carry it on my hip in a western style holster unless fishing in deep water. I believe people need to see more weapons in the open....especially in the mountains. They are not taboo. On a recent fishing trip my aunt asked, "Do THEY just let you carry that thing?" pointing to my revolver on my hip. I don't know who "they" are but I responded, "of course, this is the mountains....that's what you do in the mountains....you carry guns....you are prepared" Actually I carry them everywhere....but that was a discussion for another day.
 
I usually have my .38 Special Smith M649 on me while hunting.
Sometimes I carry a larger revolver, or a semiauto pistol in addition to the .38.
 
I've always carried either a .357 or .44 Magnum revolver when in the woods here in Maine. Hunting or hiking, it doesn't matter.

Years ago, I saw the result of a local guy that got caught between a black bear and her cubs while he was out squirrel hunting with a .22LR. Took 6 months of reconstructive surgery before he could eat solid food and he has a hook for a left hand. His face still looks like something out of a horror movie.

I've carried a Magnum ever since and will continue to do so.
 
"of course, this is the mountains....that's what you do in the mountains....you carry guns....you are prepared" Actually I carry them everywhere....
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I could not have said it better myself.

Here is my favorite winter carry gun. It is a little big, but it carries well.

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Charles
 

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I didn't think I was alone

In response to a few people that don't carry a pistol. I like idea of having a back up weapon especially when carrying a .22lr. I listened to about 60% of the Chai Vang trial that we recently had here in WI. If any of the hunters would have seriously shooting back at the maniac he would have turned tail and ran. If you get seperated from your rifle at least you will have some recourse to defend yourself with a pistol.

To each their own I guess.
 
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