SilentStalker
Member
As the thread states I am wondering what is needed, if anything, to carry a rifle/shotgun in a vehicle. I know this probably varies from state-to-state, but I was curious as to whether you need a special permit or anything to carry like this. The reason I am asking is because I have recently become very active in hiking and I plan on going on some trails in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee this spring and am a little concerned with bears and whatnot. So, I was thinking of carrying a shotgun or a rifle with good stopping power of course (open to suggestions) just to have around. You never know who or what you can stumble upon in a huge national forest. I know that the area only contains Black Bears (mostly plant eaters) which are a lot less aggressive than their western couterparts, the grizzly bear, but I would rather be safe than sorry.
I used to hike around the area when I was a kid and one day on one of my hikes when I was about 10 me and some friends stumbled upon some cubs, needless to say momma bear was near and obviously became aggressive when she found out we were close to her young offspring. We were lucky that day because while Black bears may not be as big nor as aggressive as the grizzly they still are not an animal that you want to piss off. Obviously, we made it out unharmed but I don't want to be in that situation again.
I used to hike around the area when I was a kid and one day on one of my hikes when I was about 10 me and some friends stumbled upon some cubs, needless to say momma bear was near and obviously became aggressive when she found out we were close to her young offspring. We were lucky that day because while Black bears may not be as big nor as aggressive as the grizzly they still are not an animal that you want to piss off. Obviously, we made it out unharmed but I don't want to be in that situation again.