Rethinking sidearm carry while hunting

[marksman13]

We had the same ones in 2001- and before. After we realized they weren't the right answer- not just for all the humping we did in the mountains (not unlike a lot of elk hunters) but also for riding in vehicles with the entire inventory of a REI and an army surplus store. You know what we did? We disassembled our safariland leg holsters from the S&M harnesses, threw away everything but the holster itself, then ordered and attached the belt drop assemblies, and turned these things into pretty much the same holster every cop in the US carries. because those guys spend some time walking around, and a whole bunch of time riding in cramped vehicles with a bunch of stuff too. That configuration is still in use with those guys today, except they are multicam and there is a different pistol in it than we used in 2001.

Bingo. I have no desire to have my pistol banging around on everything and snagging on stuff. Only reason we ran drop leg holsters when we did was because standard belt holsters would not work with our IBA. I like the placement of the pistol for drawing with a drop leg, but I hate everything else about a drop leg holster.

 

[HB]

much of my hunting on federal property; get caught packing there and it's big fine and possibly jail time.

Unless you are on a national park or similar I was unaware of this rule. Colorado has their CCW permitted rule in writting in their big game hunting pamphlet. As far as I know there is no restrictions on carry on BLM or USFS land.

For what its worth I carried my 38 in my pocket when bow hunting elk on USFS land 2 years back. Saw one bull, saw 5 bears. Farm dogs in missouri are scarier than black bears in the woods to me.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

Hell yes I carry when hunting. I will not stop carrying simply because I am in the woods. I do a lot of things with the shotgun or rifle not always with me when hunting. When I travel through the woods in a vehicle, it is unlawful to have your hunting rifle loaded but ok for CCW. I CCW to go to a 7/11 and always have some protection, my motto is carry everywhere. If nothing else why is it so difficult to carry at least a pocket gun??? I am sometimes in remote areas and do not want to be caught with my pants down if I encounter the two legged predators.

 

[bearcreek]

i very seldom pack while hunting: Just don't see the need. Additionally, much of my hunting on federal property; get caught packing there and it's big fine and possibly jail time.

What kind of Federal property? It's perfectly legal to carry in National Forests and Parks. Are you hunting military bases?

 

[bearcreek]

Unless you are on a national park or similar I was unaware of this rule.

Perfectly legal to carry in a National Park, other than in the buildings. My guess is he's hunting military bases or something similar.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

It is interesting. Most of the avid pocket gun carriers that I know of, or at least myself, do not go anywhere without them. Just like I would never go anywhere without my wallet or even my keys. It is a habit. And you can bet I can use it very well, drawing and hitting center mass very quickly with 7 rounds. So why, would I all of a sudden decide simply because I am going to be lugging around a heavy shotgun or rifle, just leave this little 13oz fully loaded firearm at home? Unfortunately I can not carry while hunting on a military Base which I do hunt. However that area is so controlled with entry, the chances of meeting a two legged predator are very unlikely.

Master card. Never leave home without it.

 

[sbwaters]

Wow! 81 replies. I learn so much from all your experience.

I’m grateful to be able to kick up my heels on the THR potbelly stove, pull out my whittling knife and a piece of cedar, and listen.

Thank you!

 

[rhweb32]

Perfectly legal to carry in a National Park, other than in the buildings. My guess is he's hunting military bases or something similar.

Property owned by the Army Corp of Engineers restricts Concealed carry as well as some property owned by US Wildlife Service (Some not all). The ones I know of are all along the Missouri River.

 

[CraigC]

If I'm wearing pants, I'm wearing a sidearm, period. Never considered it a hindrance or inconvenience. The rifle is what's optional.

 

[alsaqr]

Are you hunting military bases?

Yes. If one gets caught carrying on a military base it's a quick trip to the US magistrate.

 

[somethingbenign]

Was just talking to my step dad about this over Christmas. He said that in 30+ years of hunting he has only carried (or even owned) one handgun and that was a 22lr revolver for dispatching what he caught in traps. He did admit that he has heard more stories of rabid or desperate coyotes attacking hunters or hikers in recent years so he is looking at a 45LC revolver, partly for nostalgia. I hunt with lever actions mostly so while I'm young (and quite possibly stupid) I plan to carry a revolver of some kind if only to fulfil my inner cowboy. 4" 327 SP101 for now since the most dangerous critter I have to worry about is a coyote or bobcat. Now just to decide what type of holster.

 

[Varminterror]

If I'm wearing pants, I'm wearing a sidearm, period. Never considered it a hindrance or inconvenience. The rifle is what's optional.

Same here - and sometimes when I’m not even wearing pants.

Even when I’m hunting a (conventional) handgun, usually a Ruger Super Blackhawk or Redhawk, which is usually carried cross draw slung across my body off to the left of my belly button, I’ll have my G19 slung above the revolver. If I have a rifle, same deal - G19 on my chest.

If I’m hunting in bear country, the G19 grows to a 5.5” Super Redhawk Toklat 454C.

If I’m hunting public land, I don’t know exactly what other American I might run into out there, but I know we all have the right to be there, so I carry to the lowest common denominator. At least my G19, prominently placed across my chest.

If I’m hunting private property, if I run into anyone, most likely it will not be a pleasant encounter, as they should not be there, and I’m obliged to remind them of that fact. Same same, G19 slung across my chest.

I didn’t have time to get my Maxim 9 rigged up before this season, but it’ll replace my G19 next year. It’s pretty hard to miss.

Even with that up top, I usually still have my LCP in my pocket as well. I’m a lot more prone to have 3 firearms on me while hunting than I am to have only one.