Growing up in the Rockies I do not go into the woods without both a handgun and a rifle. That goes for everyone in the party.
If I am fishing I carry a large caliber handgun, usually a SA revolver in .44 or .45. A levergun in a similar caliber as the handgun and/or a .22 rifle are usually nearby.
If hunting I usually carry a .22 handgun and a heavy caliber rifle.
How I carry the handgun depends on the weather but it is usually concealed unless I am really deep in the wilderness and don't expect to see other people.
I've never worried about bears except in the spring months when sows are with cubs. Don't want to get between them. Most of the time all you will see of a bear is the backside moving away.
As far as two legged critters, I have only felt uncomfortable a couple of times. I didn't have a problem but that is why I carry concealed, so I can surprise them.
I forgot to thank Backpacker for the stories. I have been to most of those locations and hiked the same trails starting back in 1962 as a dumb high school kid with poor equipment. Unfortunately my hiking travels ended a few years ago when the knees gave out, but the memories remain. Now the trips must follow the roads, but the equipment remains the same and perhaps more of it.
If I am fishing I carry a large caliber handgun, usually a SA revolver in .44 or .45. A levergun in a similar caliber as the handgun and/or a .22 rifle are usually nearby.
If hunting I usually carry a .22 handgun and a heavy caliber rifle.
How I carry the handgun depends on the weather but it is usually concealed unless I am really deep in the wilderness and don't expect to see other people.
I've never worried about bears except in the spring months when sows are with cubs. Don't want to get between them. Most of the time all you will see of a bear is the backside moving away.
As far as two legged critters, I have only felt uncomfortable a couple of times. I didn't have a problem but that is why I carry concealed, so I can surprise them.
I forgot to thank Backpacker for the stories. I have been to most of those locations and hiked the same trails starting back in 1962 as a dumb high school kid with poor equipment. Unfortunately my hiking travels ended a few years ago when the knees gave out, but the memories remain. Now the trips must follow the roads, but the equipment remains the same and perhaps more of it.
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