hiking with a gun

[natchez]

Still a bit of a controversy, hey? Personally I am against all guns but if I'd end up in a life/dead situation I must admit I would prefer being able to come out of it alive.

[ruining]

Hello, all. I joined up just so I could comment on this thread, though I hope to be around quite a bit as I'm new to hiking and have lots to learn. I was just searching, but couldn't find a news story from about 6-8 months ago of a man that was attacked in his tent while sleeping with his kids. He fired a rifle and stopped the man, who was flashing a knife, from seriously harming him or his family. As a father of two small boys and a concealed weapons carrier, I don't go anywhere, aside from work without a firearm. I'm not afraid of the animals, it's just that I would really like to be able to protect my family if I need to, and that will include the trails.

My wife has her permit, but doesn't carry as often. We both took classes and got permits when we started having children because if something happens that we could have prevented, I'm not sure I could live with myself. Just a thought.

[Acid Cat]

I believe that you attract trouble when you walk around with such a weapon. What a good example for the kids. The thing is that you don't know when one of you lovelies will use it against somebody or himself. The best weapon is your heart. That is a real family value.

[John13np]

Devils advocate: What if you have it concealed?

[Acid Cat]

Nothing is really concealed. Truth always rises. Knowing there is a gun in the house, or that your dad needs it wherever he goes, makes a kid's mind go wrong. Well, I don't know, here in Canada it is uncommon to carry a gun. Gun = death. Just... don't like it...

[John13np]

I wish it were uncommon here in the states.

I also agree with one of your previous post about I wish they were never made. (Although you're also right about we wouldn't be here if they weren't)

Not too long ago in Ohio, a 11 year old boy shot and killed his mom with a loaded gun that she had in the house. Could you imagine how traumatized that kid is gonna be from that for the rest of his life?

However, I can see where people believe that it is a necessary evil. Working for the Forest Service out in the field I come across some situations where I could see where most people would want a gun (As a Forest Ranger, we don't carry weapons), such as running into a pot field (Score!), or running into a meth lab. It can get pretty dangerous out in the woods depending where you're at.

I have worked on some Forests where I have had no problems at all and the locals were very nice to me. Other Forests, well, not so much. Seemed like a weekly matter I was calling in a meth lab (usually abandoned) and the locals did not like us FS folk at all, and every time they'd see me, well, they were not happy. I’ve gotten some dirty looks and even some threats. All part of the job.

Still, no gun.

[American Hiker]

Amazing how small minded many of you are. Not the least bit surprised though.
And I forgot one more reason I carry... never know when a dope smoking hippy might want to steal my trail mix.

[GDeadPhans]

The best weapon is your heart. That is a real family value.

Awwe you made me all mooshy.

Americans love there guns. I think its a bit...well I don't know what the word is that I want to use...but the right to bear arms was drafted in to the constitution at a time when it took a long time to reload your weapon. Well we know that is not the case anymore.

I hate guns, but its moments like what ruining described where I feel okay about them. I grew up in a ghetto, if I lived in a bad area now I would definitely want a gun in the house. You just never know, and that sense of security is nice. Its when they get in the wrong hands it gets all haywire. But you bring up great points Cat. I think with me, guns are a love hate relationship.

[John13np]

Amazing how small minded many of you are. Not the least bit surprised though.
And I forgot one more reason I carry... never know when a dope smoking hippy might want to steal my trail mix.

Do you work for John McCain? I kid I kid

[American Hiker]

I kid too John13np and no lol, not a huge fan of the man