Carrying weapons in the woods

[tvashtarkatena]

I am armed almost all the time, in or out of the woods. Something that might need killing can pop up anywhere.

 

I feel better already.

[ClimbingPanther]

it's a waste of weight to me because generally, no cougar is going to attack a group of people in the first place, and if you're alone you will likely not get enough warning to be able to use it. help me, ivan's tauntaun, you're my only hope!

[archenemy]

I've been stalked by and run into different scary animals in the woods. But honestly, I am more afraid of running into someone who is not such a gentleman as you all here are and having an unpleasant experience.

 

I only carry a gun when I am hunting, transporting my gun, or out there alone. Not when I am with other people out on a hiking trip.

[archenemy]

if you're alone you will likely not get enough warning to be able to use it.

this is only true if you are not accustomed to using your weapon. As I said above, I carry a gun. It's a rifle and I can position, aim, and fire it faster than most anything can run away from me--even when I am startled by it. At this stage, pulling my rifle up and aiming is a reflex. I never shoot without recognizing/indentifying what I am shooting at. Other responsible gun owners can say the same.