Camping with a weapon

[Viggen]

So, most camping here in my area on the East coast is deep in the woods and remote. Theres always a hunting knife in my car but I was curious as to how many people camp with a sidearm? Im not looking for a political debate but curious. Camping at an established site, probably not a consideration. Camping deep in the woods where it is just you, your truck, companion (who spawned the question as I think about planning a multiday trip) and whatever/ whomever wanders your way. Maybe?

Im sure this has come up before but I couldnt find it and Im not even sure this is the right section or not.

[jsmarine]

So, most camping here in my area on the East coast is deep in the woods and remote. Theres always a hunting knife in my car but I was curious as to how many people camp with a sidearm? Im not looking for a political debate but curious. Camping at an established site, probably not a consideration. Camping deep in the woods where it is just you, your truck, companion (who spawned the question as I think about planning a multiday trip) and whatever/ whomever wanders your way. Maybe?

Im sure this has come up before but I couldnt find it and Im not even sure this is the right section or not.

Yep, it has come up. http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...ghlight=weapon

[Maryland 110]

Given the bizzare people out there. I take a 9. The recent shootings up on the Blue Ridge Parkway make my case and point.

[BigDaveZJ]

Pretty much always take mine w/ me. Came a lot closer than I'd like to actually needing it on 2 trips last summer. In CO open carry is pretty much accepted when you get off the beaten path, and we have very good laws around carrying in a vehicle. Make sure you are in accordance with all local laws when you carry.

[ForealBoreal]

I bring the mossberg 500 18.5 inch barrel shotgun filled with slugs.
Doesn't hurt with a hungry yogi around.
I love that I get put through a fisheries course every year for shotgun bear safety.

[Tucson T4R]

It's maybe more of hand howitzer than a side arm but when I camp remote I always take my S&W .460 XVR.

[xtatik]

With all the lions, tigers, bears, crackheads, zombies, yeti's that are mentioned on this site in conjunction with guns.....I'm left wondering if many here just aren't really mentally prepared/experienced enough for backcountry travel. It isn't for everyone, and many here come across sounding like they just don't feel comfortable out there. The best way to know if it's important or not, is to spend enough time in the sticks without one and you'll know.
If you are an experienced outdoors person, your answer to yourself and your partner should be simple. From your question, I'm assuming you've never needed it in the past.............? So, what's been your experience.
Most of my friends and I have spent our lifetimes outdoors.....climbing, backpacking, flyfishing, hunting, etc. None of us even remotely feels it necessary to pack a gun during backcountry travel inthe contiguous states. Here are a few exceptions we make.....one, is while hunting (no-brainer). Second, is when on our Alaskan fishing trips, and we leave that business to the guides. Truth is, individually we've had many encounters, primarily with Black Bears, and cats. Most of those encountered amounted to views of them desperately running in the opposite direction to avoid contact with us.
Most of the wildlife attacks in North America are resultant from human stupidity. If you leave the gun at home and bring your brain with you, you'll be just fine. As for human interactions, I would venture a guess that there are far more crimes and opportunities to become a victim of a crime occurring daily within a mile of your home than will ever be realized in the boonies.

[BigAl]

I shot a possibly rabbid possum this morning while walking my dog. It was walking in circles and falling over, so it may have been drunk. I walked back to the jeep and got some garbage bags, double bagged it and threw it in dumpster. Hopefully nothing will eat it. I carry a S&W airlite .38. The possum is the first thing besides paper plates that it's ever shot

edit: before anyone jumps on a soapbox, this possum's fur was matted, it's eyes kinda bugged, it was definitely severely ill. I was able to nudge it with my boot.

[08whitex]

I always carry. I have a Ruger LCP in my pocket as I am typing this response. I would rather have one and not need it than need one and not have it. I have watched tv shows where hikers have been attacked by mountain lions. Those hikers have always said I didn't feel I needed to carry a gun. I have come across 4 mountains lions in Crown King AZ on a hike, they ran away very fast but what if there were cubs? I hope I never have to use a gun while hiking or camping but if I do I will be prepared.

[dumolebob]

Aside from firearms – what about “Bear Spray”? No human being could remain aggressive towards you once he/she got even a tiny shot of bear pepper spray! A good shot might very well kill 'em!

Oh my gosh! That stuff is P O W E R F U L