Protection

[RF_ace]

Does anyone carry anything other than bear spray on the AT for protection from two legged critters?

[Sarcasm the elf]

Some folks do, most don't. Most don't carry bear spray either.

If you're considering a gun, which is what I assume you mean, first check reciprocity laws with your (presumably) Florida permit. I think that it allows you to carry through most of the southern states, but it becomes very difficult to legally carry through most of the mid-Atlantic states specifically from MD until VT.

[rocketsocks]

Some folks do, most don't. Most don't carry bear spray either.

If you're considering a gun, which is what I assume you mean, first check reciprocity laws with your (presumably) Florida permit. I think that it allows you to carry through most of the southern states, but it becomes very difficult to legally carry through most of the mid-Atlantic states specifically from MD until VT.

Bingo..nailed it. What Elf said, and to White Blaze.

[RF_ace]

I only plan on hiking Ga and NC

[RF_ace]

I am more concerned about my fellow human the fauna

[leaftye]

I am more concerned about my fellow human the fauna

They're only interested in you for your food. The chance of a violent encounter in the woods is very low, but the risk rises significantly around the more domesticated variety in towns.

[theinfamousj]

I carry hiking poles, a knife, tent stakes, and a significant amount of self defense knowledge.

[vamelungeon]

He's not asking about bears. Yes, some of us carry concealed firearms as protection against predatory humans. If you search Whiteblaze you will find many, many discussions about it- types of handguns, ways of carrying, etc. Most of these discussions don't end well since a lot of people have very strong feelings both pro and con about carrying firearms. Stick around, you'll see what I mean pretty quickly...

[10-K]

No because it's not needed.

[Lone Wolf]

Does anyone carry anything other than bear spray on the AT for protection from two legged critters?

of course.....

[coach lou]

I just wear a bell.............humans think I'm crazy

[Wise Old Owl]

vamelungeon answer is excellent - some of the early threads were moved to the members only at one time - after the treads were cleaned up one of the best discussions was getting your Permit to carry, Concealed Weapons License,then a large separate discussion on the best choice-The cheaper made Kel-Tec PF9 (9mm) and the slightly pricy Baretta 9mm. And recommending the right holster a square web design was made by Sabar as most people do not pick up on what it is other than law enforcement. I would recommend going somewhere you can train in using it, the better gun shops will have their own firing range and training.

Make sure you do it legal - it really sucks to on the other side of the bars, and know your stand your ground law....


I do not carry or own a gun.

[oldbear]

RF Ace
I've never had a need to own a gun ...so obviously I never carry one while hiking
If you do decide to carry a gun while hiking then you better be sniper grade profient in using it
Should you fire a couple of rounds at a potential assailant and those rounds miss their intended target and strike a fellow hiker then your actions started a cascade effect that could very well end w/ a dead hiker and you in jail for a very long time

[max patch]

I carry my wits and use them constantly.

[Shack]

Does anyone carry anything other than bear spray on the AT for protection from two legged critters?

I hiked from the falls to Suches Ga, and yes I carried a gun but to be honest with you the only time I would have had to use it was one morning went down to creek to fill water bottles with only my pump and bottles everything else was at camp. we had a bear come down out of the woods between us and the camp. Lucky for us he just kept going down hill and never gave us a second look.

[Odd Man Out]

I hiked from the falls to Suches Ga, and yes I carried a gun but to be honest with you the only time I would have had to use it was one morning went down to creek to fill water bottles with only my pump and bottles everything else was at camp. we had a bear come down out of the woods between us and the camp. Lucky for us he just kept going down hill and never gave us a second look.

Two questions.

Why is that that you think you "would have hat to use it"? If you read through all these threads on the need for protections, just about every account of bear "problems/danger" involves someone seeing a bear which then walks away.

Are you saying that you left your gun unattended at camp so that all these bad guys could grab it and shoot you (and the bear)? I wonder what the stats are on the number of innocent people hurt by guns carried for self defense?

[Alligator]

This is the question

Does anyone carry anything other than bear spray on the AT for protection from two legged critters?

Remember this is the Straight Forward Forum. The background is grayish white for a reason, which is to remind everyone that this is the Straight Forward Forum.

Thanks.

[atmilkman]

I don't really carry anything for protection but this is who I'm considering on bringing. Maybe ole Barn will just shoot em in the foot and then I can walk away instead of run.Ramona and Joes Wedding 027.jpg

[Theosus]

Does anyone carry anything other than bear spray on the AT for protection from two legged critters?

A knife. It's quiet, there's no serial number, no registration, no waiting period, its easy to dispose of, and the legalities are less questionable.

[rocketsocks]

does anyone carry anything other than bear spray on the at for protection from two legged critters?

i cant ...........