Carrying a handgun on the AT

[Daydream Believer]

I did a little research on this before posting, but another discussion on a horse forum about carrying handguns for self protection has me wondering how many AT hikers feel it necessary to carry a handgun while hiking? My impression is that most here do not approve of carrying guns but I thought it would be interesting to see how many do and by gender.

I did some research and there have been like 9 murders through 2008 on the AT. That's not so bad when you figure there are probably 9 murders in one night in New York City.

First off I'm going to state that I am not against anyone's right to own or carry a gun. I am a veteran and I have served in a war...yes, I am also a woman. Not too many of us who can say that but after the last few decades, more and more can.

Anyway, I have carried bear spray on the AT but it never occurred to me to consider carrying a handgun or a concealed handgun. I worry more about the possibility of accidents or accidental shootings than I'd worry about someone assaulting me. Generally I do not hike alone but with my husband. I suppose if I were alone, that might change my thoughts a bit.

Anyway, I'd appreciate a friendly discussion on the topic.

[The Weasel]

Forgive my lack of modesty, but those interested in the topic might first read that section in my article "Law for Backpackers 101." There is more to the question about "carrying" than just deciding to put a gun in your pack or holster.

TW

[Hooch]

[DrRichardCranium]

I fully support the Second Amendment, but I would not carry a gun on the AT.

[whisperingwind]

Just added weight for no good reason. Just my opinion. I have not carried a gun on the AT, and never needed one.

[Daydream Believer]

Sorry, I wasn't trying to start a fight...just really curious about how many people feel the need to carry a gun. I have someone on this other forum telling me what an amazingly dangerous thing it is to hike in the woods and on the AT...and I disagree with her. Quite honestly I was stunned at how many people recommended a gun to a woman who asked about personal safety equipment to acquire while walking her dogs in a public park in daylight.

I did research the topic and I would not carry the weight either unless there were some major changes in the crime rate on the trail. So if this topic offends anyone, I'm sorry. Perhaps the mods can delete it.

[ShelterLeopard]

Sorry, I wasn't trying to start a fight...just really curious about how many people feel the need to carry a gun. I have someone on this other forum telling me what an amazingly dangerous thing it is to hike in the woods and on the AT...and I disagree with her. Quite honestly I was stunned at how many people recommended a gun to a woman who asked about personal safety equipment to acquire while walking her dogs in a public park in daylight.

I did research the topic and I would not carry the weight either unless there were some major changes in the crime rate on the trail. So if this topic offends anyone, I'm sorry. Perhaps the mods can delete it.

Hey, don't back down, you asked a very valid question. Many people ask this, and it is somewhat controversial on this site (well, people have different opinions and get heated up about what they say).

Don't be sorry, if people are offended by you asking if anyone carries a gun, it's their problem.

As for me, I'm not afraid of guns, I don't really mind guns, but I would prefer not to be near some people who have guns. I know that many people are extremely responsible when it comes to using/caring for/ carrying a gun, but there are some who aren't responsible, and I'd rather not be near them when they have a powerful weapon. And it is hard to distinguish between who is or isn't responsible. So on the whole, I'm more comfortable when people don't carry guns.

But I do support the right to bear arms.

And the right to arm bears.

[The Weasel]

But I do support the right to bear arms.

And the right to arm bears.

Why do you think bears need to have arms? Aren't paws good enough?

TW

[ShelterLeopard]

Why do you think bears need to have arms? Aren't paws good enough?

TW

Bears are people too! Wait...

[randyg45]

Hello again ShLep.
"And it is hard to distinguish between who is or isn't responsible. So on the whole, I'm more comfortable when people don't carry guns."

You're absolutely right. In addition, one of the things I tried to teach my students is the importance I attatch to the idea that a concealed weapon should be exactly that. No one except your spouse (or such) should be aware you even know what a gun is, much less that you carry one. My belief is that it should be "hard to distinguish between who is or not" carrying in the first place.
The only way you would know I'm carrying is to reach in my pocket.
Your advice about not backing down? I think you rock...

[taildragger]

I think Hooch is right, if you were to carry a dead horse and then procede to beat it whenever you feel threatened, then beat the ***** out of the dead horse, no one will mess with you, except for PETA

[slugger]

If you do a search I'm sure you will see a few other threads going over this topic.

[FritztheCat]

I think the poll results will be interesting.

[Tuckahoe]

I think the poll results will be interesting.

I think that the pole will reflect much the same breakdown as in society in general between those that have permits and carry and those that do not.

[Lone Wolf]

the more that carry, the merrier

[Tuckahoe]

Daydream -- the topic comes up quite often on the forum and there are most have a pretty firm opinion one way or the other. I am of the belief that it is very valid and even responsible consideration to arm one's self. It's certainly not a question of being fearful but a realization of the fact that you and only you are responsible for your own protection and self-defense. NO other soul has the responsibility or obligation to protect you.

I do not believe that those who do choose to arm themselves are not skittish people that live in fear of aspects of society. Those that I know are responsible people who see having a piece as merely a tool to protect themselves should it ever arise to that point.

Weasle -- I read your article and realize that from a legal standpoint, as well as the reality that there are 50 different state laws to contend with, but I was wishing there was more to section #5 on weapons. You may want to note for example that Federal law will change in February 2010 to bring National Park Service regulations on weapons in line with state laws making concealed weapons legal in NPS sites located states where concealed carry is legal.

[The Weasel]

Weasle -- I read your article and realize that from a legal standpoint, as well as the reality that there are 50 different state laws to contend with, but I was wishing there was more to section #5 on weapons. You may want to note for example that Federal law will change in February 2010 to bring National Park Service regulations on weapons in line with state laws making concealed weapons legal in NPS sites located states where concealed carry is legal.

Tuck-

That's a very good point. Would you mind going to the article area and leaving a post there with the above and anything else you can add? That will serve others as an "update" until I do another revision, probably early next year. I'm also going to look for what restrictions may still be permitted by the NPS.

Thanks!

TW

[bronconite]

Daydream -- the topic comes up quite often on the forum and there are most have a pretty firm opinion one way or the other. I am of the belief that it is very valid and even responsible consideration to arm one's self. It's certainly not a question of being fearful but a realization of the fact that you and only you are responsible for your own protection and self-defense. NO other soul has the responsibility or obligation to protect you.

I do not believe that those who do choose to arm themselves are not skittish people that live in fear of aspects of society. Those that I know are responsible people who see having a piece as merely a tool to protect themselves should it ever arise to that point.

Weasle -- I read your article and realize that from a legal standpoint, as well as the reality that there are 50 different state laws to contend with, but I was wishing there was more to section #5 on weapons. You may want to note for example that Federal law will change in February 2010 to bring National Park Service regulations on weapons in line with state laws making concealed weapons legal in NPS sites located states where concealed carry is legal.

Tuckahoe, I fully agree with this, but would like to add to the very last part about the new Federal law that goes into effect in February. If your state does not prohibit open carry, then it will not prohibited on NPS land, making legal carry without a permit an option. This is the case in PA and I believe in VA as well.

[Manwich]

There hasn't ever been a murder on the trail north of PA.

[Lone Wolf]

There hasn't ever been a murder on the trail north of PA.

yet..........