bring pistol side arm when elk hunting???

[backwoods_boy]

i see guys that have one all the time when hunting.  what is the reason?  protection? to look cool? to put an animal out of commision?
i was just curious to what you guys thought.
thanks

[jstamp]

if they are hunting in lewis co, it's protection from all the meth heads out in the woods. last year about 20 vehicles were broken into and several firearms were stolen during elk season in the winston unit. there were also several camps broken into and numerous items and firearms taken.

in 2006 i had my wall tent stolen as well as my bbq trashed and most everything in camp.

[MIKEXRAY]

I carry because I hike in the dark for an hour to my spot on the ridge and it just makes me feel more secure. Once I get there I stuff it in the bottom of my pack. I don't think I would hike like that without protection. My reason. Mike

[backwoods_boy]

MIKEXRAY thats a perfect reason for me.
i hike in the dark all the time and never thought to bring my 22 on my hip.  i guess ill have to get a new holster.
great idea.
ya just never know in the woods at night.

[saudog]

My reason is the 2nd amendment.

[DeKuma]

I carry for protection from both the 2 legged and the 4 legged.  I have been harrassed by non-hunters with axes and chainsaws, and the 44 on my hip was a major deterent in escalation.  I have also been charged by a sow right at dark and had to put her down at about 10 feet.  Never found any cubs so that was a plus.  Think she was just hungry and cranky.  She looked all mangy and her teeth were just little nubs.

[Bean Counter]

I usually do but I really want a tactical/thigh holster.  My backpack has the hip straps and when they're synched down for tightness, it really slams the gun against your hip bone pretty hard 

My rationale has usually been in case I get jumped from behind by a cougar or a bear that knocks my rifle out of hand.  Just like with caliber selection, "better to be overgunned than undergunned."  I kind of like how my handguns have never been used to kill anything (two legged or four legged).  I'd like to keep it that way.

[wence5]

Protection from four legged animals and bipedals on dope. I came across an old meth lab way back in the wood (bad guys long gone) during rifle deer season a couple years back, made me stop and think a bit. I would rather fight off a mad sasquatch than a meth head! I never go into the wood w/o protection anymore.

[jdb]

because I can JB

[snohohunter]

This goes back to that thread about a side arm during archery.  I still rifle hunt for bear, but I switched to archery for deer and elk.......and it would sure be nice to carry a side arm...for the simple fact of all these posts.

[Bean Counter]

Has any archer here ever been stopped by a GW who would have noticed a sidearm?  I suppose concealment is always an option.... 

[ICEMAN]

A hand gun can also be used to attract attention to your location should you need help. Lot easier carrying 25 pistol rounds than it is to carry 25 rifle rounds...  Self protection is my primary carry reason, probably never need it, but....either did all those deer hunters killed in the midwest a few years back...

A handgun can also be wielded to remove a cougar from the back of your neck...

[TeacherMan]

I use to carry my 44 with me, but dont anymore. Why carry the extra weight when your hiking all day. The only time I have ever used it was on a bear, should have used my rifle, missed the first shot with the pistol. The 338 ultra is heavy enough.

[MikeWalking]

Many years back I was set upon by 2 very dirty, mangy, hostile dogs while mountain biking way up the middle fork of the Snoqualmie. I had to use my (brand new) bike as a club till they left.

I've carried ever since, no matter what I'm doing, hunting, hiking,fishing, riding...

[HoofsandWings]

You can carry while modern rifle hunting, but not for archery or muzzleloader. Of course you can carry around camp and while you are scouting.
I had asked this of the WDFW enforcement officers and that is what they told me. I had asked if I could have a pistol on my person while archery hunting or
muzzleloader hunting and I was told no.
I may not have asked my question clearly or correctly.