Carrying a handgun while archery hunting

[huntnnw]

That is true, but the running into people in remote locations is opportunity for them and 911 isnt a option and they know it

[stevemiller]

I thought your post july 16 2012 was about your first year archery hunting last year?

[KenPCPilot]

Last year I posted my scary encounter with an adult cougar.  I called in an adult cougar to 17 yards during elk archery season near Mt. Adams.  Also during the same hunt we ran into 2 elderly hunters in their 70s that told us someone had pulled a knife and threatened them over a damn camping site.  Will i be packing this year?  Yeah baby.  A S&W 686 .357 magnum loaded with Hornaday critical defense ammo.  Yes Mr. Mountain Kitty I can hit you at 25 yards. 

[huntnnw]

I felt pretty inadequate with a PO bear at 10 yards with a bow

[hughjorgan]

I felt pretty inadequate with a PO bear at 10 yards with a bow

I bet a moose or an elk in the right circumstance could make you feel the same.

Last year I posted my scary encounter with an adult cougar.  I called in an adult cougar to 17 yards during elk archery season near Mt. Adams.  Also during the same hunt we ran into 2 elderly hunters in their 70s that told us someone had pulled a knife and threatened them over a damn camping site.  Will i be packing this year?  Yeah baby.  A S&W 686 .357 magnum loaded with Hornaday critical defense ammo.  Yes Mr. Mountain Kitty I can hit you at 25 yards. 

No shot on the cougar at 17 yards?

[huntnnw]

I have had plenty of moose and elk that close..nothing like a predator pissed off that can tear into you

[Wiley]

Always carry! I use to just have it in my pack but after a buddy had TWO encounters with cougars I have it mounted on my waist strap on my pack.

[Special T]

If you think you can shoot a bow at night give it a try tonight after dark. It may not be as easy as it seems.    I was followed out of the woods after dark one time by something... Not really sure what it was. What i can tell you is that it is REALLY hard to see your sites AND your target at night. I left my pistol at home that day and was hunting by myself. NEVER again will i leave it at home while out in the woods.

[huntnnw]

I walked 2 years ago right past a bear on a no moon night with just a bow while it fed on a dead elk 7 yards away! talk about shatting yourself

[Fireant11]

I've been growled at by cats before while walking at dusk and only had a bow.  Given time (i.e. it's not charging), I'd feel confident taking it with my bow.  A charging cat or bear requires quicker defense.  I started carrying a S&W 686 357 mag a couple of years ago.  I had a holster made that clips to the shoulder strap of my backpack.  Easy access if needed quickly, and highly visible in case I come across some a-holes who might have thoughts of something other than a cordial conversation.

[ghosthunter]

I'm thinking there is a big difference in the type of two legged critters that are encountered on the West side vs the East side.  lets not forget that every year during hunting season the reports start pouring in, about camps being raided, I'm thinking it would be kinda rough to arrive in camp with a bow and find out your not alone.
all i know is this, there is no 911, when your in the woods, you are 911. I think if you come from a gun culture, carrying a side arm would not be a bad idea, heck, ya own one, might as well carry it, after all, if your hand gun is not on your person, then its somewhere else.
There are those, and they are a majority i believe whom do not come from this culture, and despite an easily acquired skill, simply do not feel confident or comfortable carrying, it is a heavy burden with life changing legal implicationsand if you have to defend yourself.  Bottom line to each there own.

Well said GEARHEAD. There are also a lot of grow operations over here on the east side of the Cascades. I would hate to stumble into one just holding my bow. I'm definitely more concerned about running into a tweeker or a grower than I am a bear or a cougar. Before we were allowed to carry I did spend a sleepless night in my bivy sack when a sow and her cub wandered through my camp. I had an arrow in one hand and a knife in the other. Then I was worried I'd fall asleep and roll over onto my broadhead

Gearhead well spoken.

Your last sentence applies to all lethal defense. Not just a gun.
You defend yourself with a bow you got the same problems.

[ghosthunter]

I have said it before I am a advocate of firearm carry. I hope I never have to draw in defense. But it goes on every day just like my keys go in my pocket.

And when I am hunting, all the more reason.

[Jack-Fir]

Always always always carry

[pianoman9701]

Always always always carry

Yep. I had this discussion with me nephew. Why do you carry? Because I can't wait 20 minutes for the cops if something really bad happens. Always have a plan. If I never need it, you'll never know I have it and it won't affect you. If the one-in-a-million life-threatening problem comes along and I'm carrying, everyone but the bad guy will be happy that I have it on me, especially me.

[stevemiller]

to the op.are you per chance david erickson atourney from bellevue wa?