Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: yorketransport on March 26, 2020, 08:50:07 PM

Title: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: yorketransport on March 26, 2020, 08:50:07 PM: The thread about what do carry as a sidearm got me wondering why do some of you carry a sidearm?

I've never carried one for self defense, for me it was always an alternative weapon for targets of opportunity. Maybe I'm carrying a large caliber rifle and want something smaller for critters like rabbits or porcupines. Other times I'm carrying a smaller caliber rifle while out for coyotes and I might want something bigger in case I have a chance at a bear.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: jdb on March 26, 2020, 08:57:21 PM: When recreating self defense is really pretty low on the reason I carry an handgun. Mostly it's because I like to shoot stuff, sometimes that stuff is vermin sometimes it's rocks, or cans. Like York if I have a big rifle I probably have a small caliber handgun and vice versa.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: buglebrush on March 26, 2020, 09:14:36 PM: In the NE corner and North Idaho I carry 100% for self defense. I have a plethora of predators including many Grizzlies on my game cameras. I have also had some hair raising encounters and killed predators with my sidearm.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: Sutherland on March 26, 2020, 09:21:40 PM: 💯 percent self defense. Out in the woods a lot archery hunting. Got to have something for my safety as I do a ton oh hiking in and out while it's dark to get to my locations where I spend the day or sleep over in the high country.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: KFhunter on March 26, 2020, 09:33:18 PM: Only once did I wish I had it when I didn't, and I don't ever intend to have that happen again.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: fly-by on March 26, 2020, 09:34:21 PM: When predator calling I've had animals appear well inside optimal range for a scoped rifle but perfect for a handgun.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on March 26, 2020, 09:35:56 PM: Only when going back to a kill for subsequent loads in grizz country; too cumbersome when just hunting.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: bornhunter on March 26, 2020, 09:42:04 PM: Not just while hunting. All day, everyday. Rather have it and not need it, you know the rest.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: SGTDuffman on March 26, 2020, 09:53:09 PM: Mostly for 2 legged predators, but after an uncomfortable situation with a bear and only a bow, I decided something that kills a little faster than an arrow would be good.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: MADMAX on March 26, 2020, 09:57:44 PM: Why ?
Because I can
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: bearpaw on March 26, 2020, 10:08:12 PM: I never used to carry a sidearm most of the time, except I did when hunting cougar and bear, now that there are so many predators I carry far more often. One of my neighbors was attacked by a wolf that stalked him for quite a ways, he shot it in mid air leaping at him, confirmed by WDFW, but almost no media about it.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: ghosthunter on March 26, 2020, 10:10:07 PM: Back in the 70s hunting we had cb radios but they were big and bulky. We all carried handguns to single to each other. We had differnt shot codes to say we had a animal down, to get picked up. Or call for help.
Now days I carry in case of a fall.

In the 80s I took a bad fall off a slippery slope rock face. My rifle ended up some where else but I still had the handgun to hep my buddy locate me and help me off the mountain.

Since than I am never without a handgun.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: BigGoonTuna on March 26, 2020, 10:27:39 PM: Got mine after a cousin of mine had a run in with a cougar guarding a kill in one of the areas we hunt. Nice to have a back up when hunting muzzleloader season, and a lot more convenient than packing a rifle while berry picking.

Like I said in the other thread, I don’t usually bother packing while rifle hunting, but I have been thinking about getting a nice .22 to carry along for targets of opportunity.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: Oh Mah on March 26, 2020, 10:38:13 PM: I carry because most predators like cougar try to get you from behind,If i get jumped on from behind by 2 or 4 legged predators the rifle wont be of much good.If i'm fighting something off while on my back on the ground i want to be able to fit that handgun into the scenario some how. :twocents:
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: dreadi on March 27, 2020, 12:45:27 AM: For my personal protection.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: TheStovePipeKid on March 27, 2020, 01:22:43 AM: Quote from: Oh Mah on March 26, 2020, 10:38:13 PM
I carry because most predators like cougar try to get you from behind,If i get jumped on from behind by 2 or 4 legged predators the rifle wont be of much good.If i'm fighting something off while on my back on the ground i want to be able to fit that handgun into the scenario some how. :twocents:

I carry a SOG combat knife in my turkey vest as well as my side arm after a cougar ruined a day of turkey hunting a few years back. I figure same scenario, on my back and can't draw my pistol I have another option.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: Oh Mah on March 27, 2020, 02:28:07 AM: Quote from: TheStovePipeKid on March 27, 2020, 01:22:43 AM
Quote from: Oh Mah on March 26, 2020, 10:38:13 PM
I carry because most predators like cougar try to get you from behind,If i get jumped on from behind by 2 or 4 legged predators the rifle wont be of much good.If i'm fighting something off while on my back on the ground i want to be able to fit that handgun into the scenario some how. :twocents:

I carry a SOG combat knife in my turkey vest as well as my side arm after a cougar ruined a day of turkey hunting a few years back. I figure same scenario, on my back and can't draw my pistol I have another option.
Never hurts to have a plan b or c. :tup:
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: Jellymon on March 27, 2020, 03:04:08 AM: I saw this movie...... :yike:
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: NorseNW on March 27, 2020, 05:03:16 AM: If I may be so forward - Top 3 answers on the board:

Jellymon
Madmax
bornhunter
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: hunter399 on March 27, 2020, 06:31:09 AM: I don't carry one.If I'm hunting I already have a firearm.
The only way I would carry a side arm is if they brought back bear baiting and I was just checking baits before season.
357 mag.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: Jpmiller on March 27, 2020, 06:55:01 AM: I carry because I don't want to need it and not have it. I carry a G19 pretty much everywhere because I'm comfortable with it and shoot it well. I do have a couple of spots I carry a .22 with sub Sonic's for grouse and rabbit when I'm out in the woods but in all reality I figure the .22 and the 9mm will both get my point across in all but the most dire scenarios, four legs, two legs, or no legs.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: fishngamereaper on March 27, 2020, 07:22:44 AM: Honestly because I carry all the time. The woods are no different for me.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: RB on March 27, 2020, 07:48:51 AM: Quote from: MADMAX on March 26, 2020, 09:57:44 PM
Why ?
Because I can

:yeah:

You beat me to it!
But seriously it is usually because I can and to be prepared for anything that may go wrong while in the outdoors vermin or other wise.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: Lincoln4 on March 27, 2020, 08:02:48 AM: Why would the woods be different than anywhere else?
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: mountainman on March 27, 2020, 08:08:36 AM: After run in's with cats and bears both, never head to the woods un armed. Around town either more and more lately.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: jasnt on March 27, 2020, 08:22:16 AM: My side arm has saved me twice from a cougar attack. Both times it was less than 5 yards away. First time it was in thick cover where you could not have maneuvered a rifle fast enough. I have also harvested many grouse and rabbit and coyote with my pistol. Multipurpose I suppose but you won’t find me without it.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: Bluemoon on March 27, 2020, 08:43:39 AM: I bird hunt in Grizzly country. I want something heavier than a load of #6's
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: buckfvr on March 27, 2020, 08:49:37 AM: I honesty think here in newa youd be a fool not to.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: Fl0und3rz on March 27, 2020, 08:55:22 AM: Quote from: fishngamereaper on March 27, 2020, 07:22:44 AM
Honestly because I carry all the time. The woods are no different for me.

:yeah:

That and with small children and the increased threat of pack predators. Have you ever encountered a pack of teen girls?
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: Stein on March 27, 2020, 09:08:53 AM: I used to carry a .22 revolver because I had this pipe dream of shooting a grouse. It somehow emitted a force field with a 100 yard radius that prevented any grouse from getting near me. Surprisingly, when I added archery hunting to my bag of tricks, a $10 small game arrow had the same effect, but not a $30 hunting arrow.

Most of the time I carry a .357 for the same reason I carry it around town.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: D-Rock425 on March 27, 2020, 09:16:10 AM: Tweakers!
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: Cougartail on March 27, 2020, 09:36:46 AM: I carry because I'm paranoid..

But having 3 illegal aliens and a Yakima Indian try to kill me made me so.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: Fl0und3rz on March 27, 2020, 09:42:17 AM: That's worthy of its own thread.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: chiwawadan on March 27, 2020, 09:42:40 AM: Quote from: Cougartail on March 27, 2020, 09:36:46 AM
I carry because I'm paranoid..

But having 3 illegal aliens and a Yakima Indian try to kill me made me so.
Story time?
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: konradcountry on March 27, 2020, 09:48:36 AM: Carrying is not paranoia in any scenario.

I had to deal with a psychopath in the woods near a public park in what seemed like a decent area. Wasn't packing at the time and won't make that mistake again.

Also went to check a duck blind once without a gun and the nicest coyote I have ever seen walked about 10 yards in front of me and stopped.

I don't go into the woods without a handgun. I carry a compact so I don't even notice it. You can get a decent compact for $300 so to me the question is why wouldn't you?
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: timberfaller on March 27, 2020, 09:55:47 AM: Two reasons, one, Wolves two, crazy two legged low life's.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: KFhunter on March 27, 2020, 10:24:43 AM: Quote from: konradcountry on March 27, 2020, 09:48:36 AM
Carrying is not paranoia in any scenario.

I had to deal with a psychopath in the woods near a public park in what seemed like a decent area. Wasn't packing at the time and won't make that mistake again.

Also went to check a duck blind once without a gun and the nicest coyote I have ever seen walked about 10 yards in front of me and stopped.

I don't go into the woods without a handgun. I carry a compact so I don't even notice it. You can get a decent compact for $300 so to me the question is why wouldn't you?

:yeah:

Preparation ≠ Paranoia
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: Yondering on March 27, 2020, 11:01:47 AM: Quote from: Lincoln4 on March 27, 2020, 08:02:48 AM
Why would the woods be different than anywhere else?

This, except IMO the woods are different but not in the way some guys are thinking. Bad people can be found anywhere, and out in the woods = few/no witnesses to see what they do/did to you.

While I wouldn't plan to use my pistol if I have a rifle in my hands while hunting, that rifle isn't always at hand and gets set down for various tasks. I choose to be armed all the time.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: bornhunter on March 27, 2020, 11:03:40 AM: Quote from: KFhunter on March 27, 2020, 10:24:43 AM
Quote from: konradcountry on March 27, 2020, 09:48:36 AM
Carrying is not paranoia in any scenario.

I had to deal with a psychopath in the woods near a public park in what seemed like a decent area. Wasn't packing at the time and won't make that mistake again.

Also went to check a duck blind once without a gun and the nicest coyote I have ever seen walked about 10 yards in front of me and stopped.

I don't go into the woods without a handgun. I carry a compact so I don't even notice it. You can get a decent compact for $300 so to me the question is why wouldn't you?

:yeah:

Preparation ≠ Paranoia

If its predictable, its preventable.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: h2ofowlr on March 27, 2020, 11:10:15 AM: I always carry in the woods as well. You never know what you will run into. About 8 years ago I was archery hunting and I had a cougar follow me for over 150 yards. I didn't have a tag for a cougar, but when it got within 20 yards I was about to shoot it and then it finally took off.
Also have ran across several grow operations while out hunting and you never know what one might do to protect their crop. If you were to get lost you could fire 3 consecutive shots and hope someone realizes you may need help or alert someone of your location.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: gaddy on March 27, 2020, 11:17:04 AM: I never used to until I had a close encounter with a wolf. I then thought about my rifle only holding 4 shells. If shtf how fast can I get my other clip out of my pocket, reload and cycle it. What if something went wrong ? Pretty sure I could get my pistol into play faster. Also, my rifle is old. If something went wrong with it back in the woods, I at least have something with me. I do wish I had bought a lighter hand gun though.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: buckfvr on March 27, 2020, 11:38:32 AM: Closest Ive every come to using a side arm was berry picking with my wife and we were encroached upon by a complete screwball. When he was nearing my comfort zone I lifted my shirt and turned so he could see my hand gun and it was either he kept getting closer and would get lead, or he would move along. He got out of Dodge as fast as his screwball feet would carry him. He was the only other person we saw in that particular spot, and we were certain he was up to something.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: ThurstonCokid on March 27, 2020, 12:08:25 PM: I used to have the attitude of certain areas I’ll carry and others i wont.. now it’s more of carrying regardless. I’d rather carry a pistol 100 times and need it 0-1 time than never carry and need it 0-1 times.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: follow maggie on March 27, 2020, 04:19:50 PM: I carry all the time in case I need to protect myself. I"ve needed it twice to keep from getting rolled up in the woods by crack heads- once near Index & once near Forks. Also needed it one December night in my own driveway. Each time I was glad I had it.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: Alchase on March 29, 2020, 10:36:16 AM: Last season I had a big sow pig step out of the brush 15 ft in front of me. In reflex I hit her in the face with a 300 Win mag that dropped her without a step. I had my .40 cal drawn and ready after the shot. At that distance there would not have been a second shot with my rifle hade I missed and she charged or if she was not alone and had a boar with her, it would have been dicey quick.
But that is not why I carry, that is just a benefit.
I carry because I carry pretty much everywhere. Why would hunting be any different :dunno:
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: kselkhunter on March 29, 2020, 11:00:23 AM: Same answer I gave in the other thread. I carry my revolver in chest holster for archery and muzzleloader. I don't carry a handgun in rifle season.

Sometimes the decision depends on which state I'm hunting. For example in Oregon you can only shoot grouse with a shotgun or rimfire, and I like the option of taking a grouse on big game backcountry hunts. So for there I sometimes carry my Little Badger along on my big game hunting trips because it's light and folds down, or if my best friend is with me he's packing his 22lr revolver for grouse.
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: jeffro on March 30, 2020, 04:21:12 PM: I carry a side arm 24/7
Why would I ever leave it home to go out in the woods
Title: Re: Why do you carry a sidearm while hunting?
Post by: Yondering on March 30, 2020, 10:18:27 PM: Quote from: jeffro on March 30, 2020, 04:21:12 PM
I carry a side arm 24/7
Why would I ever leave it home to go out in the woods

That's really the best response.

Why wouldn't you carry a pistol in the woods?

And I mean with something you can be effective with too, not a mouse gun like a KelTec .32 or a grouse gun like a .22 Buckmark. Why do any of you choose not to carry an effective fighting pistol in the woods, regardless of hunting or not?

Personally I've never had a situation where I was glad to be unarmed.