Post by: DoubleJ on January 10, 2011, 07:24:23 AM
Post by: bwhntr350 on January 10, 2011, 10:23:05 AM
In my opinion there is nothing to "defense" against, out in the woods. Well, at least around here. I have never heard of a cougar attacking a full grown man, the least of my worries, and a black bear? Meh, not in my lifetime. The few I have seen were breaking trees out of the way to get away from me.
So, that gets me thinking the way that I think, which is, I feel more need to protect myself from humans than anything else. Whether it be a tweaker gone mad or a pot farm that I stumble across. Perhaps I hear dueling banjo's off through the woods....
Aight, seriously, getting to and from your hunting grounds by driving and maybe stopping for gas and some food is a lot more risk to your life than walking through the woods. I would protect myself from that, first and foremost, and use the woods "defense" as secondary. I would use what you have mentioned, the 185gr. Cor-Bon's and be happy, but that is just my opinion.
If I lived in Grizzly country, it would be a revolver, a big revolver. At least a .44 Mag, but I have always wanted a .454 Casull and that would be my excuse to buy one:)
Post by: BallisticsNut on January 10, 2011, 11:05:22 AM
Now, I probably wouldn't have acted any differently but I dont think this guy would have been such a DA had he seen my sidearm strapped to my thigh! :bdid:
Post by: JimmyHoffa on January 10, 2011, 11:17:50 AM
Post by: sakoshooter on January 10, 2011, 12:22:56 PM
Post by: Instinct on January 10, 2011, 02:44:20 PM
Post by: mallard79 on January 10, 2011, 02:55:19 PM
I carry a springfield 1911 .45 wth a 230gr. So anything ya feel comfortable wth really
Same here. Unless I feel like packing something a little lighter like my Glock 19.
Post by: yajsab on January 10, 2011, 06:35:17 PM
I'm more worried about the 2 legs creatures as well.
Post by: Angus on January 10, 2011, 11:15:27 PM
:twocents:
Post by: hoyt2002 on January 10, 2011, 11:29:14 PM
Post by: FC on January 11, 2011, 12:00:27 AM
Post by: sakoshooter on January 11, 2011, 11:48:57 AM
Post by: MADMAX on January 11, 2011, 11:58:27 AM
.41 Ruger for normal walk about in woods gun
Post by: BlackRidge on January 11, 2011, 12:02:01 PM
Another 357 is on the list though
Post by: sakoshooter on January 11, 2011, 09:06:44 PM
Post by: hoyt2002 on January 11, 2011, 09:45:44 PM
Post by: hard hunter on January 13, 2011, 10:17:13 PM
Post by: Cylvertip on January 17, 2011, 04:12:47 PM
Glock 17-L ( 9mm, 6" barrel) on my hip is my trail gun now - with 3 17rd mags and 1 up the pipe. If all else fails, I can put it in mow mode :chuckle:
Post by: sakoshooter on January 17, 2011, 05:26:12 PM
The woods is the safest place I know of. I even get to take real naps in the woods cuz I know there's nothing out there that is going to bother me. Unlike in town.
Post by: BlackRidge on January 17, 2011, 05:36:22 PM
For me, it's simply about feeling more protected while in the woods. No matter how accurate I may feel I am with my bow, if SHTF, I'd feel much better just having that sidearm available. Rapid-fire/repeated fire/quick reloads being a great asset. It honestly, it has nothing to do with tweakers or random folks I may encounter (though all this talk of them if creepin me out)
...who knows, it could just be me wanting to carry at all times because I can :chuckle:
Its almost like bringing a bic lighter with you into the woods. You'l probably never need it, but its there if needed, and could save you from a life-death situation
:twocents:
Post by: Drifterat on January 17, 2011, 05:37:00 PM
The only side arm I have to carry while bow hunting is a Glock .45ACP. What would be the best ammo to have in it for in the woods? I carry Cor-Bon hollow point 185gn. in it right now but I'm not sure if those would be the best bet for defense in the woods.
When I carry my .45 it has 230 gr. Federal Hydra-Shok's in it. Heavier bullets=more penetration.
Post by: Button Nubbs on January 17, 2011, 06:06:48 PM
Post by: turkeyfeather on January 17, 2011, 06:34:53 PM
Post by: Cylvertip on January 17, 2011, 10:58:10 PM
Post by: ZogTheFuzzy on February 12, 2011, 01:54:50 PM
And, I'm thinking about getting my concealed carry this year because I'm also more concerned about two-legged beasties than the four-legged ones.
Post by: Bob33 on February 12, 2011, 01:59:06 PM
I'm thinking about getting my concealed carry this year because I'm also more concerned about two-legged beasties than the four-legged ones.That's a great idea, but in case you're not aware you can carry concealed without a CPL while hunting.
Post by: ZogTheFuzzy on February 12, 2011, 02:04:17 PM
I'm thinking about getting my concealed carry this year because I'm also more concerned about two-legged beasties than the four-legged ones.That's a great idea, but in case you're not aware you can carry concealed without a CPL while hunting.
I did not know that! Still, a CPL would be useful in town, too. :)
Post by: TheHunt on February 12, 2011, 03:05:23 PM
Post by: cwuwildcat on February 12, 2011, 03:22:34 PM
I think you guys need to find some new hunting areas if that's your concerns while you're in the woods. I spend 6 mos a yr in the woods counting weekends and a lot of week days for over 45 yrs and have never had a situation in which I needed a large bore handgun for security reasons. Now I'm talking normal hunting. Bear and cougar hunting with hounds might make a handgun appropriete if I wasn't carrying a rifle already. Otherwise it's just more weight to carry and something else to clean and oil after each trip. Hunting griz/brn bear might make a back up gun handy but I honestly cannot think of any other reason. It'd also have to be carried on your hip etc(accessible)to be of any use. Remember that you're already carrying a bow or gun as it is.
The woods is the safest place I know of. I even get to take real naps in the woods cuz I know there's nothing out there that is going to bother me. Unlike in town.
If you believe in the Bible, Noah was 600 years old and lived in a desert, but was Damned glad to have a boat at the ready! Same for carrying a sidearm. I've read enough articles about Mexicans growing pot in our forests, far away from where you'd expect to see them. It only takes stumbling into one.
Post by: heartshot on February 12, 2011, 03:51:59 PM
Post by: sakoshooter on February 12, 2011, 04:33:51 PM
I have read your question a few times, now, and started to answer a couple of different times but not sure quite how to do it on account of the fact that my opinions are probably much different than yours.
In my opinion there is nothing to "defense" against, out in the woods. Well, at least around here. I have never heard of a cougar attacking a full grown man, the least of my worries, and a black bear? Meh, not in my lifetime. The few I have seen were breaking trees out of the way to get away from me.
So, that gets me thinking the way that I think, which is, I feel more need to protect myself from humans than anything else. Whether it be a tweaker gone mad or a pot farm that I stumble across. Perhaps I hear dueling banjo's off through the woods....
Aight, seriously, getting to and from your hunting grounds by driving and maybe stopping for gas and some food is a lot more risk to your life than walking through the woods. I would protect myself from that, first and foremost, and use the woods "defense" as secondary. I would use what you have mentioned, the 185gr. Cor-Bon's and be happy, but that is just my opinion.
If I lived in Grizzly country, it would be a revolver, a big revolver. At least a .44 Mag, but I have always wanted a .454 Casull and that would be my excuse to buy one:)
I'm happy to finally read another post similar to one I posted a couple months back.
I carry a Ruger Single Six in .22 and load it with CCI 'CB' Shorts. They sound like a pellet gun going off so they don't spook game when I shoot a grouse. They're smaller than regular shorts. Sometimes I don't even carry that simply because I don't need the extra weight.
As far as 'defense' goes: Against what? I cannot agree more with your reply.
Post by: Instinct on February 12, 2011, 04:35:30 PM
A question: I'm new here, so please define "tweakers"
And, I'm thinking about getting my concealed carry this year because I'm also more concerned about two-legged beasties than the four-legged ones.
Tweakers = druggies crazies psychos
Post by: ZogTheFuzzy on February 13, 2011, 08:55:18 AM
Tweakers = druggies crazies psychos
Thanks.
Post by: BallisticsNut on February 13, 2011, 09:40:30 AM
A question: I'm new here, so please define "tweakers"
Actually this pertains to a "state of mind" that typical meth users arrive at, at about day two of continual use and no sleep. At this point, their minds become foggy, paranoid, they start halucinating, they are unable to fucus on any singular item or discussion. Their inability to concentrate or focus prevents them from completing simple tasks, such as finding a item they just sat down two seconds ago. Typically, you will find them trying to fix or find something, that would take the normal person minutes, will take them hours if not daysl. (hence the term "tweaking") This also contributes severe paranoia episodes, believing that everyone is out to get them. The longer they continue to use and stay awake, the worse the episodes become, the more violent they react and the more likely they are to cause someone else bodily harm.
Post by: Cylvertip on February 14, 2011, 03:21:42 PM
Post by: Dirty Mike on February 16, 2011, 09:28:53 AM
Post by: Machias on February 16, 2011, 10:03:03 AM
I think you guys need to find some new hunting areas if that's your concerns while you're in the woods. I spend 6 mos a yr in the woods counting weekends and a lot of week days for over 45 yrs and have never had a situation in which I needed a large bore handgun for security reasons. Now I'm talking normal hunting. Bear and cougar hunting with hounds might make a handgun appropriete if I wasn't carrying a rifle already. Otherwise it's just more weight to carry and something else to clean and oil after each trip. Hunting griz/brn bear might make a back up gun handy but I honestly cannot think of any other reason. It'd also have to be carried on your hip etc(accessible)to be of any use. Remember that you're already carrying a bow or gun as it is.
The woods is the safest place I know of. I even get to take real naps in the woods cuz I know there's nothing out there that is going to bother me. Unlike in town.
I look at it this way, do you go into the backcountry with a firestarter? Matches? Knife? Rope or 550 cord? Survival Blanket? Signal Mirror? Whistle? Any number of other survival type gear? If your smart you probably carry things with you that will aid in your rescue should you become injured or lost. That is all a firearm is, another piece of survival gear, nothing more nothing less. It's a piece of gear, one I like having the option to carry or not to carry. I carry all those items listed, but in 30+ years of hunting I've never needed them in a pure survival situation....but I believe I'd be silly not to have them with me if the time ever arises that I do need them. Just because a man or woman chooses to strap on a sidearm doesn't mean they venture into the woods scared, it only means they step into the woods a little better prepared for whatever may come their way. It's kind of the same argument the 2nd Amendment foes like to throw at us, oh you'll never have time to get your gun if someone breaks in so why even have it. It's just an option that should be left up to the individual. Nothing more, nothing less.
Post by: Wazukie on February 16, 2011, 10:03:31 AM
Post by: Machias on February 16, 2011, 10:06:20 AM
I If I lived in Grizzly country, it would be a revolver, a big revolver. At least a .44 Mag, but I have always wanted a .454 Casull and that would be my excuse to buy one:)
P.S. anyone who hunts in the NE part of WA, hunts in grizzly country.
Post by: sakoshooter on February 16, 2011, 05:51:52 PM
As for survival stuff. I've used mine a few times when storms have come in fast. There's pretty good odds of getting caught out in the hills in a storm if ya spend enough time out there. Of course for those guys hunting in tweaker country, just walk back to the truck since it's probably pretty close.
As for the turkey hunter with a short super mag shotgun, shooting super heavy lead loads, I think he's covered self defense wise.
I'll take a shotgun any day over a handgun for self defense. Especailly since he was already holding the shotgun.
Lots of folks carry handguns in their packs. Try getting it out while you're wearing your pack. Or rolling around with a cougar. Like I said before, it's gotta be right handy or it's not of much use. Also, remember, you're already carrying one weapon. I can put an arrow on my bow, draw and aim much quicker than I can get my handgun out of my pack. Pulling it from it's holster on my pack hip belt would be about the same as using my bow except I'd have more shots after the first one, faster than the bow.
IE: If you pulled your handgun on a charge from a wolf, cougar or bear, I'm guessing you'd wait till it was pretty damn close for a couple reasons: To be sure it isn't a bluff charge and so you knew you'd hit him well. Couldn't you do the same with a bow and possibly do even more damage. All this is providing you don't panic and miss but who says you're gonna hit anything with your handgun in that situation? Or drop it while in a panic trying to get it out from its holster? Lot's of variables.
I spend a lot of time in the woods -days and nites and never feel scared. Weapon or not. The item I would never leave at home is a sturdy knife. That's the one tool that will do most everything plus protect you.
Post by: brew on February 16, 2011, 07:00:01 PM
Post by: Swatson on February 16, 2011, 07:27:20 PM
Post by: Wazukie on February 16, 2011, 07:41:40 PM
Brew, I don't know how many times I have seen cougar or bear tracks in my own tracks. Like I said, if Im hunting, I have my 300 WSM with me. If I'm out packing or hiking, I have my little ole .357
Swatson, about that time I would've dropped in reverse, then forward and ran over at least one of um. Amazing how much damage one can do with a vehicle.
Post by: Swatson on February 16, 2011, 08:35:11 PM
Post by: sakoshooter on February 17, 2011, 05:27:11 PM
Sittin in a 6600 lb, 350 hp, 4 wd truck worrying about a guy with a knife? Reverse would probably be the smartest move but since I'd want to make my point, I'd probably go forward damn hard and then those two would be without transportation while I drove to a good spot with a cell phone signal. Easy pick up later as they'd be walking.
Remember: Your brain is your best weapon.
I once had a motorcycle gang(name withheld)surround my wife and I while driving on a highway going to the upper peninsula of MI. Very little harassment acurred because they found out what brakes are all about. They went their own way after that. No weapons aboard at that time.
I like guns but if you ever pull one out, you'd better be 100% ready to use it and then deal with the consequences.
Brew,
You are correct on a bullet having shocking power but the main reason for my statement is based on my own hunting style: I'm already carrying my bow in my hand. Arrows right there in the quiver. The gun is securely holstered or stored in my pack. Also, odds are that you've got a tag for the black bear of cougar or irrate deer in your wallet so you're already putting an arrow on the string. If it's a charge and happens in the blink of an eye from out of no where, then your guess is as good as mine what we'd do at that point. I'd have to think that using your bow as a club might be a much better idea than being mauled while trying to get a handgun out.
There is nothing wrong with carrying a handgun ever. I'm just amazed by some of the examples given.
Post by: brew on February 17, 2011, 06:31:19 PM
Post by: Swatson on February 18, 2011, 05:32:36 AM
Post by: Swatson on February 18, 2011, 05:35:59 AM
Post by: rasbo on February 18, 2011, 06:15:54 AM
Post by: D-Rock425 on February 18, 2011, 09:04:55 AM
I pack a gun everywhere..even doing yard work..I had a bear get after me while hiking in to a deer spot..I shot that bear at point blank range..No way a knife would have helped me.But having a firearm did...I cant help but wonder how many that have been murdered on trails while hiking. had a knife on them somewhere.I wonder if they had a sidearm what the news flash would be...Maybe a different story...For anyone who thinks there is no human danger the farther you go in, think twice..Not many grow ops next to the road..As Machias said,being prepared for what might happen is best..did you kill the bear.
Post by: sakoshooter on February 18, 2011, 12:30:57 PM
Also your comment about motorcycle gangs doesn't impress me. Doubt it was an OMG as you'd probably wouldn't be writing this today had you truly done something stupid like that to a true OMG. You sure it wasn't just a few guys on Harleys with Harley jackets tough guy!?
What is a true OMG?
Post by: Swatson on February 18, 2011, 12:36:12 PM
Post by: sakoshooter on February 18, 2011, 12:49:34 PM
31 years ago to be exact. They all had the same name across the backs of their jackets. I don't even remember now. They might have been a bunch of regular Joe's out for a ride and playing tough for all I know but my wife got a little panicky when they started screwing with us. After braking and scaring the dung out of the bunch behind us, I slowed down and let them all get in front and kept it that way. They went their way and we went ours luckily.
I'm as pro-gun as they come and think we all should carry a gun, even openly carried. There'd be a lot less violent crime if more people carried and were competent.
My hunting pack is too damn heavy now and every time I shoot something it gets heavier so I don't always carry my handgun in or on it. Do I think the situation exists where you could use one for self defense or at least self confidence? Yep. It's just gonna be rare and hopefully non-existent in my life.
Post by: Swatson on February 18, 2011, 01:24:00 PM
Post by: sakoshooter on February 18, 2011, 07:02:37 PM
Post by: h20hunter on February 18, 2011, 07:04:03 PM
Post by: sakoshooter on February 18, 2011, 07:11:29 PM
Swatson called a certain biker a 'true OMG' and I didn't understand what he was trying to say.
Post by: Swatson on February 19, 2011, 05:16:23 AM
Post by: MIKEXRAY on February 19, 2011, 08:59:20 AM
Has anyone re-read the first post ? He wanted to know about his bullet selection & caliber, not "if he has the right reason to carry ".
Mike
Post by: Jason on February 19, 2011, 09:05:45 AM
These four page arguments crack me up !!!! If you want to carry, carry. If not don't. Why are we so damn hard headed that we have to try to change eachothers views on life. Why does it bother you guys why a guy carries ? The reason doesn't matter at all, he feels more secure. Why argue about the scenario ? I carry because I hike for an hour in the dark up to my spot up on the ridge, takes all the balls I have to hike up there in the pitch dark by myself. What is the gun for ? Just so I feel secure. People have to quit trying to hammer their beliefs into other people. Do any of you really think your going to make your point and a guy is going to admit your right & not carry because of your advice ?:yeah:
Has anyone re-read the first post ? He wanted to know about his bullet selection & caliber, not "if he has the right reason to carry ".
Mike