dkwolf

It depends. The more solitary caches, or during certain times of the year, I will, other times I won't bother with it. During hunting seasons, I do not set one foot into the woods without a firearm. Partly because of the opportunity for a deer to cross my path while I'm out there, and partly because of the incident in Wisconsin last year. I won't draw my sidearm when I meet someone, but I certainly assess the situation and make sure I'm ready to if needed. Another reason is drugs--around here, the meth cooks have taken to setting up labs out in the woods where people are less likely to notice. Unfortunatly, these happen to be in the same areas I venture. I haven't stumbled upon one yet, but you can bet if I do, I'll be glad I'm packing. That crap does some strange things to people, tends to make them slightly unstable. Wildlife isn't much of a concern, as any dangerous animals (there have been mt. lion sightings in the area) will tend to get the heck away from you-and frankly, I'd love the chance to see one up close, just not too close. I don't carry completely concealed, rather in a holster on my hip-a Ruger Blackhawk .357, so in more populated areas, i.e. higher traffic parks, I'll leave it in the truck. Little Johnny doesn't need to see some giant of a man packing heat while on a stroll with his family. And, those types of parks, I just can't see a need for it... So far, I've taken a hunter education course, a firearms safety course, and am now certified as a youth rifle instructor. Safety is second nature to me, but that doesn't mean I take it for granted--that's when accidents happen. Someone uncomfortable with a gun is a dangerous situation. I'll support your right NOT to carry as long as you don't try to take my right TO carry away. So back to the original question...I can't say yes or no, it's on a day-by-day and situation-by-situation basis.