That's why I'm considering a concealed license. I'm a dang good shot, and enjoy shooting.
I'm not so sure about a walking stick..unless I did get some training. Honestly, with my family, I don't have the time for formal training. It would end up with me trying to swing the stick like a ball bat & racking it up against trees in mid swing, as the trees are dense in the forests around here.
Also, with me being of the smaller variety, & (yes, I'll say it) a woman, it would probably be stripped from my grasp in the event of a struggle with another human being. Woman have a disadvantage when it comes to upper body & arm strength; that's just the way it is. (Unless, of course, they have a lot of the aforementioned training.).
The chances of "the psycho serial killer" (dun dun duuuun) being another woman? Slim to none. I do like the idea of a taser...although I have known someone that took multiple taser shots to his body & kept right on going..I'm still fond of the idea.
The tasers that law enforcement carry are severely underpowered compared to what is on the market these days. You can get a taser that will do much more damage.
Also if you plan on carrying a gun I suggest you get into some IDPA competitions. They will help you react quicker under pressure if you did need to use the gun.