Do You Carry Any Sort Of Protection?

May 13, 2006

I have a Pennsylvania concealed firearm permit so I always have a Glock 40 on me. I carry it caching mostly because the Pennsylvania record black bear weighing more than 700 pounds was killed in the same gamelands (SGL 51) were alot of caches are located.

May 13, 2006

I have a Pennsylvania concealed firearm permit so I always have a Glock 40 on me. I carry it caching mostly because the Pennsylvania record black bear weighing more than 700 pounds was killed in the same gamelands (SGL 51) were alot of caches are located.

FWIW, I have been advised that a .40 or .45 would not effectively stop a large black bear ... not enough penetration. A .357 Magnum is probably the minimum handgun for bears. But then the noise from any handgun might turn one around.

May 13, 2006

People are attacked by animals (2 and 4 legged) along trails, in parks, and on streets everyday. Some are cachers, some aren't.

I guess I meant to ask if the incidence rate is any higher while out in the woods as opposed to being on the street. I'm just wondering about probabilities. I don't feel so inclined to pack while in town, and I'm not sure why I feel so.

I meant a smaller caliber pistol in relation to being shot at a bear would annoy it.

Edited May 13, 2006 by InHope

May 13, 2006

The loud noise alone might frighten a black bear away. And any gun is better than pepper spray. All that does is add some seasoning to make you more tasty. Of course brown bear all bets are off. A 50 caliber Alaskan round would be what I would want.

http://www.wildwestguns.com/

edited to fix spelling

Edited May 13, 2006 by Team Torque

May 13, 2006

The loud noise alone might frighten a black bear away. And any gun is better than pepper spray. All that does is add some seasoning to make you more tasty. Of course brown bear all bets are off. A 50 caliber Alaskan round would be what I would want.

http://www.wildwestguns.com/

edited to fix spelling

I thought they made a pepper spray specifically for bears...it comes in a huge areosol can. I'm not arguing, I just thought there was. I'm thinking about going and getting a small sidearm now.

May 14, 2006

I usually carry a Spyderco "Native" and a good, sharp walking stick. Haven't felt the need for anything else so far.

May 14, 2006

In my backpack I carry a small first aid kit, a multi-tool, and a tactical flashlight in case we find any dark places that need illumination.

On my person I always carry my Bersa Thunder 380 handgun. Just like American Express, I never leave home without it. I don't ever expect to have to use it, but I'd much rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

I really like the Bersa .380. It is light weight, easy to carry and easy to conceal. Very accurate, and a big enough round that a well placed shot (or two) will take down big game. But it's not so big that shots will go through the game and hit whatever is on the other side. Self defense. Perfect tool. (www.bersatalk.com)

2.7k · May 14, 2006

Oh ya, forgot to say, the only thing I carry for protection is pepper-spray. I'd rather pepper spray someones family pet if it comes at me in a violent manner, then shoot it.

This makes no sense at all. If you don't have a gun, how you gonna shoot the dog after the pepper spray doesn't work? :mad:

I have given it a lot of thought, and although I am on record in several of these threads as one who carries whilst caching, I have seen the error of my ways. I realize that a gun is only a FALSE sense of protection.

From now on I will go out with only my trusty HIKING STAFF:

:mad:

May 14, 2006

I thought they made a pepper spray specifically for bears...it comes in a huge areosol can. I'm not arguing, I just thought there was. I'm thinking about going and getting a small sidearm now.

I was half kidding. Truth is I think it would be ok protection against black bear but still requires the bear to be too close for comfort. If it is a Grizzly bear from what I have been told don't expect the spray to help much.

May 14, 2006

I live in New York State, have a NY Pistol Permit, I own (4) pistols, (1) shotgun and (1) .45 caliber Tommy Gun. My wife and I have been GeoCaching since October 2003 and the only people who have ever bothered us whilst caching have been the local constabulatory fellas who wondered what the heck we were doing in a cemetery at night. Excluding our few scary encounters with local coy dogs and a pair of mating bobcats while night-caching, we've never had any problems with people or animals. I'd much rather beat off a psycho with my walkingstick than explain to a NYS cop why I'm packing a .357 Magnum in a State Park....that's how bad the laws are against us here. We don't do >ANY< Inner City caches or any University caches to speak of, we steer right around 'em.

Edited May 14, 2006 by TinyMoon & The Pumpkin King

May 14, 2006

Sometime I go with my Son-in-law, who is REAL big...

I carry a 10 inch blade (Rambo style) knife, with a survival kit in the handle, which will probably get me arrested.

A couple of years ago, I tie-wrapper a holster with pepper spray on my hiking staff. I have run into three or four feral (I guess they were) dogs. I would rather spray them, then hit them with a stick.

For humans, I sometime has my big brown lab mix with me, who is around 65 lbs. so no one will come close, I wouldnt think.

There isnt too much of a problem with Black Bears around Houston, The Gators eat them...

Edited May 14, 2006 by One of the Texas Vikings

May 14, 2006

I have a Pennsylvania concealed firearm permit so I always have a Glock 40 on me. I carry it caching mostly because the Pennsylvania record black bear weighing more than 700 pounds was killed in the same gamelands (SGL 51) were alot of caches are located.

FWIW, I have been advised that a .40 or .45 would not effectively stop a large black bear ... not enough penetration. A .357 Magnum is probably the minimum handgun for bears. But then the noise from any handgun might turn one around.

I read a story about a man in Alaska who was attacked by a bear while field dressing a deer. He pulled out knife and stabbed the bear several times before the bear let him go. After the man was rescued some of his hunting buddies went back to the place where he was attacked. They found the dear bear and the deer the man had shot. If this guy was able to fend off a hungry brown bear with a knife I think one could do the same with a .40 or .45 handgun. However, I would not want to have to shoot a bear with anything less than a 30-06 or a 762x54 . Even then I would want to empty my gun into the bear.

For personal protection I will sometimes carry a hiking staff. I am an SCA fighter, so I am sure I can fend off any attacker or attackers just so long as they are not armed with guns.

1.7k · May 14, 2006

Other than a hiking stick when I am in the woods I don't carry anything. I do have a knife and its in my back pack. In five years I have only had one bad encounter, it was an off leash dog who charged me three times and it was not barking in a "friendly manner". Not sure who I wanted to hit, the dog or the owner who refused to put the dog on the leash even when I told her to do so.

I do have Mace for dogs, most of the time I forget to bring it with me.

2.6k · May 14, 2006

I saw a video online of this guy trying to teach kids how danger a gun can be... some how he didn't know he had a bullet in it and shot his own leg in front of those children.

Maybe someone should have been instructing him.

May 14, 2006

I carry a teensy tiny pocket knife with very sharp scissors.

6.4k · May 14, 2006

I carry a teensy tiny pocket knife with very sharp scissors.

Don't run with those!

May 14, 2006

Is there any sort of protection one can use for snakes? I am not really afraid of ticks, bees, or things of that sort... the only thing I really fear here in Central Georgia is running into rattlesnake or mocosin (spelling?). Maybe just watch out? Or two layers of jeans or something?

Hiking poles are probably your best bet. No, not to attack the snake, just to warn it that you're coming. If you're sticking your hand in a hole to find a cache, poke around with a stick first. I've run into probably 2 dozen rattlesnakes in the last year (hiking the desert in southern calif), even a couple mojave greens, which are supposedly the most aggressive and venomous species. The old saying is true though, they won't bother you unless you bother them. Well, I've had them sit in the middle of the trail rattling away and refusing to move, and it was a bother to bushwhack around them, but you know what I mean. The same's true for the rest of north america - we don't have aggressive snakes here. Unlike some of the creatures on the "Crocodile Hunter", the snakes here can't eat you, and they aren't stupid enough to waste their venom on you if it means they don't get dinner later. They'll only bite if they feel you're seriously threatening their life.

Ticks on the other hand... eeek. I've had two of them bite me. All I can say is at least they don't do any serious harm if you pull them off within a few hours.

(edit: these forums need a spell checker )

Edited May 14, 2006 by Mary&Dave

May 14, 2006

In my backpack I carry a small first aid kit, a multi-tool, and a tactical flashlight in case we find any dark places that need illumination.

On my person I always carry my Bersa Thunder 380 handgun. Just like American Express, I never leave home without it. I don't ever expect to have to use it, but I'd much rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

I really like the Bersa .380. It is light weight, easy to carry and easy to conceal. Very accurate, and a big enough round that a well placed shot (or two) will take down big game. But it's not so big that shots will go through the game and hit whatever is on the other side. Self defense. Perfect tool. (www.bersatalk.com)

I own a Bersa Thunder also. Excellent piece. Affordable, reliable and small enough to "palm" if need be. Packs just enough "whollup" for defense and is extremely accurate up to 20 yards. I have put at least 2000+ rounds thru it and have had only 1 jam, and that was on the second clip I ever fired. Just had to break it in. I wish it had a larger capacity mag (7 + one in the pipe) but that’s the price you pay for conceal ability. I'm sure that there is a larger after market clip but I'm very particular when it comes to clips. Only original manufactures clips for me. 8 in and 8 out.

May 15, 2006

I carry a Glock 23 (I'm not familiar with the Glock 40. What caliber is that again? :lol: ) I carry it anytime I go out. I have been blessed with skill at arms. Its something I enjoy and am very good at. I have had professional training of many types. And I dont much care if some people dont GC anymore because I'm out there with my sidearm (not that you would ever know unless you attempt to harm me or mine). I also carry my Benchmade CQC-6 and a leatherman tool.

Mark (Who has some how managed to resist the urge to shoot random geocachers) M.

Edited May 15, 2006 by GlfWrVt

May 15, 2006

I carry a hat and sunblock. [ :lol: ]

I do have a CCP but rarely take anything anymore

May 15, 2006

I typically carry the following when out in the woods:

Lots of bug juice, day pack with first aid kit,, water, snacks, etc, a leatherman super tool and perhaps a couple of more folding knives, and a concealed handgun (which one varies depending on my mood). I also carry a cell phone, but many times it doesn't work where I'm at due to a lack of coverage.

Regarding snakes...a snubnose 38 Spcl loaded with snakeshot is nice to have, and you can purchase 'gators' which are leggings you strap on over your pants that will protect your lower legs from a bite, as well as from thorny bushes and such.

This story may be a little off topic, but a friend (who, like me, is deathly afraid of snakes) was doing some surveying, heard a rattle, turned around and looked and saw fangs coming at him. He started running, turned around again and realized the snake was chasing him, so he ran faster, and the snake kept chasing him. so he ran faster....he finally realized that the snakes fangs were hung in his gators, and he got a machete and chopped its head off. Moral of the story is that snakes can and do bite folks down here, and they do inject venom, so be wary of them.

May 15, 2006

I have been bit by venomous snakes twice. First was while fishing in SW MO, I stepped on a copperhead, accidently. His fang penetrated my boot, but the bite was dry. We realized this as we drove hell bent for leather back to town and I felt fine.

The second time was purely my fault, and was the result of late adolescent stupidity. I kicked what I thought was a blacksnake. It was a cottonmouth. Thank goodness, I cleared the area when I saw the venom on the toe of my steel toed boot.

Haven't had a snake run-in in about 10 years. Unless you count the garter snake I caught last week after mowing the yard.

20.7k · May 15, 2006

Oh ya, forgot to say, the only thing I carry for protection is pepper-spray. I'd rather pepper spray someones family pet if it comes at me in a violent manner, then shoot it.

I was attacked by a large dog while caching a while back and here are my thoughts regarding your post. I don't own pepper spray, but am familiar with firearms. The dog that came after me was probably eight or ninety pounds and very aggressive. The typical dog attack is very fast and very violent. I don't know that I would have the time and sense of mind to retrieve pepper spray, point it at the target (away from me and down wind), and spray the animal before it bites me. I'm also not sure if I sprayed him during an attack if he would retreat or just clamp down. I do know that I can draw my weapon and bring it to bear knowing exactly which direction the bullets will go. I also know that if the animal takes a round or two, it will stop attacking.

... If a person who's carrying a gun is carrying it without intent on shooting someone, why carry it? ...

You couldn't be more wrong. I do not know a single person who carries a gun with the intent to shoot someone. Many people carry them with the intent to protect oneself and others, however.

May 15, 2006

... though those rabbits can be viscous ...

thick and oily? what kind of rabbits do they have where you're from? (makes fangs with fingers) big nasty teefs...

RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY!

P.S. vicious

24.7k · May 15, 2006

...I was attacked by a large dog while caching a while back and here are my thoughts regarding your post. I don't own pepper spray, but am familiar with firearms. The dog that came after me was probably eight or ninety pounds and very aggressive. The typical dog attack is very fast and very violent....

In my adventures I have also been attacked by a dog. The dog was wearing a muzzle at the time and the attack was so fast that I did not have time to react. The dog did a sideways lunge my arm went between the now bent muzzle bars and I was shaken violently by the dog (I was 12 at the time) who was doing his best to break my arm. I have no doubts that what will save me from an animal attack isn't my own preparations unless it’s strapped to my hip or in my hand at the time. The better odds are that the one who will save me will be my friend. They are the one that will have time to do something.

As a side effect while I was afraid of mean dogs before, I’m not now. You would think it would have made things worse.

May 15, 2006

Guard Alaska.

Only bear spray registered with the EPA as a repellant for all species of bear. Designed specifically for grizzlies. As recommended by lifelong hunters with 149 years combined experience. Good enough for me. Along with a good measure of common sense:)

May 15, 2006

As I posted on another site. . .

I never go anywhere without my Dragon and we usually have an escort of fire lizards. I feel pretty safe!

Once upon a time, long before there were GPS, I used to carry an H&K P7. Wonderful piece of hardware. At 50 feet I could dump a whole magazine into a 3 inch circle in under 11 seconds. No too bad for a BHOF.

May 15, 2006

I have had a CCW for 28 years and carry regularly. I have NEVER had my hand on my gun with intent or fear and I never intend to. It's one of those cliche type situations....... about having and/or needing one. I am now getting old and have severe arthritis so if you don't bother me...I would never bother you. Folks, just use common sense.....

By the way, I carry a titanium S&W .38 snub that wears a Crimson Trace laser grip.....and I do know how to use it. Enjoy the hunt!!

May 15, 2006

I don't have a CCP so I just holster it in plain site !

Besides a hiking stick that happens to be handy for keeping people/animals at arms length, I carry one of these (with a parachute cord grip):

in plain sight on the shoulder strap of my camelbak.

I don't want to need it and then end up charged with carrying a concealed weapon. Besides, it's right in reach!

May 15, 2006

For personal protection I will sometimes carry a hiking staff. I am an SCA fighter, so I am sure I can fend off any attacker or attackers just so long as they are not armed with guns.

What about one armed with shurikens?

Edited May 15, 2006 by hoovman

1.8k · May 15, 2006

I don't have a CCP so I just holster it in plain site !

Besides a hiking stick that happens to be handy for keeping people/animals at arms length, I carry one of these (with a parachute cord grip):

in plain sight on the shoulder strap of my camelbak.

I don't want to need it and then end up charged with carrying a concealed weapon. Besides, it's right in reach!

I like that Columbia River knife ... do you know what model it is? Thanks.

1.2k · May 16, 2006

After watching and reading the long discussion on you greatest fears while geocaching, a number of people mentioned that they carry some form of protection. What does everyone have with them?

CCW...carry always.

May 16, 2006

I don't carry a firearm, or a knife at this point (although I would like some kind of a pocket knife, more to deal with terrain than anything). For those who don't want to carry a firearm, like myself, I highly recommend always bringing a geo-pal and telling someone else that you are going out. Plus, bring a cell phone if possible or if you are in a wilderness area and cell phone service is not an option, some places you can rent satellite phones to reach park rangers/wilderness rescuers etc.

May 16, 2006

I like wise have a CHL here in Ohio. I carry daily and never leave home without it. I however don't carry while caching because I think I will need it. If I ever need my sig to go somewhere I have no business going there. I carry becasse it's what I know, and it's comfortable and it's safest on my side rather than not in my presence. I also carry a knife on me at all times, all day everyday. One that opens fast, and one handed. You never know when your gonna need one. Infact I've had to use mine to cut my arm out of a conveyor that almost ripped it off once(not a good day, I couldn't cache for a week). Also in a small animal encounter I would not use my sidearm. If I'm on the ground wrestling with a animal only god knows where those rounds are gonna go. Let;s face it, accuracy even at 6 inches while getting bitten and fighting for your life is'nt that good. I'd be afraid of a stray round hitting my family. Just my two cents.

Bill

2.2k · May 16, 2006

where are you guys caching that you need firearms?!?! i live in new york city, and even we dont go caching with guns...

Metro Detroit. Need I say more?

flint, michigan here! if you see me, consider me armed. taurus 32 cal. ultra-light, with a crimson trace laser site in the grip.

2.2k · May 16, 2006

... though those rabbits can be viscous ...

thick and oily? what kind of rabbits do they have where you're from? (makes fangs with fingers) big nasty teefs...

RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY!

P.S. vicious

it was early and i was half asleep... my excuse for most of my life really.. especially when you include alcojol. not that i have for a long time.

May 16, 2006

a ruger sp101 .357 with crimson trace laser grips and a David 32acp two shooter , late night intercity caching is a rush .

2.3k · May 16, 2006

where are you guys caching that you need firearms?!?! i live in new york city, and even we dont go caching with guns...

You couldnt even if you wanted to anyway NY has some of the tightist gun laws in the US

June 3, 2006

I pack! Everywhere, Every Day, Every Time.

June 3, 2006

I carry a Berreta 96 Brig. with a set of Crimeson Trace Grips in my pack and I do have a CWP. However, my first choice is the pepper spray backed up by the 96. If the pepper spray does not stop the trouble then the 96 is ready. With the Crimeson Trace Grips, the question of can you shoot it straight becomes more of "see that red dot". I personally know a cop who has stopped a problem from going to any extreme because of the red dot. Better to try to deter if possible, but I am not going to put my life or others at harm if it comes do to it. I personally shoot several thousand rounds a year and have no problem with shooting anything that I choose to carry, if I choose to show it, then I am going to be sure that I can shoot it really good first. I have only had one problem in 15 years worth of hiking, only recently starting caching, and that was returning to the truck to find someone liking my radio better then thiers and did not feel like buying one. A loud yell and they took off, only to be found later by the police.

June 5, 2006

If I'm out caching I may or may not be carrying a Walther P-99 9mm loaded with Federal expanding full metal jacket rounds. :anitongue:

Also I may or may not be carrying pepper spray. A good 3" folder too.

June 5, 2006

CCW in GA for 17 years now, carry a Firestar 9mm. If I hadn't started carrying in 1998, my wife would have been a widow for 14 years now. Also often carry a cane to have a less-lethal alternative available. http://www.canemasters.com/

It's sort of odd, when I started carrying I noticed that I'm less likely to respond to "punk" aggression or "road rage", I think it's because subconsciously I know it could escalate to lethal force and i don't want to go there, ever.

About 6 years back I had an "inner city youth" do the chest-bump thing looking to pick a fight and I just apologized and moved on (though all I did was walk on "his" street). He never knew I had one hand on my pistol. Probably still looks back with pride on the day he made the cracker in a tie show him some respect. He's welcome to it, if that's the only way he thinks he can get it.

August 15, 2006

Always a good knife. Always :huh: .

I'm in Canada so pistol CCW is not even an option :huh: . But If I am in bear country (usually not on a cache though) I will pack the 20" Rem 870 (12 gauge shotgun).

When I am in the US I pack when ever possible (have multiple CCW's). Usually a Beretta 92 compact L (9mm) or a Kimber compact in .45acp if the critters tend to be a bit larger :huh: (up to black bear). If in US big bear country it would certainly have to be a .44mag or larger revolver min, or some sort of obscenely large cal long gun .

But at the very least a good blade. 99% chance a bear or Mt lion are going to kill you but you never know you could get lucky... and i'd rather be lucky than good any day .

2.5k · August 15, 2006

I don't have a CCP so I just holster it in plain site !

Besides a hiking stick that happens to be handy for keeping people/animals at arms length, I carry one of these (with a parachute cord grip):

in plain sight on the shoulder strap of my camelbak.

I don't want to need it and then end up charged with carrying a concealed weapon. Besides, it's right in reach!

One skill I'd like to learn is how to accurately throw a knife. I'm too young for a handgun permit, and a knife is legal and easy to conseal.

I pack a BUCK 295 spring loaded flip out knife, it has a double edged point like a dagger, but folds down and has a belt clip. It is identical to the one in the photo:

August 15, 2006

After watching and reading the long discussion on you greatest fears while geocaching, a number of people mentioned that they carry some form of protection. What does everyone have with them?

I Carrie Nothing! but if you saw how big i am you wouldn't mess with me ether. i can't tell you why but 99.999% of the time people walk away when S**T is started. and i don't need to start it ether. :huh:

August 15, 2006

Like i said I Carry Nothing, nor do i need to carry anything. :huh:

August 15, 2006

you are looking for some tupperware, its not going to hurt you.

i dont object to taking a multi-tool with you. but a freaking gun. you guys are nuts

2.6k · August 15, 2006

you are looking for some tupperware, its not going to hurt you.

i dont object to taking a multi-tool with you. but a freaking gun. you guys are nuts

Where I come from, there are more poisonous snakes than people. Nuts, yourself.

August 15, 2006

I dont carry yet but we are going for our CCW's in the next few months. (will be carrying a Beretta 92FS 9mm with 18round mag loaded with 147 gr hollow points)

I ALWAYS carry a multi tool and at least one good knife (one hand opening).

The littlest gnome even has a decent knife to carry on cache hunts and hes 11!

A knife (like a gun) is a TOOL, a tool is only as dangerous as the person holding it. It is also as helpful as the person holding it. Ive personally had to show a bladed weapon twice for protection, both times the sight, or knowledge, of it has ended the confrontation and all parties walked away unharmed.

example 1 - at the age of 14 while walking down a trail (alone) when visiting some friends, and approaced by a group of other youths that started this encounter by throwing rocks and picking up limbs along the trail. this same group of boys had previously threatened me. I displayed a balisong and they moved along quickly off the trail.

example 2 - I was working at night at a pizza place, and we were involved in an attempted robbery. The thief tried to snag my shirt/apron and drag me over the counter with one hand while the other held a 3" fixed blade. I dodged and drew my own knife and slashed at the thiefs hand as they tried to reach over the counter to grab me again. The other person working that night was on the phone in seconds calling 911.

Its not the tool that is dangerous, its the evil doers in the world that you have to be prepared for. If your not prepared, your deluded.

(thus ends my rant on self preservation)

5.9k · August 15, 2006

you are looking for some tupperware, its not going to hurt you.

i dont object to taking a multi-tool with you. but a freaking gun. you guys are nuts

Why are we nuts? If you don’t want to carry that’s up to you. The world needs its sheeple.

Edited August 15, 2006 by Criminal

Do You Carry Any Sort Of Protection?

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