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Do You Carry a Gun While Geocaching?


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If I'm way out in the woods I don't. No need for the extra weight out there. I'm of the opinion that the only truly dangerous critter in Florida has two legs. My wits and my pokey stick can take care of anything else I encounter. If I'm caching in a distressed urban environment, (not something I do often), I'll bring my Glock 21. Nope, never had an occasion to use it.

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If I was caching in a remote area where I could legally carry my gun I most deffinitly would, In the city I feel that there is no need.

 

Hmm . . . exactly opposite of my outlook. I'd feel more comfortable hiking in the woods unarmed than walking in the streets in the same condition. Thankfully, I don't have to choose.

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We don't have any dangerous animals here in SW MI. If it's deer season I might hit a cache or two with my shotgun or muzzleloader in the truck but I've never carried it to a cache or felt the need to do so.

 

I don't own any handguns, just shotguns and muzzleloaders. If we had bears around here it'd probably be a different story.

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Probably bad form to bring this thread up again but there's a area where a lot a caching takes place in Arizona and it is in the vicinity of a State Prison in Florence, AZ. Two convicted murders escaped early this morning and one is still at large. Would having a firearm be a benefit or a liability in this case for cachers? I'm sure it depends on the person, their training and other factors. For me, I'd have a flier with the convicts picture and a weapon to defend myself if need be.

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...I’m afraid I can’t get over how everybody in the USA is so unconcerned about the carrying of guns. ...

 

Your ancestors probably wonder how you can just pass on availing yourself of a gun of some type. My ancestors that I'm not as much of an expert as they think I should be. Hopefully you havne't given up on fixed blade knives, or pocket knives yet.

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If I'm way out in the woods I don't. No need for the extra weight out there. I'm of the opinion that the only truly dangerous critter in Florida has two legs. My wits and my pokey stick can take care of anything else I encounter. If I'm caching in a distressed urban environment, (not something I do often), I'll bring my Glock 21. Nope, never had an occasion to use it.

 

I've heard about you and dat pokey stick Riffster.

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Probably bad form to bring this thread up again but there's a area where a lot a caching takes place in Arizona and it is in the vicinity of a State Prison in Florence, AZ. Two convicted murders escaped early this morning and one is still at large. Would having a firearm be a benefit or a liability in this case for cachers? I'm sure it depends on the person, their training and other factors. For me, I'd have a flier with the convicts picture and a weapon to defend myself if need be.

 

Not at all. Once you've been around these forums long enough, almost every topic seems to have a cycle. The situation in your area brings this topic back to your mind, and thus you bring it up again in the forums.

 

As far as the actual details, you're right that there is no clear-cut answer. Just as I know there are many folks who carry firearms that would not hesitate to use deadly force if necessary, I know there are also those who may carry, but react poorly in a "condition red" situation. Having a firearm taken away from you is a serious event.

 

I personally support anyone's decision to carry, and just as strongly support the decision of those who choose not to. The circumstances that you describe should cause everyone to be extra alert, armed or not. I think that's an even bigger factor than being armed....if you're armed, but not aware, what have you gained? An unarmed person who is aware of their surrounding may well fare better than someone with multiple firearms who is oblivious of what's going on around them. As many others have mentioned, my decision to carry is not connected to geocaching any more than it's connected to grocery shopping or changing the oil in my car. It's just something I do, regardless of what activity I'm engaged in.

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Ever since I walked in on someone burglarizing my house and they were armed with a sawed-off shotgun, I have owned a gun. I currently own a Sig Sauer .380. This was almost 20 years ago. I moved out of that area and the newest gun has been in a case and in a closet until recently. I was out caching by myself not too long ago on Sunday afternoon in a large urban park. I did have a dog with me, but she small and non-threatening. I was looking for a cache when I had one of the "hairs standing up on the back of my neck" experiences and I left the area. I found out later that the very next day in the same location a woman was attacked and raped. I have now applied for my concealed carry and will carry it with me on occasion.

 

I have carried a gun with me before without a permit because my job took me into remote areas where there were meth labs and marijuana being grown. I would also be called out in the middle of the night to remote areas and I would go armed. I much prefer following the law and getting my license now. I hope I never have to use m gun, but I know that I would and could if I have to.

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Two convicted murders escaped early this morning and one is still at large. Would having a firearm be a benefit or a liability in this case for cachers?

IMO open carry would probably be a liability in that situation because the convict, seeing the weapon, will probably attack quickly from behind and have you down and out before you know what hit you.

 

I would think that seeing a gun on you might make the convict MORE likely to attack. A gun would be quite a prize for an escapee.

 

But if it is properly concealed, it could be a benefit if the convict were to attack, since even if he attacks quickly from behind, he does not know where the gun is and you MIGHT have time to get to it.

 

BIG word, "might." Pretty much puts all packing in perspective.

 

Re: OP ? Yes I do and no I haven't, unless you count pop cans :anitongue:

(no I don't shoot pop cans or anything else whilst caching- it is a joke)

 

"The air smelled like snakes and we'd shoot with our pistols, but empty pop bottles was all we would kill." -John Prine "Mulenburg County"

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If I'm way out in the woods I don't. No need for the extra weight out there. I'm of the opinion that the only truly dangerous critter in Florida has two legs. My wits and my pokey stick can take care of anything else I encounter. If I'm caching in a distressed urban environment, (not something I do often), I'll bring my Glock 21. Nope, never had an occasion to use it.

Interesting,

Florida-Panther-in-tree.jpg

Florida_Alligator.jpg

snakecopperhead.jpg

coral-snake.jpg

On topic:

I carry whenever legal to do so.

Edited by sbell111
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If I'm way out in the woods I don't. No need for the extra weight out there. I'm of the opinion that the only truly dangerous critter in Florida has two legs. My wits and my pokey stick can take care of anything else I encounter. If I'm caching in a distressed urban environment, (not something I do often), I'll bring my Glock 21. Nope, never had an occasion to use it.

Interesting,

Florida-Panther-in-tree.jpg

Florida_Alligator.jpg

snakecopperhead.jpg

coral-snake.jpg

On topic:

I carry whenever legal to do so.

 

That coral snake pic just reminded me of the saying " Yellow on black---better get back. Black on yellow, he's a a good fellow." Hadn't thought about that in years. Of course, if I get that close, I am getting out of there before I can even think of the rhyme. In some places, it is illegal to kill even poisonous snakes.

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I haven't heard of any British geocachers ever carrying weapons of any type. There simply aren't the dangerous critters here. Although there is a little armed crime (knives and even guns) in some urban areas, you'd have to be extremely unlucky (or very stupid) to encounter such situations on a geocaching trip. Even the police aren't allowed to carry a gun (normally).

 

I admit to taking a trekking pole sometimes, which can be a reassurance when approached by dogs, but I've never had to even threaten any animal (or person!) with it.

 

I didn't think about carrying even a knife when I visited the USA a couple of years ago, and I must admit that I didn't see the need either. It's a bit worrying that so many people have dangerous weapons hidden on their person though - particularly when the visitor would not be allowed to carry such things! :anitongue: I'll bear that in mind when I visit next year...<_<

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I haven't heard of any British geocachers ever carrying weapons of any type. There simply aren't the dangerous critters here. Although there is a little armed crime (knives and even guns) in some urban areas, you'd have to be extremely unlucky (or very stupid) to encounter such situations on a geocaching trip. Even the police aren't allowed to carry a gun (normally).

 

I admit to taking a trekking pole sometimes, which can be a reassurance when approached by dogs, but I've never had to even threaten any animal (or person!) with it.

 

I didn't think about carrying even a knife when I visited the USA a couple of years ago, and I must admit that I didn't see the need either. It's a bit worrying that so many people have dangerous weapons hidden on their person though - particularly when the visitor would not be allowed to carry such things! :anitongue: I'll bear that in mind when I visit next year...<_<

 

The carrying of a deadly weapon doesn't, by itself, make that person a danger to you. nearly every State now has some kind of concealed carry law. And while I can't speak for all of them, many require classroom and live fire training in order to get the permit. Background checks (local and FBI) are also required, so I venture to say that most folks with a carry permit and pretty up-standing citizens.

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coral-snake.jpg

" Yellow on black---better get back. Black on yellow, he's a a good fellow."

So, which is it in that picture? :anitongue:

 

Red on yellow is the dangerous one; red on black is the non-venomous one.

 

Yellow on black. The black has yellow on both sides. Hey...at least this is the way I was taught it. <_<

Ah, I see. In the versions I know, "on" simply means "touching". That's why I didn't get it.

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I haven't heard of any British geocachers ever carrying weapons of any type. There simply aren't the dangerous critters here. Although there is a little armed crime (knives and even guns) in some urban areas, you'd have to be extremely unlucky (or very stupid) to encounter such situations on a geocaching trip. Even the police aren't allowed to carry a gun (normally).

 

I admit to taking a trekking pole sometimes, which can be a reassurance when approached by dogs, but I've never had to even threaten any animal (or person!) with it.

 

I didn't think about carrying even a knife when I visited the USA a couple of years ago, and I must admit that I didn't see the need either. It's a bit worrying that so many people have dangerous weapons hidden on their person though - particularly when the visitor would not be allowed to carry such things! :anitongue: I'll bear that in mind when I visit next year...<_<

 

Even among those certified to carry conceal in the U.S., the whole carrying bit is way overrated. Most of us do not carry most of the time unless you reside in remote areas. I know a couple of dozen people in urban areas that are certified, including in my own suburban neighborhood. I think I can count the times we've all carried, cumulatively, on two hands.

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Even among those certified to carry conceal in the U.S., the whole carrying bit is way overrated. Most of us do not carry most of the time unless you reside in remote areas. I know a couple of dozen people in urban areas that are certified, including in my own suburban neighborhood. I think I can count the times we've all carried, cumulatively, on two hands.
A few years ago, I was innocently driving to the airport when a drunk decided that it was a good time for him to drive on the wrong side of the road. Had I known that he was going to take that morning to do something so stupid, I'd have called off my trip and gone back to bed. Since I didn't have that knowledge, I relied on my Grand Cherokee to give up it's life to save mine.

 

Similarly, I never know when I will need my weapon. Therefore, I don't know when to leave it at home.

 

I guess that I could also save some money and not put batteries in the smoke alarm for those times when the house isn't going to catch fire. I could also not buy life insurance for those times that I won't die.

Edited by sbell111
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...I didn't think about carrying even a knife when I visited the USA a couple of years ago, and I must admit that I didn't see the need either....

 

Even among those certified to carry conceal in the U.S., the whole carrying bit is way overrated. Most of us do not carry most of the time unless you reside in remote areas. I know a couple of dozen people in urban areas that are certified, including in my own suburban neighborhood. I think I can count the times we've all carried, cumulatively, on two hands.

 

It seems odd to think that knives are something that worries folks. My workplace has a policy against any knife larger than 3" or 4" (I don't recall). Since pocket knives are so handy I just checked the one time I heard the policy and shruged. In our kitchen we have 12" knives. Just down the hall we have machettee's, another department has chain saws. The policy is rather pointless since the tools to do my jobe are more deadly than a pocket knife.

 

Anyway the post you quoted pointed out the knifes. I can't see how anyone can not see the need. They are just too handy for multiple purposes to not carry a pocket knife (or borrow one from the person who does).

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Most of us do not carry most of the time unless you reside in remote areas. I know a couple of dozen people in urban areas that are certified, including in my own suburban neighborhood. I think I can count the times we've all carried, cumulatively, on two hands.

 

While I don't question this is true in your area, the statement is purely anecdotal. I know at least a dozen people around my state (cachers and non-cachers) that carry all of the time (when legal). Other than while at my place of employment, I'm armed 90%+ of the time, including while I sit at my computer typing this post. I don't live in a 'remote' area by any stretch of the imagination. Like others, I'm more concerned about two-legged 'critters' than four. I also don't have an expectation of impending danger and hope I carry for years and years without incident, though I've decided that being as prepared as possible for the 'unlikely' scenario is important to me.

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Probably bad form to bring this thread up again but there's a area where a lot a caching takes place in Arizona and it is in the vicinity of a State Prison in Florence, AZ. Two convicted murders escaped early this morning and one is still at large. Would having a firearm be a benefit or a liability in this case for cachers? I'm sure it depends on the person, their training and other factors. For me, I'd have a flier with the convicts picture and a weapon to defend myself if need be.

 

For me, I would be caching on the west side of town instead of near Florence. Although an escaped convicted murderer is dangerous, so are the ones who havent been caught yet or the ones who havent yet escalated to violence. Its really not 100% safe anywhere. Common sense is the best defense. (No Im not advocating anyone get rid of their guns.)

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I haven't heard of any British geocachers ever carrying weapons of any type. There simply aren't the dangerous critters here. Although there is a little armed crime (knives and even guns) in some urban areas, you'd have to be extremely unlucky (or very stupid) to encounter such situations on a geocaching trip. Even the police aren't allowed to carry a gun (normally).

 

I admit to taking a trekking pole sometimes, which can be a reassurance when approached by dogs, but I've never had to even threaten any animal (or person!) with it.

 

I didn't think about carrying even a knife when I visited the USA a couple of years ago, and I must admit that I didn't see the need either. It's a bit worrying that so many people have dangerous weapons hidden on their person though - particularly when the visitor would not be allowed to carry such things! :blink: I'll bear that in mind when I visit next year...;)

 

I have to correct you on this !

 

The UK is the most dangerous place in W Europe right now and this despite all the stupid laws preventing lawful citizen to own a long gun and total ban on handgun !

 

Swissterland is among the safest and every citizen is a soldier with his assault rifle at home and often you can see them toting it to the shooting range were they have to practice regularly.

 

The same was going to happen with the socialists in France, fortunately Sarkozy has chosen a different and quite innovative approach to crime (yup innovative for a socialist country where criminals are victim of society), go after the criminals, not the honest hardworking citizen !

Which mean I can still keep my hunting rifles and shotguns (10) and handgun (4) for target shooting.

 

Years back I did not take a job in the UK because of these gun laws and difficulty to hunt !

 

Don't worry about honest people carrying legally a gun !

 

In fact, you show how the leftist propaganda in the EU works, make europeans believe that in the US you can buy freely any kind of guns and the US is full of gun nuts ready to shoot each other.

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Probably bad form to bring this thread up again but there's a area where a lot a caching takes place in Arizona and it is in the vicinity of a State Prison in Florence, AZ. Two convicted murders escaped early this morning and one is still at large. Would having a firearm be a benefit or a liability in this case for cachers? I'm sure it depends on the person, their training and other factors. For me, I'd have a flier with the convicts picture and a weapon to defend myself if need be.

 

For me, I would be caching on the west side of town instead of near Florence. Although an escaped convicted murderer is dangerous, so are the ones who havent been caught yet or the ones who havent yet escalated to violence. Its really not 100% safe anywhere. Common sense is the best defense. (No Im not advocating anyone get rid of their guns.)

 

East side, west side - you're going to have to explain thatone to me. PM me if you want.

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My Opinion.

 

1. I feel it is everyone's right to keep and bear arms.

This is not only a projectile type weapon.

 

Please look up what "to bear arms" means!!

 

2. Geocaching and guns do not mix.

Family Friendly and weapons just don't sit well for me.

I have been to Mexico and many so called bad places Geocaching and Benchmarking and I Lived In Buckeye so I know where Florence is.

My Grandpa was born there.

 

There is always an option rather than the gun.

 

If you are hunting or fishing where there might be snakes fine, maybe(your choice) if geocaching but I don't need one a long stick will do.

 

I have been shot at on numerous occasions so it is not like I do not know what can happen.

And I feel I have a little experience in the matter.

 

Now in a War or threatening situations one should never be far from one.

 

But for 1 geocaches are suppose to be placed with the landowners permission or by permit.

So I see nothing threatening in this.

 

Now there is a case of someone who may not be able to defend themselves and may want to discreetly carry some type of protection.

But I think care and education comes in as well.

If confronted by a larger animal and you are only carrying a small handgun it may be harmful if you are not aware that you may only make it mad by shooting it.

 

I just think that major thought and awareness should be observed by persons whom do carry weapons anytime.

 

But as that saying goes,guns do not kill...........people do!!

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Anyway the post you quoted pointed out the knifes. I can't see how anyone can not see the need. They are just too handy for multiple purposes to not carry a pocket knife (or borrow one from the person who does).

Yeah, the whole question of weapons amazes me. I am 'trained" in the use of pretty much anything as a weapon. If there is nothing else handy, I have two good hands, two good feet, and a head (hey i heard about an "unarmed" guy (literally) who killed a man with his head today).

 

The issue is not really the presence of a weapon, but the irrational reactions of people toward them. Otherwise we would have no reason to discuss "packing" whilst caching or at any other time. It would simply be assumed that each and every human being had some means of self defence.

 

it is interesting that the Creator (or Darwin) endowed every single critter that creepeth, swimmeth, flyeth, or even standeth rooted upon the earth with some means of self preservation, but for some reason people have come to think that humans should not avail themselves of such means.

 

Last time I checked, even though we are at the top of the food chain, there were still thousands (perhaps millions) of threats to our lives and health. Ultimately one of them is going to get each and every one of us. It might be a virus or it might be a great white shark, or anything in between.

 

i carry a knife because it is, hands down, the most valuable and universal TOOL one can hold in one's hand. I have done so since I was a kid, even in school (back then the school administrators were allowed to THINK for themselves and did not have to bow down to political correctness and "zero tolerance.")

 

That anyone would be honestly SCARED because someone is carrying a knife (not brandishing it in a threatening manner) is far beyond my comprehension.

 

That someone is honestly SCARED by someone carrying a gun in a holster is equally perplexing to me.

 

I carry at all times when legal. Both gun and knife. if you need a knife, i'll lend you mine for a short time under my direct supervision (I want it BACK). My gun you will never see (intentionally).

 

You know what's the most frustrating thing? Being on an airplane and can't get the peanut bag open! Oh, for the want of a knife! :blink:

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If confronted by a larger animal and you are only carrying a small handgun it may be harmful if you are not aware that you may only make it mad by shooting it.

This argument really gets me. I must have heard this a zillion times.

 

if the animal is attacking you, I think you can assume it is already "mad" or at least it has determined that you are a threat that it must neutralize.

 

So you don't thing a VERY loud noise will scare a large animal?

 

Is it better, as has so often been espoused in these forums to throw rocks at it?

 

This argument is kinda like saying you won't use a small fire extinguisher on a kitchen fire because it might not put it out. Everyone knows you need a 2 inch fire hose to properly fight fires!

 

i say a small handgun beats a box of rocks and a hiking stick every time in a dangerous animal encounter.

 

That being said though, I generally carry a .50 caliber Browning machine gun when I go caching. I hate to be out-gunned! Does anybody know a good hernia doctor? :blink:

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Dang ! Y'all have no idea how much this topic has suddenly decreased my intrest in starting this hobby. I don't have any weapons and I live on the outskirts of the Denver metro area. So we have tons of criminals and bad people along with lethal animals like mountain lions. Most of the cache's out here are in fields or woods and now I'm terrified that I'm going to have my wife and 3 yr old daughter out in the middle of nowhere and get attacked by animals or crazy people. Not sure what to do now. I haven't bought any equipment yet (GPSr) and not sure if I should now. Wouldn't worry about myself too much, but the wife and kid wanna go really bad and I couldn't live with myself if something happend to them. Anybody got advice or words to ease my mind ?

Edited by Chief Warpaint
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I have to correct you on this !

 

The UK is the most dangerous place in W Europe right now and this despite all the stupid laws preventing lawful citizen to own a long gun and total ban on handgun !

You may be correct statistically - I don't really know. But as Western Europe is an extremely safe place, the "most dangerous" could perhaps also be classified as "very safe".

 

The fact is that you can wander free and safe anywhere in the British Isles without needing to be armed at all. I've done it a lot! Common sense warns you off the occasional "bad area" you may encounter, long before you are threatened. Despite the futile efforts of various terrorist groups over the last 30-40 years, the only inadvisable areas to visit are the type of place you find in most cities in Europe and North America.

 

I've used shotguns and pistols recently for sporting purposes, but I'm glad that they are not felt to be essential household items.

 

(I also know how it is in France, having spent many weeks there over the last twenty years or so: check my geocaching profile!).

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Dang ! Y'all have no idea how much this topic has suddenly decreased my intrest in starting this hobby. I don't have any weapons and I live on the outskirts of the Denver metro area. So we have tons of criminals and bad people along with lethal animals like mountain lions. Most of the cache's out here are in fields or woods and now I'm terrified that I'm going to have my wife and 3 yr old daughter out in the middle of nowhere and get attacked by animals or crazy people. Not sure what to do now. I haven't bought any equipment yet (GPSr) and not sure if I should now. Wouldn't worry about myself too much, but the wife and kid wanna go really bad and I couldn't live with myself if something happend to them. Anybody got advice or words to ease my mind ?

 

Looks under bridge.

 

Assuming you are serious, why would you need to worry about your safety while geocaching any more than you would at any other time?

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Dang ! Y'all have no idea how much this topic has suddenly decreased my intrest in starting this hobby. I don't have any weapons and I live on the outskirts of the Denver metro area. So we have tons of criminals and bad people along with lethal animals like mountain lions. Most of the cache's out here are in fields or woods and now I'm terrified that I'm going to have my wife and 3 yr old daughter out in the middle of nowhere and get attacked by animals or crazy people. Not sure what to do now. I haven't bought any equipment yet (GPSr) and not sure if I should now. Wouldn't worry about myself too much, but the wife and kid wanna go really bad and I couldn't live with myself if something happend to them. Anybody got advice or words to ease my mind ?

 

Stay home Chief and watch TV, Geocaching is not for the faint of heart. It's dangerous, i.e Dog, poison ivy, thorns, spines, cacti, snakes, wild pigs, scorpions, cats of all sizes, skeeters, chiggers, black flies, mud, rock, rain, snow, heat, below zero temps, lightning and MUGGLES. Think long and hard about exposing your family to such things.

Edited by rdaines
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... 2. Geocaching and guns do not mix.

Family Friendly and weapons just don't sit well for me.

In general, I would have no way of knowing if the geocacher that I meet on the trail has a concealed weapon. Similarly, I wouldn't know if the person that I meet in the produce aisle at the local supermarket has one. It is not really any different and neither situation would affect me, at all.
... I have been shot at on numerous occasions so it is not like I do not know what can happen. And I feel I have a little experience in the matter.

 

Now in a War or threatening situations one should never be far from one.

To me, your post seems to contradict itself. On one hand, you speak of your experience being shot at. On the other, you state that if one is not going to be in a 'threatening' situation, one should not carry a weapon. I would imagine that most people, if they knew that the situation would be threatening, would simply avoid the situation. Unfortunately, we don't know when we are going to be in a 'threatening' situation. For the same reason that we always leave the smoke alarm batteries in place on the off-chance that there is a fire, many cachers always carry their weapon on the off-chance that they will need it.

 

... The fact is that you can wander free and safe anywhere in the British Isles without needing to be armed at all. I've done it a lot! Common sense warns you off the occasional "bad area" you may encounter, long before you are threatened. Despite the futile efforts of various terrorist groups over the last 30-40 years, the only inadvisable areas to visit are the type of place you find in most cities in Europe and North America. ....
Similarly, we can wander free and safe anywhere in the entire world (including the US) without needing to be armed at all. I've done it a lot! Common sense typically warns us of the occasional "bad area" we may encounter, long before we are threatened.

 

The thing is, common sense doesn't always warn us of the danger long before it happens. Sometimes danger happens in locations and at times that we don't expect. It also sometimes happens at a speed that doesn't allow an early warning.

 

(edited to tweak my verbiage based on Moose Mob's warning.)

Edited by sbell111
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As expected, this thread is getting a bit touchy in spots, and much thanks to all of you on both sides that are holding your tongues.

 

Remember folks... it is OK to talk about why you do/don't carry. It is NOT ok to tell others why they should or should not carry. Please be cautious of how you chose your words. That will keep the thread alive a bit longer.

 

Thanks all!

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The thing is, common sense doesn't always warn you of the danger long before it happens. Sometimes danger happens in locations and at times that you don't expect. It also sometimes happens at a speed that doesn't allow an early warning.

I suppose that surprise attacks can happen almost anywhere, at any time, although I have no actual experience.

But there's a level below which the likelihood of such an event is so low that there's no practical point in taking special precautions. The likelihood becomes very low indeed when you're geocaching in the British countryside. And even lower on the Isle of Man! ;)

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I have never owned a gun so therefore I don't carry. I understand why some people choose to carry. It is their decision and their right to do so.

 

Chief Warpaint I would suggest you try a different hobby if this thread has gotten you concerned for the safety of your family.

You could also get training in the proper use of handguns and carry yourself. ;)

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We live in a state (Maryland) in the USA which has had, since early 2005 and the passage of state Bill V304, some VERY liberal laws in effect when it comes to Geocacher Rights, and any experienced (over 50 finds as listed on GC website) and state-certified geocacher is allowed to carry a firearm and to kill potential FTF competitors (the law refers to them as "geocacher first to find enemy combatants) and muggles at will, so long as we tag the body on the left wrist or the left ankle within three minutes of the kill with a state-issued Geocacher Rights Bill V304 Sanctioned Kill tag which bears our name, state geocaching license number, reason (FTF enemy combatant or geo-muggle), and time/date of kill. This is not a bad deal in return for the measly annual state license fee of $67.50. Therefore, Sue and I often pack concealed weapons when seeking FTF on a cache or when hunting in an area where we anticipate high muggle activity. The scary thing is that we have sometimes forgotten about the matter of state boundaries and have at times ended up accidentally employing our weapons to kill FTF competitors or geomuggles in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and DC as well, much to our chagrin when we realized our mistake(s). Luckily, those minor incidents have not caused any problems so far, and we have learned from these sobering experiences to be far more careful in observing state lines and the boundaries/limitations implicit thereof.

 

Is there a bag limit?

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...Wouldn't worry about myself too much, but the wife and kid wanna go really bad and I couldn't live with myself if something happend to them. Anybody got advice or words to ease my mind ?

 

Yes I do. The world is what is always has been. The only thing that has changed is your perception of it. Thus only you have the power to do anything about that crippling fear so you can get your life back on track.

 

That's a bit TIC and perhaps exagerated, but the gist is 100% true.

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Dang ! Y'all have no idea how much this topic has suddenly decreased my intrest in starting this hobby. I don't have any weapons and I live on the outskirts of the Denver metro area. So we have tons of criminals and bad people along with lethal animals like mountain lions. Most of the cache's out here are in fields or woods and now I'm terrified that I'm going to have my wife and 3 yr old daughter out in the middle of nowhere and get attacked by animals or crazy people. Not sure what to do now. I haven't bought any equipment yet (GPSr) and not sure if I should now. Wouldn't worry about myself too much, but the wife and kid wanna go really bad and I couldn't live with myself if something happend to them. Anybody got advice or words to ease my mind ?

 

Here is a website outlining what is required for a citizen to receive a concealed carry permit

http://cbi.state.co.us/ccw/Statutes/18-12-203.asp

The full law is here

http://cbi.state.co.us/ccw/relatedstats.asp

 

I would surmise that a surprising number of people are carrying concealed right now around you. The parking lot nearest to where you are sitting right now contains many cars with handguns, rifles or shotguns. These all owned and secured by law abiding citizens.

 

Many have contended that the VA tech massacre (Perpetrated by someone who did NOT have a permit) could have been minimized if VA did not have rules that prohibited possession of a firearm on the campus.

 

You see, the point is, gun laws only hinder the rights of law abiding citizens, criminals will ignore all the laws.

 

So - GO CACHING - You live in a state that allows concealed carry. You are safer knowing that many law abiding citizens are in positions of strength when it comes to protection from the criminals.

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So do you carry a gun?

-No, of course not.

 

What kind?

not applicable

 

Have you ever used it?

- i have shot someone else's once. i was hitch hiking in alaska when the girl giving me a ride handed me a gun and told me if i was bored i could start shooting at things. i stuck my head out the window and fired a few rounds at what looked like it might be fun to shoot a hole through but then got bored of that.

 

On animals?

- i hope not. didn't mean to if i did.

 

 

here's a fun test for y'all. anyone outside of the USA will probably be severely disadvantaged.

http://www.okcupid.com/tests/take?testid=1824039521290665504

 

i'm 17% gun nut.

 

 

 

 

gun_control5.pngimg2.jpg

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Family Friendly and weapons just don't sit well for me.

 

But for 1 geocaches are suppose to be placed with the landowners permission or by permit.

So I see nothing threatening in this.

 

I just think that major thought and awareness should be observed by persons whom do carry weapons anytime.

 

But as that saying goes,guns do not kill...........people do!!

 

Why? Protecting my family is the most important reason I carry (Even more important than protecting myself). I'm teaching my son how to shoot, and how to safely handle firearms (under my direct supervision).

 

Geocaches being placed with permission has no bearing on how safe I am while hunting them. I don't think the BG's have ever asked permission to carry out there actions in a given place.

 

I agree completely with the last two statements.

 

Dang ! Y'all have no idea how much this topic has suddenly decreased my intrest in starting this hobby. I don't have any weapons and I live on the outskirts of the Denver metro area. So we have tons of criminals and bad people along with lethal animals like mountain lions. Most of the cache's out here are in fields or woods and now I'm terrified that I'm going to have my wife and 3 yr old daughter out in the middle of nowhere and get attacked by animals or crazy people. Not sure what to do now. I haven't bought any equipment yet (GPSr) and not sure if I should now. Wouldn't worry about myself too much, but the wife and kid wanna go really bad and I couldn't live with myself if something happend to them. Anybody got advice or words to ease my mind ?

 

I'd bet that you are more likely to (unknowingly) be in close proximity to a legally armed citizen in your community than you are to be attacked by an animal or 'crazy person'. I believe that there are many more of us (legally) armed than most would expect. The large majority of these people conceal their weapon all of the time, so it never really sparks a thought from others. Some of us also have the ability to legally open carry, which by nature can bring attention (though not as much as you might think). In my state, there are over 600,000 citizens licensed to carry firearms. That's almost 9.000 per county. There's no way to know how many of them carry regularly, but regardless of that, it's not legally armed citizens that you need to be afraid of. It's also important that you don't let the reality of a 'dangerous world' turn you into a recluse. Be alert, but go about your life...geocaching, shopping, working, etc.

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