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Firearms while caching?


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I recently moved out west, and I tend to be doing more rural distant caches from civilization. Not to mention other factors that are issues with regard to the specific location. Does anyone carry a firearm with them when they're caching out in the boonies? Why do you carry? I'm not referring to concealed carry while doing LPC's or similar in an urban setting.

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There have been numerous threads on this exact topic.

Example

For more, I suggest that the OP search for topic titles containing "carry" or "firearm". These topics tend to generate more heat than light, so opening a new one may not add much value, and some people on both sides may well feel that they have to spend time restating their positions.

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Hi cachesuchen, allow me to qualify my answer by saying I am a staunch advocate of gun rights.

That being said, I've learned over the decades that the most dangerous critter on the planet has only two legs.

You won't find many of these critters in the boonies I like to play in, so my Glock 21 tends to stay in the truck.

If I am caching in an environment favorable to these critters, (urban jungles), then I keep my handgun handy.

Because I live in Florida, there are no 4 legged critters that I can't dissuade from attacking with just a pokey stick.

If I lived somewhere with meaner 4 legged critters, I'd probably feel differently.

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Hi cachesuchen, allow me to qualify my answer by saying I am a staunch advocate of gun rights.

That being said, I've learned over the decades that the most dangerous critter on the planet has only two legs.

You won't find many of these critters in the boonies I like to play in, so my Glock 21 tends to stay in the truck.

If I am caching in an environment favorable to these critters, (urban jungles), then I keep my handgun handy.

Because I live in Florida, there are no 4 legged critters that I can't dissuade from attacking with just a pokey stick.

If I lived somewhere with meaner 4 legged critters, I'd probably feel differently.

 

All I was thinking about was the widespread practice of mobile meth labs, and mountain lions. There are other things around where I live, but I'm not going to mention them in this forum. Urban areas, I'm not too worried about.

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That's kewl. A handgun is just a tool, along the same line as a pokey stick or a pair of tweezers.

It's something that can help you achieve a particular objective.

If you think one might come in handy, by all means, bring it. If not, don't.

Because I'm usually caching nipple deep in a swamp, I don't have much need for one.

Florida's version of a big cat is not particularly threatening to people.

I might feel differently if we had mountain lions around here. :laughing:

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I do not carry a firearm. I have two pistols. I live in South East Arizona. Besides the critters I have to contend with illegals. Besides caching I am a Scoutmaster for a local Boy Scout troop. (BSA policy prohibits firearms while on Scout events.) With all that outdoor exposure I have never had a critter problem and only two illegal bump ins. If you practice good outdoor skills (Bear Aware, Bobcat Aware, Illegal Aware), bring a paper map and compass (and know how to use them), water, ... the probability of an unfortunate incident is remote. When the Cochise County Search and Rescue Team is called out, it is to find idiots who went into the desert and mountains unprepared.

Edited by WeeWillie
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I had a friend who used to live in Tucson. He never went into the desert without a firearm because of the illegals. Not because of them per se, but rather the coyotes that escort them across the border. It's some bad stuff out there.

 

What about at Philmont (Filmont) Boy Scout Ranch? Don't they still shoot black powder rifles? They did when I was a boyscout about 15 years ago.

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That's kewl. A handgun is just a tool, along the same line as a pokey stick or a pair of tweezers.

It's something that can help you achieve a particular objective.

If you think one might come in handy, by all means, bring it. If not, don't.

Because I'm usually caching nipple deep in a swamp, I don't have much need for one.

Florida's version of a big cat is not particularly threatening to people.

I might feel differently if we had mountain lions around here. :laughing:

 

How about them darned alligators though?

Edited by Haffy
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Several years ago I had a Dad bring a gun on a Scout trip. He also wore a Border Patrol polo shirt. This guy was looking for trouble. When I told him firearms were not allowed, he left. Reality is that druggies are not out to rob private citizens in the woods. Bluntly, it is bad for business. Those that do, find themselves on the wrong side of the cartels. Not a healthy place to be as several found out years ago.

 

I am not denying anyone's right to carry a firearm except as a Scoutmaster enforcing BSA policy. Over a million boys particpate in Scouting. That is a lot of outdoor time per year. When was the last time you saw or heard "Scout Killed or Mauled While Camping."

 

If it makes you feel better to carry a gun while caching, go ahead. It is extremely unlikely you will need it. I have two pistols (my Dad was NYPD). I practice twice a year so that if I need to use it the rounds will go where I intend them.

 

Many Scout Camps have Black Powder programs. Rifle Merit Badge has pellet rifle, 22, and black powder options.

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I carry a Concealed Weapon whenever I go out at night , or in a unfamiliar area when those FTFs come up I don't leave the house without it.

 

Just last night a FTF popped up in the downtown urban jungle at midnight the Glock was my Cachin buddy

 

Scubasonic

 

 

Ha, ha. How dare you call my neighborhood an urban jungle? Congrats btw.

 

I don't feel unsafe in this city, ever. I go out walking and caching alone at night all the time. Its being alone in the woods that I sometimes feel a little sketchy, whether it is of the two or four legged critters I cannot say. I never used to feel that way about the forest, since I have lived and hiked hereabouts my whole life. Maybe everything is just too crowded nowadays.

I save the Walther PP for the woods.

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I carry a Concealed Weapon whenever I go out at night , or in a unfamiliar area when those FTFs come up I don't leave the house without it.

 

Just last night a FTF popped up in the downtown urban jungle at midnight the Glock was my Cachin buddy

 

Scubasonic

 

 

Ha, ha. How dare you call my neighborhood an urban jungle? Congrats btw.

 

I don't feel unsafe in this city, ever. I go out walking and caching alone at night all the time. Its being alone in the woods that I sometimes feel a little sketchy, whether it is of the two or four legged critters I cannot say. I never used to feel that way about the forest, since I have lived and hiked hereabouts my whole life. Maybe everything is just too crowded nowadays.

I save the Walther PP for the woods.

 

BM,

 

Hey Buddy thanks for that hide going after a few more of yours tomorrow (in the day) in Portland I left the Yo Yo for someone else but that was a great container and thanks for placing it.

 

Happy Caching.

 

ScubaSonic

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BM,

 

Hey Buddy thanks for that hide going after a few more of yours tomorrow (in the day) in Portland I left the Yo Yo for someone else but that was a great container and thanks for placing it.

 

Happy Caching.

 

ScubaSonic

 

Ha, ha, yer welcome. Don't forget to take your glock. See you out in the jungle.

Edited by BlueMoth
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Hi cachesuchen, allow me to qualify my answer by saying I am a staunch advocate of gun rights.

That being said, I've learned over the decades that the most dangerous critter on the planet has only two legs.

You won't find many of these critters in the boonies I like to play in, so my Glock 21 tends to stay in the truck.

If I am caching in an environment favorable to these critters, (urban jungles), then I keep my handgun handy.

Because I live in Florida, there are no 4 legged critters that I can't dissuade from attacking with just a pokey stick.

If I lived somewhere with meaner 4 legged critters, I'd probably feel differently.

 

Seriously? There are meaner 4-legged critters than alligators? I kind of thought that alligators, crocodiles, and sharks were single-minded eating machines who would chomp through anyone who entered their path. Wouldn't pokey sticks just be an appetizer to an alligator? Something to clear the palate before they move on to your delicious flesh?

 

Carolyn

 

(I don't carry a gun, don't want to, and don't care what other people carry as long as they don't lecture me about my gunless state.)

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Think about keeping a low profile. I opened my big fat mouth on our local forums and now some think I am crazy for wanting to carry at an event. (Duh. I carry all the time. It's more dangerous to unholster than just to let it alone.) Now I am unwelcome at some events. A new event even went as far as to say no firearms. I should have just shut up. People that have cached with me and been with me know I'm just a regular guy though. It all stems from people being ignorant of firearms. (Ignorant is not a bad thing. The true definition of the term.) It's just hard when people have the wrong idea and there is no way of convincing them. I am not the only one locally that carries. I have got other emails from folks that carry, but they are smart and shut up so I'm the only black sheep.

 

Yes. I carry all the time. Once you have been totally freaked out and scared for you and or family it changes things. I would rather do all I can do to protect them than just to hope nothing happens.

 

And you better bet I am carrying in urban areas. I don't cache much in the city but crap can happen anywhere. Woods, hospitals, schools, parks, stores, etc. Anywhere.

Edited by Knight2000
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That's kewl. A handgun is just a tool, along the same line as a pokey stick or a pair of tweezers.

It's something that can help you achieve a particular objective.

If you think one might come in handy, by all means, bring it. If not, don't.

Because I'm usually caching nipple deep in a swamp, I don't have much need for one.

Florida's version of a big cat is not particularly threatening to people.

I might feel differently if we had mountain lions around here. :laughing:

Ummm, the Florida Panther IS a mountain lion.

 

panther.jpg

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... I practice twice a year so that if I need to use it the rounds will go where I intend them.

No offense, but you should really practice more, in my opinion.

When I become afraid, or begin to live my life in fear, I will carry a gun. Otherwise I won't.

So far, I have not carried a gun while caching.

Actually, I would recommend that those who tend to run on the fearful side not carry a handgun.
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... I practice twice a year so that if I need to use it the rounds will go where I intend them.

No offense, but you should really practice more, in my opinion.

 

Have you tried to buy ammunition lately, or seen the skyrocketing prices? Neary every place (that actually sells ammo) is currently out of stock of most common calibers.

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The problem with carrying a handgun is that very few people are capable of using one effectively in a combat or even an animal attack situation. generally most people will become more of a hazard to themselves or others around them rather than a help. believe me, target shooting a couple of times a year or even a lot more does not prepare anyone to respond to an emergency. That said, I do carry a handgun and I have the proper training on how to use it in combat as I would suggest anyone carrying one for personal protection should have.

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... I practice twice a year so that if I need to use it the rounds will go where I intend them.

No offense, but you should really practice more, in my opinion.

 

Have you tried to buy ammunition lately, or seen the skyrocketing prices? Neary every place (that actually sells ammo) is currently out of stock of most common calibers.

You should practice a lot more than twice a year if you plan on being proficient.

 

Reload. I couldn't afford it otherwise. Very cheap to start and easy to do. I think my cost per 50 rounds of 9mm is <$4.00 The same thing for .38 special. Maybe even less.

 

You do not need to practice at a range all the time. At least half of the time you can practice at home. Get some snap caps and make sure that your gun is unloaded! Draw and "fire" over and over... There is a web site somewhere that has target dots that pop up at different times to help you. Just practicing that repetition is very helpful. In a deadly force encounter you aren't aiming like you do at the range. Besides, most ranges do not allow drawing and rapid fire. That is what you need to be practicing. Heck, some ranges don't even let you shoot silhouette targets.

 

+1 on reloading with today's prices.

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I've learned over the decades that the most dangerous critter on the planet has only two legs.

 

Yeah, you always need to keep an eye on those chickens...

 

How do I get that popcorn eating icon? I love reading these particular threads.

colon drama colon :laughing:

 

If a place requires me to carry a firearm to go geocaching to protect myself from other people, I'd need to seriously ask myself if that is some place I'd like to go geocaching in.

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I recently moved out west, and I tend to be doing more rural distant caches from civilization. Not to mention other factors that are issues with regard to the specific location. Does anyone carry a firearm with them when they're caching out in the boonies? Why do you carry? I'm not referring to concealed carry while doing LPC's or similar in an urban setting.

 

All I will say on this subject is this:

 

1. I have a concealed weapons permit & I am in the great state of TEXAS.

 

2. I carry my weapon wherever I am legally allowed to by law. Anywhere that I am NOT legally allowed to have my firearm with me is locked in a my firearm safe that is bolted firmly to my truck frame. Which requires my thumb print as well as security code to open.

 

3. Even when I carry my firearm, it is NEVER concealed. I keep it holstered on my belt in full view of everyone. In the great state of Texas, you don't need a concealed weapons permit to carry if your weapon isn't concealed.

 

State Parks in Texas as well as the National Park service will soon allow those with Concealed weapons permits to carry their firearm on park property provided that the Park Rangers are notified upon entering the park.

 

IMHO... If you dont' want to carry a firearm geocaching, or anywhere else. Then by all means don't. If you are LEGALLY allowed to have a firearm & carry it, & you wish to carry a firearm with you while geocaching & it is legal to do so in your state. Then please feel free to do so. As long as you follow the law I don't have a problem with anyone carrying their firearm.

 

Keep in mind one thing when it comes to laws around firearms.... Only those who wish to be legal don't break the law.

 

When GUNS are OUTLAWED... ONLY OUTLAWS WILL HAVE GUNS!

 

TGC

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There are meaner 4-legged critters than alligators?

Most of the gators I encounter are 6' long or less. Not a true threat to an adult human.

There have been rare instances where a larger alligator has dined on a person, but for the most part, they will avoid you.

The obvious exceptions are mating season and when Momma is sitting on a nest.

So long as you pay attention to your surroundings, and keep a mental note on the calendar, you'll be fine.

 

Ummm, the Florida Panther IS a mountain lion.

Genetically, they are very similar. So much so, that they can cross breed. Florida is trying to use mountain lions to restock.

Sociologically speaking, they are worlds apart. Florida panthers avoid people like the plague. Mountain lions see us as walking buffet tables.

 

Yeah, you always need to keep an eye on those chickens...

They're killers, I tell ya! Killers! Don't be fooled by their casual pecking and clucking! That's how they get you to drop your guard!

 

What about the no-legged critters?

17' huh? Well, dern! I could've been in the record books. Funny cop story # 274 <Abridged version>

Seminole County's Animal Control gets dispatched through our fire department switchboard, after hours.

I have no idea why that is. When they get a call that sounds a little bizarre, they'll send a deputy out first, to verify, before sending the dog catcher. About 2 years ago, I got dispatched to a residence where a lady who spoke only limited English reported a 20' snake in her driveway. The FD says, "Yeah, Right" and asks me to go figure out what this woman was looking at. Garden hose, maybe? Dryer vent?... Go find out. The guy that went with me is one of those super ninja, not scared of nothing, he-man Robocop dudes. We pull into the driveway, and there is the biggest reticulated python I've ever seen, poking out from under her car. When I approached the snake, it didn't engage in any defensive posturing, which told me it had very recently been someone's pet. Robocop grabbed my arm, saying, "Hey... It's a snake!"... Uh, Yeah, that's what they said when they called... "But... But... It's a snake!".... Yeah, we've covered that. It's a snake. (sigh...) I scooped a coil near the head and drug it out from under the car, and told Robocop to grab the tail. His reply? (naturally) "But... It's a snake!"... Hey, Robocop. I've got the end with the teeth, OK? Just grab the %$#@& tail... (sigh...) He finally gathered up enough gumption to pick up the tail, and we stretched it out beside my patrol car, a 2006 Ford Explorer. There was about 4' more snake than there was car. From bumper to bumper, my car is just a tad over 16'. While not a scientific measurement, I figure that extra 4' put that snake in the 20' range. We managed to figure out where the snake came from, and returned it with just a lecture.

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If a place requires me to carry a firearm to go geocaching to protect myself from other people, I'd need to seriously ask myself if that is some place I'd like to go geocaching in.

That place is called the world. You aren't required though. It is your prerogative to be a victim anytime.

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3. Even when I carry my firearm, it is NEVER concealed. I keep it holstered on my belt in full view of everyone. In the great state of Texas, you don't need a concealed weapons permit to carry if your weapon isn't concealed.

 

TGC

 

Is this a recent change? This site seems to indicate otherwise. A Google search brings up several groups lobbying for open carry, but nothing indicating Texas is open carry without a permit.

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3. Even when I carry my firearm, it is NEVER concealed. I keep it holstered on my belt in full view of everyone. In the great state of Texas, you don't need a concealed weapons permit to carry if your weapon isn't concealed.

 

TGC

 

Is this a recent change? This site seems to indicate otherwise. A Google search brings up several groups lobbying for open carry, but nothing indicating Texas is open carry without a permit.

 

As far as I know open carry is permitted by default. (I give myself an 40% chance of being wrong, however. :laughing:) I know it's fully legal in CA.

 

Ok, turns out I was wrong. Here's a usefull map for open-carry:

 

700px-USA_Carry_Map.jpg

Key:

Permissive Open Carry States - A state has passed full preemption of all firearms laws. They permit open carry to all non-prohibited citizens without permit or license. Also open carry is lawful on foot and in a motor vehicle.

 

Licensed Open Carry States - A state has passed full preemption of all firearms laws. They also permit open carry to all non-prohibited citizens once they have been issued a permit or license. Also open carry is lawful on foot and in a motor vehicle.

 

Anomalous Open Carry States - In these states, open carry is generally lawful, but the state may lack preemption or there may be other significant restrictions.

 

Non-Permissive Open Carry States - In these states, open carry is not lawful, or is only lawful under a limited set of circumstances, such as when hunting, or while traveling to/from hunting locations, while on property controlled by the person carrying, or for lawful self-defense.

 

(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_carry)

 

Looks like quite a few states are just fine with violating the second amendment. Sad reality.

Edited by Arrow42
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Another great thread is Carrying a pistol. Does anyone carry a pistol while Geocaching, and Question for those who cache armed.

 

As for the question, yes I do. You find that many on this board who hide behind their freedom speech, would be happy to deny your 2nd amendment rights.

 

eace0ac1-88b2-44ae-907b-3da8f591dd8d.jpg

 

You love to show that picture whenever possible, don't you.. get your camera out and take a few more. :laughing:

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The problem with carrying a handgun is that very few people are capable of using one effectively in a combat or even an animal attack situation. generally most people will become more of a hazard to themselves or others around them rather than a help. believe me, target shooting a couple of times a year or even a lot more does not prepare anyone to respond to an emergency. That said, I do carry a handgun and I have the proper training on how to use it in combat as I would suggest anyone carrying one for personal protection should have.
Regarding the bold bit, while it is true that target shooting alone will not completely prepare anyone for an emergency, being completely familiar with your weapon will reduce the amount of things that you have to think about in those critical seconds.
Ummm, the Florida Panther IS a mountain lion.
Shirley, you jest. The highest point in Florida is probably a freeway overpass.
There need not be a mountian for there to be a lion. Panther, mountain lion, cougar, puma, catamount; it's all the same cat.
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No mattr where you are, if you carry a firearm while caching, be sure to wear one of these:

95589698v9_350x350_Back_Color-White.jpg

As for mountain lions and bears, you don't usually see them, and they're scared of you. The only encounter with dangerous wildlife I've had was with a huge rattler. Could've used a gun in that situation.

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Think about keeping a low profile. I opened my big fat mouth on our local forums and now some think I am crazy for wanting to carry at an event. (Duh. I carry all the time. It's more dangerous to unholster than just to let it alone.) Now I am unwelcome at some events. A new event even went as far as to say no firearms. I should have just shut up. People that have cached with me and been with me know I'm just a regular guy though. It all stems from people being ignorant of firearms. (Ignorant is not a bad thing. The true definition of the term.) It's just hard when people have the wrong idea and there is no way of convincing them. I am not the only one locally that carries. I have got other emails from folks that carry, but they are smart and shut up so I'm the only black sheep.

 

Yes. I carry all the time. Once you have been totally freaked out and scared for you and or family it changes things. I would rather do all I can do to protect them than just to hope nothing happens.

 

 

can i just ask why you felt a need to tell people you wanted to carry at an event?

 

if you carry legally ALL THE TIME, there's really no reason for people to go all weird on you. it's like putting on shoes.

 

although in my house, it is a shoeless zone as well as a no firearms zone. that's my rule: no firearms in the house and no shoes on the carpet.

 

if i were to meet you in a public place where a firearm is legal, i wouldn't care in the slightest.

 

 

it makes me think of the time i was out hiking with my friend helen and i happened to get a glimpse of her concealed weapon. i was getting ready to be all freaked out when she explained to me that she ALWAYS carries a weapon and and that in fact in all the time i'd known her, she'd never been without it.

 

while i don't/won't/can't carry, don't care, and don't care if my companion du jour carries, i would prefer to be with someone equipped with their standard toolset. if you're accustomed to carrying a weapon, your defensive plans include that weapon and i don't want you to be brought up short. people tend to behave the way they would when they have their usual stuff, whether that's weapons or extra water or maps and when they don't have their usual tools sometimes they forget and behave normally (for them) when they shouldn't.

 

if you always go out with a mongo water bottle and make navigational decisions based on that amount of water, i'd hate to be with you the day you take a small bottle and decide to go the extra miles based on water you think you have.

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if you carry legally ALL THE TIME, there's really no reason for people to go all weird on you. it's like putting on shoes.

 

 

Might be that there's "no reason" but lots of people react weird to guns regardless. A friendly heads-up could save you awkward questions and wasted time with the police department. Police can hold you and your gun for up to 24 hours without charging you for anything - if they were so inclined.

Edited by Arrow42
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Ummm, the Florida Panther IS a mountain lion.

Shirley, you jest. The highest point in Florida is probably a freeway overpass.

 

Stop calling me "Shirley". : )

 

I would carry my pistol in the woods, but it weighs about a hundred lbs. : ( Virginian Dragoon 44 mag. If I had a smaller caliber .38 or 9mm. I think Id carry it.

Edited by moparots
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