How do you keep yourself safe outdoors?

greydigger · Jan 17, 2009

Re: open carry

I find this too much to believe unless you are with a group.
As a single person I can imagine a group of bad guys walking up to you.
They are interested in your display of a firearm.
Some talk happens and someone behind you grabs the weapon.
Or else you tell them to stay away while brandishing a gun.

Are you going to pull and shoot them all?
They may be just curious.

I have always carried and now have legal permit to do so.
But I do not display it.
That just invites bad guys.

Now if somthing bad was going on and I felt life was in danger I would shoot to kill.

I like the idea of rifle and revolver using the same ammo and have .45 colt in each.
Peacemaker is hard to conceal though.

I have never hunted without a partner. (who also carries).
We stay away from each other because can hear other machines when close.

The biggest problem I have had is with folks setting dogs free in parks where leash laws are posted.

They run like crazy which is fine but when the dogs come up to me I don't know
if they will bite me or eat MD or just be nice.

I have been bitten by several "nice dogs" who never did that before.
Hunting a nice park was attacked by a young setter.
Owner wanted to do me harm for hitting his dog.
Leache and strong words made them go away. I did not have permit then.
I love dogs and had a few, but gimme a break.
Carry mace for the dogs running free now and .357 for all else.

Grey

rwsnc · Jan 17, 2009

Thirty years ago, it never would have occured to me to carry any type of weapon. I was flyfishing along a secluded small mountain stream one day and a German shepard came up over a bank, barking, snarling and showing his teeth. Needless to say, it scared the sh... (well you know) out of me. Ever since then, I've carried a small can of pepper spray.

Today, it's a different story, time and place. Most of the detecting that I do is in "questionable" parts of town. I still carry a small container of pepper spray but now I carry a small .380 cal in my pocket, as a very last resort. Just hope I never have to use it. Oh and yes, I have a CCW permit.

One more thing. Always try to hunt with a partner.

Bob

SWATZO · Jan 17, 2009

rwsnc said:
Thirty years ago, it never would have occured to me to carry any type of weapon. I was flyfishing along a secluded small mountain stream one day and a German shepard came up over a bank, barking, snarling and showing his teeth. Needless to say, it scared the sh... (well you know) out of me. Ever since then, I've carried a small can of pepper spray.

Today, it's a different story, time and place. Most of the detecting that I do is in "questionable" parts of town. I still carry a small container of pepper spray but now I carry a small .380 cal in my pocket, as a very last resort. Just hope I never have to use it. Oh and yes, I have a CCW permit.

One more thing. Always try to hunt with a partner.

Bob

Bob, I am also a fly fisherman, and will never forget a trip with a buddy that I was unable to go on at the last minute. We were headed into the UP of Michigan to hit some streams that were off the beaten path..I had to work that weekend and had to take a pass. When he returned home he told me about spending nearly an hour trapped in the middle of a fast running current in order to stay away from 5 wild dogs that did not want to leave..it could have been a very bad situation if it had been cold or if he had lost his footing. He know carries something with him in these situations just in case..better to be prepared!
Best, Steve

I dig it · Jan 17, 2009

I also pack a pocket pistol Sig P 230 stainless 380 auto first & second round is bird shot after that I'd rather be jugged by 12 then carried by 6
I also bring my dogs with me normally I have German Shepherd Dog and a Yellow Lab and they hover around me like they might miss something,like me dropping a cookie or a piece of bacon something like that.

pippinwhitepaws · Jan 17, 2009

rmptr said:
Hmmm. Safe... Outdoors?

I got really bad breath and am a notorious 'close talker'.
Generally only bathe once a month.

Don't have too many problems.

I suppose if I did I could let the little woman out of the car.
Tell her I've got a problem...
She's Irish, you know.

On a good day I might have time to give their last rites before they expired in agony.

rotf

TheHarleyMan2 · Jan 17, 2009

Well other than the "carry a handgun", Which IS GOOD INFO and HIGHLY ADVISED if going out into the wilderness, etc. One thing about criminals who want to rob you at gun point. Most of about 80% are affraid to ACTUALLY pull the trigger, and if you are close enough to attack them, (providing you know how to defend yourself), They will be shocked at your response to them, with the quick actions of your response. If you have some MAJOR KNOWLEDGE of self defense, (including disarming and would be criminal), then things can get to your advantage, very quickly. Now the other 20% is what you REALLY have to worry about because some of the 20% have ACTUALLY shot and or killed someone.

I suggest that if you are VENTURING out into the wilderness, or remote area where there is NOT much on population, bring at least 1 more person with you, as numbers in site will surely mean some sort of safety for you, yes, you can bring a dog if the area allows. Dogs are GREAT animals, (as long as they are NOT small yapper dogs that yap at everything around them), and have VERY GOOD instincts and can detect danger long before you even have a notion about it.

Several things that was NOT mentioned is, especially if you are going out into the wilderness for a full day, per say. Make sure you bring a Camel Back backpack, (if you have one, or best to purcahse one they make differnet sizes of them with cargo pockets as well), with water and storage pockets to at least have some safety items, such as a flashlight, extra light bulbs, extra batteries, 1 day of some ready to eat food supply, (just in case), a lighter and matches, a compass, (some people carry GPS's which are good, but if it breaks or the batteies run down, you still need to navigate), a map of the area, an emergency mirror, a poncho type rain gear, some 550 cord, or some 1/4 rope, (both about 50ft which ever you use), a magnesium stick to start a fire in case your lighter quits and matches get wet, a snake bite kit, a first aid kit, a small handbook on survival just in case.

I know this may be a lot of stuff to carry, but out in the mountains, or wilderness for one day, anything can and could happen. It may be a lot to carry, which it really isn't I carry a (Camel Back backpack that hold 2 gallons of water, plus with all the stuff listed above packed in it doesn't weigh more than 20-25 pounds. I know some may think I ain't lugging 20-25 punds just for a day in the wilderness etc, but if something happened the last thing you want to wish for, is "I wish I would have been prepared!" And wear a GOOD COMFORTABLE HIKING BOOTS with RUBBER SOLES!

Now most of the time when I venture out in the wilderness, especially if it is hilly or mountainous terrain for 1 or 2 days, I DO pack and bring my Army rucksack with frame, (2) 2 1/2 quart canteens, strapped to the outside of the rucksack, supplies listed above, including another Camel Back, that just holds water, (about another gallon and a half), 100 ft of 1/2 inch rappeling rope, a 6 foot piece of 1/2 inch rappeling rope to make a rappeling harness expedient boatseat, 4 carabiners, another 100 ft of 550 cord, bag of cotton balls, (they make good fire starters), another poncho, in case I need to make a tent or lean to shelter, extra ready to eat meals for 5 a days supply, (which if disiplined you can make it last 11 days), 2 cans of bear spray, fishing line and hooks, a small folding saw and a knife especially, 100 mph tape, (it is stronger than duct tape that the military uses), water purification kit (just in case you run out of water), a sleeping bag, and if you carry a firearm, PLENTY OF AMMO!, I usually have my rucksack wieghing around 45-75 lbs. I know some may think it is too much to carry, but survival is important regardless of the terrain you plan on venturing into. Without it, you can certainly guarranty to be in danger and NOT BE PREPARED!

coin finder · Jan 17, 2009

only one word ( Beretta )

pippinwhitepaws · Jan 17, 2009

i stay safe by watching where i place my feet.
situtational awareness is your most important tool for survival.
sharp knife and water help, but unless you are familiar with your surroundings, you haven't a chance.
here is my Beretta, i never enter a city without it.
the piranha is my walk in the woods tool.

rwsnc · Jan 17, 2009

I dig it said:
I also pack a pocket pistol Sig P 230 stainless 380 auto first & second round is bird shot after that I'd rather be jugged by 12 then carried by 6
I also bring my dogs with me normally I have German Shepherd Dog and a Yellow Lab and they hover around me like they might miss something,like me dropping a cookie or a piece of bacon something like that.

I have that same pistol, but I've been carrying a Ruger LCP (got a lot of bad press about the recall, but it's great now).
I didn't know you could get bird shot in a .380. I'll have to look into that.

rwsnc · Jan 17, 2009

texastee2007 said:
My sweetheart bought me a Ruger .357 back in 1981 when I lived in CA. It has saved my life twice...The closest was when I was pulled over looking at a herd of Beefmaster cattle. A Tomato truckdriver coming from the Valley stopped on the other side of the 4 lane highway. Two Cowboys were on top of the hill on his side and were watching him. He called out to me saying that "Baby you are just what I've been looking for" I grabbed my gun from the car seat...the cowboys are starting to ride my way...and the truck driver is now running in my direction...In a matter of seconds I have leveled the pistol at the quickly approaching truck drivers chest...I keep .38 shot in every chamber except the last which has a wad cutter in it. As he is running toward me he says "baby it ain't gonna work if you don't cock it" My reply was "can you say double action" That stopped him right in his tracks and he turned around and moved even faster back to his truck. The cowboys had a real good laugh. In California the tomato truck drivers get paid by the load an the sometimes fry their books so they can make several trips. I am sure he was hopped up on something. This happened in 1985. If I hadn't had my gun I don't think things would have been too good for me. One of the cowboys asked if I would have pulled the trigger and I told him "My dad always told me never to aim a gun at something you didn't intend to kill. I would have emptied it in the guy. I'm not cold hearted but if it were to come down to being a victim of rape or murder, I had two small children who needed their mother and I had two very good witnesses that saw the whole thing right from the beginning.

Good for you. I hope they learned a valuable lesson.

Goodyguy · Jan 17, 2009

Violence is a reality. And our hobby puts us at a greater risk because generally we work alone in unfamiliar sometimes secluded areas.

If you are not sure of what to do or how to react in certain dangerous situations you are putting yourself at risk of becoming a victim.

I believe in the adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you have reservations about hunting a dangerous spot, avoid it or make sure you have taken the proper precautions for your safety. Taking a capable partner with you would help.
But always keep an eye out for suspicious activity and act accordingly.

Buying a gun may give you some sense of security. But if you use poor judgment in it's use you could end up with serious legal trouble or even worse PRISON! ( of course it could save your life, maybe)

What if you have never been exposed to a real live threat. WOULD YOU REALLY KNOW WHAT TO DO? :icon_scratch:

$:-\$

If you are not completely sure, then I suggest going to this website with an open mind and find out exactly what to do when you are exposed to asocial behavior! www.targetfocustraining.com

I highly recommend signing up for the FREE newsletter and other FREE information.
It cost you nothing and could save your life! :icon_sunny:

If nothing else you will at least aquire some peace of mind that you could handle the threat of violence accordingly.

Buddy~

rwsnc · Jan 17, 2009

I absolutely agree. If you're going to get a firearm, learn how to use it and when you can legally, use it.

treasurefiend · Jan 17, 2009

Back on August 6th of last year this happend to me...

I was detecting in a Chicago city park on the south side when I saw my hunting buddy Goio saying something to me. I took off my headphones, when I say a young guy maybe 16 - 20 years old throw a bottle at him. It missed him, but not by much. The guy was like 15 feet away from us. I guess Goio was digging a plug when the first bottle came sailing right passed his head. Everytime he threw a bottle he tried to rush up on us. He prolly thought we would drop our detectors and he could run up and grab it. Well he got really close like 10 feet from me and whipped another bottle at me, I saw it coming right for my head so I blocked it with my forearm. Just as before he tried to rush me. This time I raised my shovel up and said "I'm gonna cut your %$&*@# head off!!!" well he took 1 step forward then ran off. He had another buddy off like 100 feet or so. Prolly ready to call his boys if anything happened to him.

I wish I could of got my hands on him, I would of messed him up good. But my luck, he prolly is underage and I would go to jail!!! He was whipping those bottels hard like he played baseball or some thing. The bottle that hit me didn't blowup on impact, it bounced off. But now I have a big lump on my forearm, but that better than a broken nose!!!! God I hate thief's. The thing that bothers me most is that he tried to smash a bottle on Goios head when he wasn't expecting it. Coward!!!! I at least knew that a bottle was coming at me.

Oh yea, we still have all of our gear - he got nothing from us. I wish IL had conceal and carry licences!!!!

Here is the link to my original post:

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,173591.0.html

boogeyman · Jan 17, 2009

Shortstack said:
hollowpointred said:

will pepper spray work on a dog? i feel like i am way more vulnerable to a dog attack than one by a person. hell, if pepper spray will work on both i might as well pick some up.

Click to expand...

An alternative to pepper spray for keeping dogs away is vinegar. I've heard that a lot of mail folks carry a bottle of vinegar with a spray head set for "stream", not "spray". Since dogs have such a high level sense of smell, the vinegar, "streamed" on their faces Will distract their attention.

SS an even better alternative to vinegar is amonia. In the days before OC (Pepper) spray we used to keep window spray bottles of Aqueous ammonia for the "guard" dogs that got loose. Vinegar will distract IF he's not dead set on getting a bite out of your sitter, but the amonia will turn them around & send them running. One night one of the dogs in an auto repair lot got loose. One shot on the nose was all it took. The dog was literally trying to bury his nose in the concrete. Our animal control officer had no problem getting the snatch stick on him.

If you can find a print shop that does blue line Blueprints you can get it free they're more than happy to get rid of the spent. Word of warning! Do Not get your face anywhere near it if spilled! Words from experience ::)

rwsnc · Jan 17, 2009

Glad it worked out for you, Treasurefiend. I have a CCW and carry pretty much whenever I leave the house, except on the golf course. I just read that the violent crime rate is up, here in Raleigh. Hope I never have to use it, but hope I have it if I ever do.

Paul in WA · Jan 18, 2009

I usually make it obvious I'm packing. I do have a conceled carry permit, but open carry is legal here too.

Paul

Lowbatts · Jan 18, 2009

rmptr said:
Hmmm. Safe... Outdoors?

I got really bad breath and am a notorious 'close talker'.
Generally only bathe once a month.

Don't have too many problems.

I suppose if I did I could let the little woman out of the car.
Tell her I've got a problem...
She's Irish, you know.

On a good day I might have time to give their last rites before they expired in agony.

You can hunt with me anytime, but on the wife thing, got one up on you. Half Polish and half Sicilan. Don't know which side is meaner, I try not to look at her long enough to find out. Rolling pin, frying pan, steak knife and hair net included.

Goodyguy · Jan 18, 2009

Lowbatts said:
rmptr said:

Hmmm. Safe... Outdoors?

I got really bad breath and am a notorious 'close talker'.
Generally only bathe once a month.

Don't have too many problems.

I suppose if I did I could let the little woman out of the car.
Tell her I've got a problem...
She's Irish, you know.

On a good day I might have time to give their last rites before they expired in agony.

Click to expand...

You can hunt with me anytime, but on the wife thing, got one up on you. Half Polish and half Sicilan. Don't know which side is meaner, I try not to look at her long enough to find out. Rolling pin, frying pan, steak knife and hair net included.