Carrying While Hunting

by
posted on November 25, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
lessons_ah2015_fs.jpg (17)

undefinedI have been reading some discussions on the Internet regarding carrying a self-defense pistol while hunting. Various posters—including some well-known people in the industry—have opined that it makes just as much sense to carry while hunting as it does when going to the mall. I pretty much carry all the time, partly because of the need to be ready to defend myself from anything from a grizzly bear to a whacked-out druggie (Yes, even here in Wyoming we have a few of those), and partly because I simply feel more comfortable with a gun nearby. But when I am hunting I already have a gun more powerful than any handgun I own, so why the redundancy?

Those who promote the notion that a hunter should pack a self-defense pistol, along with two or three magazines holding the better part of a box of ammo cite the possibility of the rifle (or dedicated hunting handgun) may fail or be rendered useless in some drawn-out firefight. Anything is possible, I guess, but should we also pack a survival suit in the event that someone decides to drop a nuke on our hunting area? Yes, I agree that we should always be as prepared as possible, but I doubt that most of us—including these posters—are capable of being as battle ready as a high-speed, low-drag SEAL 24/7.

Perhaps this argument is a function of perspective. Maybe the ones promoting going afield in full combat gear hunt in areas near to urban areas with a high probability of crossing a criminal element, or, perhaps along our southern border where there really is a possibility of running into armed cartel thugs. I don’t hunt in those areas and have no plans do so. If I lived near one of those areas, I’d likely move or at least find a less hazardous place to hunt.Still, if that’s one’s bag, who am I to tell them that it’s wrong to do so. If it fills you with joy to head into the woods dressed for a tactical strike on a fortress, please be my guest. Just don’t tell me I am naïve if I don’t agree to do the same. And if you are right, and I get snuffed in the backcountry, well, I can’t think of a better place to go to my maker.

Latest

Gear Lede Image
Gear Lede Image

Junior Hunter Gear: Get Your Kids Into the Field

Looking for ways to get your fields out from behind the screens and into the great outdoors this summer? Check out these great pieces of outdoor kit to help spur the process.

Stealth Cam Adds On-Demand Livestream

Shortly after teasing the launch of its new trail camera functionality at the 2025 SHOT Show, Stealth Cam has announced that On Demand Live Stream is available via the Command Pro app.

#SundayGunday: Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I.

On this week's #SundayGunday, Digital Associate Editor David Herman talks with Benelli Vice President Tim Joseph about Benelli's new Super Black Eagle 3 with A.I. barrel technology.

NRA Foundation Awards $13,500 in College Scholarships

The National Rifle Association is proud to announce the Grand Scholarship winners from the 2024 Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.)—a group of exceptional students selected for their leadership, initiative, and dedication to advancing NRA programs within their communities.

Recipe: Bacon-Rolled Elk Burgers

Brad Fenson whips up his classic Bacon Rolled Elk Burgers in this week's recipe.

First Look: Chiappa Firearms Rhino Revolver

Chiappa Firearms is expanding its Rhino series by introducing two new revolvers chambered in the powerful, versatile 10mm Auto.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.