Does this sound safe?

[judi]

Melissa, that's an interesting idea. If I did have a gun it would be for animals - bears. I never thought about shipping it from store to store. I know and follow the common sense safety rules (I have worked in several jails) thought I didn't think about not walking between between trucks. Thanks for sharing those tips. Also, if I had a gun it would be a rifle or shotgun - for bears while hiking. But carrying a gun while hiking just seems like trouble waiting to happen. I'd probably shoot my foot off.

[catzmom7]

I was glad to see this thread, as I was wondering the same thing. I plan to buy a fifth wheel, but obviously, you would not be able to just drive away if there was a problem, as you have to make a run for your truck from the camper. Problem is, I am most interested in boondocking, in the CA and AZ deserts. Have any of you done that in a fifth wheel or trailer? and yes, I am on my own, no man will be there.

Thanks!

Dee

[MelissaD]

For hiking I'd probably carry a large caliber revolver in a cross chest holster.


Still have both hands and avoid the bear the best I could

In reality most people don't give personal safety any thought until they leave their comfort zone or home area. Problems can be anywhere, it's just people tend to think about it more when they leave the perceived safety of home. I lived out of my truck for several years. I'm told it's where I get my great interpersonal skills from After awhile I found myself getting to comfortable walking around truck stops and rest areas and had to rethink some of my safety habits.

The other issue with animals is people forget they are wild and not their pets. People try to apply human logic to a "cute animal" and forget it would eat them without a second thought. We don't live in a petting zoo. Some people are worse than the wild bear. At least it's behaving according to its nature.

[mitch5252]

..
This was an interesting read...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_bear_attacks_in_North_America

..

[catzmom7]

Where I am from, Southern CA, bears are not much of an issue, but Mountain Lions are!

[VickieP]

..
This was an interesting read...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_bear_attacks_in_North_America

..

Thanks Mitch! That was neat, I just read the WHOLE thing!

[mitch5252]

Thanks Mitch! That was neat, I just read the WHOLE thing!

..
I didn't know you could read...
..

[Lopo]

I, too, debated the "gun" issue, but have finally decided against it because I think I would need to start spending time practicing twice a week at least before I should carry one. So I am carrying wasp spray - and a walking stick which has a point on the end. It's longer than a baseball bat, and that point could do serious damage. It's got a rubber cap for use when walking on stones, but if walking on soft ground, you need more grip - thus, the sharp point. A baseball bat would be a good addition to my arsenal, too.

[BirdbyBird]

That was cool......I knew I didn't trust soft sided pop ups. The dragged from their tents and the "broke the door down" stories in areas I have traveled through.....makes one think.....

[Deeann]

Judi, I don't think it's wise to shoot a bear with a shotgun.

[Bethers]

My only comment on guns is if you are considering carrying any type of gun, take lessons, know how to use it and don't carry it unless you are 100% sure that you would be WILLING to use it.

That said, if you feel the necessity to have a gun on a hike, I don't want to be on that trail with you. Something freaks you out, and I could become in danger. Most national and state parks do not allow guns in the parks - so even if you are licensed to carry - their rules supercede, from what I've been told. And you are not allowed to shoot the animals in many states - so that gun on a hike would get you in more trouble.

[VickieP]

Bottom line is, always check the laws where you plan to go because it's confusing. We were allowed to bring rifles into Grand Canyon years ago. But we let the Ranger at the gate know that we were on a trip to hunt in Pagosa Springs CO. They asked if they were in cases & unloaded, they were.

http://www.nps.gov/gate/parkmgmt/firear ... -parks.htm

Firearms in National Parks

Firearms in National Parks

The law governing possession of firearms inside a national park changed on February 22, 2010.

Visitors may possess firearms within a national park unit provided that they comply with federal, state and local laws.

The role of the responsible gun owner is to know and obey the federal, state, and local laws appropriate to the park they are visiting.

Gateway National Recreation Area includes areas in two states. Sandy Hook Unit is in New Jersey and follows the laws of that state. Jamaica Bay and Staten Island Units are in New York state and follow its laws. It is up to the individual to know the laws of the state they are in and where they are in the park.

Please remember that federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances.

For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions: National Parks and Firearms.
http://www.nps.gov/policy/FAQ.pdf

Click here to read the section of the law as it pertains to firearms in national parks.
http://www.nps.gov/policy/section512.pdf

For more information, please visit http://www.nps.gov/nero/firearms/

[judi]

Having a gun seems to be a lot more trouble than it's worth. I can't imagine hike with one, and that's when I would be most likely to encounter a bear or other creature danger. Stories of bears breaking down doors and windows are pretty scary! I'm glad I don't have to get out of my RV to move it - if a bear came knocking I could just drive away. I'm am having second thoughts about hiking alone with my dog. And yet I don't want to cower in my RV and not enjoy Alaska! I'm going to call the Fairbanks police department or rangers tomorrow and get their opinion.

[Bethers]

Judi, make noise. Talk to your dog while hiking and don't care if others think you are crazy. The bears and other wild animals don't want to encounter you anymore than you want to encounter them. And don't think this is something to do just in Alaska. We have all kinds of animals, including bears in the lower 48 also. I think we're s little safer in Alfalfa because they really, really try to make everyone aware to not let bears, etc have access to your food.

Last year in Valdez my co-workers family had a black bear and her cubs hanging out in their backyard for a bit. They had to make sure they weren't there in the morning before letting the dogs out. Then one day they quit coming around. When I was setting them walking through town they were coming to see if the berries in one area had ripened yet. The one time I saw one of the cubs, so I stopped until I figured out where mom was. I had no intentions of getting between them.

[snowball]

I was glad to see this thread, as I was wondering the same thing. I plan to buy a fifth wheel, but obviously, you would not be able to just drive away if there was a problem, as you have to make a run for your truck from the camper. Problem is, I am most interested in boondocking, in the CA and AZ deserts. Have any of you done that in a fifth wheel or trailer? and yes, I am on my own, no man will be there.

Thanks!

Dee

Prior to my husband retiring we bought our 5th wheel with the intentions of full timing in it...he retired in 2007 that fall found us in AZ and the next summer after a long drive ending up in ID we ended up work camping for a month ...and that started our routine...summers in ID either camp hosts or staying at our daughters waiting for the campground to open or a few days after words...then to Utah for a few weeks to see the rest of the kids and their kids....then down to AZ and then on back to Id...we boondocked in the BLM land outside of Quartzsite AZ...after his death almost two years ago I had to learn to drive towing the 5th wheel...the first winter I stayed in town gave it a try this winter I went back to the desert love it out there I don't feel uneasy or unsafe ...so yes there are lots of people that boondock in their 5th wheels...and women who are alone are among them
sheila