[pct-l] side arm?

[Bill Batchelor]

I am almost certain they are not allowed in any national park.  I understand
the temptation to want to carry one.  It was one of the first questions
asked of me by non-hikers when I tell them of weeks on end "on the trail".
However, if you are considering personal safety look at the statistics.  Of
the number of people that have died on the trail - which considerign the
number of hikers and months of trail time is very few - the things that
killed them rarely - almost never -  could a gun have helped.  I hate to
focus on the sad times and losses because the focus is completely
unwarranted.  For the sake of overview though here is the list of things I
have read that killed people: river crossing, falling down snow chute,
falling off cliff, exposure to cold in snow storm, exposure to sun and
out-of-water, suicide, hitch hiking.

The last two I only know of one account of each and technically speaking,
both of those happened off the trail.  As you can see from the list, a MUCH
better thing to carry on the trail is preparedness and decision skills.

When it comes to the two "animal" concerns that often prompt a gun, they
just don't merit.  Your gun will not stop a bear in time (unless you are
carrying a REALLY big gun) and all lion attacks I have ever heard of give
you about two seconds to your weapon - just to quick.   

Putting all that aside, the odds are so slim - you are just better focusing
your efforts on other concerns. 

For what it's worth, some people claim that putting false eyes on the back
of the pack will keep a lion at bay because they can not tell which way you
are facing.   I experimented with this idea by putting a life size cut out
of Warner Springs Monty on the back of my hat.  I never saw a lion so I
think it worked.  However, no one else would talk to me either.  I think it
was the nutty look in his eyes - bad eating - nature knows.

Pink Gumby




-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Andrew Siemer
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 1:17 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] side arm?

Does anyone know what the rules are for carrying a side arm through the
three states?  Mexico?  Canada?

Andrew Siemer
(661) 722-5960
(661) 600-2355
andrewsiemer at gmail.com
 
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