Firearms and trail hiking...some thoughts

I've gotten a couple of PM's asking about "snake guns" and handguns for personal safety on trails. I am going to give some thoughts on this. This is not legal advice, just my opinions.

Also, understand, I am not trying to dissuade viewers from exercising their 2A Rights, but I am suggesting:

1. WILDLIFE - Do an assessment and decide if you truly need a firearm. Most wildlife will move away and avoid you given the opportunity. Besides many of these animals are critical to keeping rodent populations in check. You can also be prosecuted if there is a finding you acted without cause.

2. TWO-LEGGED PREDATORS [Criminal Assaults] - A human predator can, and probably will, ambush you or run a ruse to move in close and negate a firearm's usefulness. Weapon retention and CQB deployment of a handgun are skills requiring special training and practice. You might do well to consider non-lethal tools, such as Pepper Spray.

3. KNOW LOCAL LAWS AND ORDINANCES for the specific area you are visiting. Can you openly carry a firearm? Are there exceptions to concealed carry for hunters or hikers? Are there CCW permits or hunting licenses that are required? KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

Again, just some thoughts. Seek legal advice before carrying/using a weapon.

thoughts