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Q:
I have a friend who is considering an Appalachian Trail hike. He thinks he needs/wants a gun to take on the (insanely long) hike. I don't think you need a gun on the AT at all, and I also think it would be legally complicated, with the state lines and all. What say you?
Question by shane. Uploaded on July 06, 2009
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Answers (25)
It all depends on how he feels about it and of course the laws. If he feels that he needs to have a firearm, let him bring a pistol or something...unless the state deemed that illegal.
i have hiked the trail myself and trust me there is no reason to take a gun, it's just extra weight. it's not like your hikin the rockies where a gun is essential for protection. all you need on the AT is good company and a good fishin rod.
Generally, I'd rather have a companion than a gun. I think company would actually keep me safer than a simple firearm. If I haven't got company, and somebody talks to me, I just say old Uncle Joe is mere minutes behind me on the trail. But the northern sections I've hiked have never seemed problematic. I've heard it can get dicier in the southern areas, in part because the public land near the trail narrows making it easy to wander "off the res," but I've not confirmed that.
The only gun your friend will need is a flare gun. In case they get into trouble. Other than that there is no need for one.
My policy for all of my life has been the same "if my 38 doesn't go -I don't go". I don't care what anyone calls me. I have "lived" with this decision.
It's a personal decision. I feel it would be too much weight.
Yeah that's what I thought I would get. Now maybe he'll listen to me now that you guys have backed me up.
better to be prepared. you never know what could happen.
It is illegal to carry a gun on the AT at all. i have already had this conversation with the local game warden.
Not surprised. It would be too tempting to shoot all the hippies running around there.
i hunt aroud the appalachins and hike as well. the worst thing is a blac bear and although they seem skittish, they could attack. maybe that bear spray from cabelas will be all he needs.
or a henry survival .22 just in case
Legality says no to concealed carry on much of the trail. Many areas of the trail that run through national forest where hunting occurs the local authorities understand guns will be carried on the AT and it is not frowned upon. That it only during hunting season though. If your friend still feels the need for security he needs to get several other people to form a hiking group.
I would not carry one even if it is legal. I hike a portion of it through Virginia and I see no reason to carry one. It would just be extra weight.
The short answer is NO, you don't need a gun on my opinion. First of all, obtaining license are very problematic.
On the other hand, lots of people do carry their guns thru hiking. As they say, better to be ready than getting a suprised on your way up.Just remember to keep it concealed and don't talk about it to others.
Keep it accessible, its just weight like a ton on the bottom of your pack.
I think you should bring an Ak-47. Just kidding.
It is always better to have a gun and not need it, than to need a gun and not have it.
My uncle hiked it without a gun.
His only mistake-
He bought new boots and had to crawl out to the nearest town as infection set-in.
I thru-hiked the trail in 98 and always said maybe when people asked me then and now if I carried a gun. The trail is a crowded place at times and has all kinds of people just like society. It is illegal to carry one and shelters get crowded and nosy
I don't go to church without my gun. The most important thing is to be smart about it if you do, the only way anyone but you should know about it, is if you needed to use it.
People are people no matter whare they are, and if the people you run into might be cooking meth in the woods them people don't mind dusting you. Never be ashamed to be prepaired. Some people who have there heads in the sand.
My mom hiked the trail in '03-she was 58! She never had a problem or incurred a situation that she wished she would've had a gun. Trust me, if my mom can hike the trail without a gun, anyone can.
There will always be people who rely on their victims being unarmed so they can do as they will. It's up to you if you are going to leave yourself open to these people. Some people rely on the kindness and goodwill of others; for some, this works their entire lives. For others, it doesn't. Your choice, your decision.
better safe than sorry. Go clint eastwood and carry a 44 magnum.'you feelin lucky, punk?' just kidding. But i would much rather have it and not need it than be the other way round. I NEVER go into the woods without a good gun on my shoulder.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/161533
http://www.aldha.org/murders.htm
http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/outdoors/shooting/crime/appalachian-...
Yes your probably right what could happen! I’m just a paranoid gun nut! I’m just looking for trouble!
My mom drives to the store all the time and nothing ever happened to her. So when I dive to the store should I wear a seat belt, or pay for car insurance?
Sticking your head in the sand might work for you, by all means have at it!
You give -1 to somebody whose Sheriff's Dept. has been looking for a 70 year old man, who ran into Meth cooks while placing flowers on an old grave in a rural part of the County, it is now 9years later and still no body. That was a 70 year old who couldn't hurt a fly, and probably wouldn't know what they were even doing!
There are Wolves out there and they are looking for Sheep, The sheep are afraid of the Wolves but they are also afraid of the Sheepdog, even though the Sheepdog is there to protect them.
You are a Sheep!
I shot a bear about 150yds off the app trail in north east ga. what do you think?
Post an Answer
It is illegal to carry a gun on the AT at all. i have already had this conversation with the local game warden.
It's a personal decision. I feel it would be too much weight.
i hunt aroud the appalachins and hike as well. the worst thing is a blac bear and although they seem skittish, they could attack. maybe that bear spray from cabelas will be all he needs.
It is always better to have a gun and not need it, than to need a gun and not have it.
It all depends on how he feels about it and of course the laws. If he feels that he needs to have a firearm, let him bring a pistol or something...unless the state deemed that illegal.
Generally, I'd rather have a companion than a gun. I think company would actually keep me safer than a simple firearm. If I haven't got company, and somebody talks to me, I just say old Uncle Joe is mere minutes behind me on the trail. But the northern sections I've hiked have never seemed problematic. I've heard it can get dicier in the southern areas, in part because the public land near the trail narrows making it easy to wander "off the res," but I've not confirmed that.
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/161533
http://www.aldha.org/murders.htm
http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/outdoors/shooting/crime/appalachian-...
Yes your probably right what could happen! I’m just a paranoid gun nut! I’m just looking for trouble!
My mom drives to the store all the time and nothing ever happened to her. So when I dive to the store should I wear a seat belt, or pay for car insurance?
Sticking your head in the sand might work for you, by all means have at it!
You give -1 to somebody whose Sheriff's Dept. has been looking for a 70 year old man, who ran into Meth cooks while placing flowers on an old grave in a rural part of the County, it is now 9years later and still no body. That was a 70 year old who couldn't hurt a fly, and probably wouldn't know what they were even doing!
There are Wolves out there and they are looking for Sheep, The sheep are afraid of the Wolves but they are also afraid of the Sheepdog, even though the Sheepdog is there to protect them.
You are a Sheep!
i have hiked the trail myself and trust me there is no reason to take a gun, it's just extra weight. it's not like your hikin the rockies where a gun is essential for protection. all you need on the AT is good company and a good fishin rod.
The only gun your friend will need is a flare gun. In case they get into trouble. Other than that there is no need for one.
I think you should bring an Ak-47. Just kidding.
Legality says no to concealed carry on much of the trail. Many areas of the trail that run through national forest where hunting occurs the local authorities understand guns will be carried on the AT and it is not frowned upon. That it only during hunting season though. If your friend still feels the need for security he needs to get several other people to form a hiking group.
I would not carry one even if it is legal. I hike a portion of it through Virginia and I see no reason to carry one. It would just be extra weight.
Yeah that's what I thought I would get. Now maybe he'll listen to me now that you guys have backed me up.
Not surprised. It would be too tempting to shoot all the hippies running around there.
My uncle hiked it without a gun.
His only mistake-
He bought new boots and had to crawl out to the nearest town as infection set-in.
I thru-hiked the trail in 98 and always said maybe when people asked me then and now if I carried a gun. The trail is a crowded place at times and has all kinds of people just like society. It is illegal to carry one and shelters get crowded and nosy
or a henry survival .22 just in case
My policy for all of my life has been the same "if my 38 doesn't go -I don't go". I don't care what anyone calls me. I have "lived" with this decision.
I don't go to church without my gun. The most important thing is to be smart about it if you do, the only way anyone but you should know about it, is if you needed to use it.
People are people no matter whare they are, and if the people you run into might be cooking meth in the woods them people don't mind dusting you. Never be ashamed to be prepaired. Some people who have there heads in the sand.
better safe than sorry. Go clint eastwood and carry a 44 magnum.'you feelin lucky, punk?' just kidding. But i would much rather have it and not need it than be the other way round. I NEVER go into the woods without a good gun on my shoulder.
better to be prepared. you never know what could happen.
The short answer is NO, you don't need a gun on my opinion. First of all, obtaining license are very problematic.
On the other hand, lots of people do carry their guns thru hiking. As they say, better to be ready than getting a suprised on your way up.Just remember to keep it concealed and don't talk about it to others.
Keep it accessible, its just weight like a ton on the bottom of your pack.
My mom hiked the trail in '03-she was 58! She never had a problem or incurred a situation that she wished she would've had a gun. Trust me, if my mom can hike the trail without a gun, anyone can.
There will always be people who rely on their victims being unarmed so they can do as they will. It's up to you if you are going to leave yourself open to these people. Some people rely on the kindness and goodwill of others; for some, this works their entire lives. For others, it doesn't. Your choice, your decision.
I shot a bear about 150yds off the app trail in north east ga. what do you think?
Post an Answer