-
- Species
- Whitetails
- Big Game
- Small Game
- Birds
- Special Methods
- Bow Hunting
-
- Species
- Bass
- Trout
- More Freshwater
- Saltwater
- Special Methods
- Fly Fishing
AnswersASK YOUR QUESTION
Print
Email
Share
Answers
Browse By
Top Users
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
Answer QuestionADVERTISEMENT
Today on Field & Stream
Loading...
Visit Our Sister Sites at Bonnier Corporation
| Enthusiast | Kiteboarding | QUAD | SKI | Skiing | Scuba Diving | Sport Diver | TransWorld Ride BMX | TransWorld Business | TransWorld Motocross | TransWorld SKATEboarding, | TransWorld SNOWboarding | TransWorld SURF | WakeBoarding | WaterSki | Warren Miller Entertainment | WindSurfing |
|---|---|
| Travel | Caribbean Travel & Life | Destination Weddings & Honeymoon | Islands | Meeting Traveler | Resorts & Great Hotels |
| Lifestyle & Shelter | Florida Travel & Life | Garden Design | Home Ft. Lauderdale | Home Miami |
| Luxury | SNOW | Spa |
| Marine | Boating Life | Cruising World | Fly Fishing in Salt Waters | Power Cruising | Marlin | Motor Boating | Sailing World | Salt Water Sportsman | Sport Fishing | Yachting | NewBoats.com | UsedBoats.com | YachtBroker.com |
| Outdoor | Field & Stream | Outdoor Life | SHOT Business |
| Parenting | Babytalk | Parenting |
| Science | Popular Science | Science Illustrated |
| Saveur | Saveur |
| Working Mother Media | Working Mother |
| Entertainment / Events | World Entertainment Services | World Sports & Marketing |
FieldandStream.com is part of the Bonnier Outdoor Group Network
Copyright © 2009 Bonnier Corp. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Answers (23)
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.
Post an Answer
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.
It is illegal to carry a gun on the AT at all. i have already had this conversation with the local game warden.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Not surprised. It would be too tempting to shoot all the hippies running around there.
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.
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
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.
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.
Post an Answer