[Paddlewise] Guns? When and Where?

I hope this isn't like opening a can of worms.  If it is, just everyone
please ignore it and I'll get the idea.  Please, no flames.  I've heard all
the arguments, and I agree with all of them already <g>.

I was wondering how many people like to carry a gun on trips in wilderness
areas.  I'm thinking of doing some solo paddling in Northern Maine this year
(lakes and rivers).  I've read several accounts by people who were glad they
had a shotgun with them (moose, bears, etc).  The last thing on earth I want
is to ever have to kill a wild animal (my Mother tells me I cried as a child
when the neighborhood brats killed a squirrel).  But I do know how to use
firearms.

Also, if you do carry a gun, what do you carry?  And where?  There isn't a
whole lot of room in the cockpit of my boat (CD Caribou).  I was thinking of
having a bag made to carry it on the foredeck, but that could send the wrong
"message" to humans I might encounter. . . .

Thoughts, opinions, anecdotes. . . ?

Thanks,

Mark L

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