RE: [Paddlewise] Guns? When and Where?

Good morning Mark, All,


> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
> [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of Sailboat
>
> I hope this isn't like opening a can of worms.

Of course it's opening a can of worms.  It has the media's favorite whipping
boy in it as well as a whole variety of other issues.  Opening the can is
good though, it oxygenates the worms and keeps them fresh.
>
> 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).

I was born in Maine and lived there most of my life.  There is no animal in
the Maine woods that you are likely to need a gun to defend yourself
against.  The only possible exception to that is people.

To the best of my recollection there have only been two bear attacks in
Maine in recent history and both involve hunters over bait.  Don't mess with
a bears chow.  (I realize that bears in other parts of the country can be
more aggressive, This has not been my experience in Maine)

Yes, moose can be aggressive-bulls in rut, and cows with calves.  Other than
those two scenarios they are fine.  Though you may be able to stop a bear
with a shotgun (if you have nerves of steel, lightning quick reflexes,
great aim, and are already holding the gun) it is in my opinion that you
would not stop a moose.  A moose charging (or even standing still) facing
head on has a very slim profile and presents no shot at vitals.  It is my
opinion that you would do just as well with a baseball bat as a gun in a
moose charge.

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.

If you have not recently hunted and taken game what makes you think that you
would be able to now?  Moving game is extremely challenging for those in
practice.  I can't imagine being effective without lots of experience.


> 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. . . .

Your questions raise a couple of my own.  What guns do you presently own
that you can choose from?  Or will you be buying a new one?  How much
practice have you had in recent months?


Although I think that it is clear that I don't think there is any reason to
carry a gun for protection from large animals in the Maine woods I realize
that this is a personal decision and you should do what you think best
within the context of you skill and training.  As to choice of guns.  Take
the weapon that you are most trained and skilled with.  If you don't have
lots of recent practice leave them all at home.  Any gun you chose to carry
will need to be stainless or one of the marine grade shotguns.  A deck bag
is the only way I know of that will allow you to to effectively carry a long
gun and all of that condensation is really hard on them.  Make sure you know
how to field strip and clean/oil whatever you carry.

If sea kayaking requires dedication and training to be safe, than firearms
require double diligence.  If you do something stupid with a kayak you may
kill yourself, if you do something stupid with a gun you may kill me.  Big
Difference.

Cheers,

Rob Cookson- Worms?  I ain't afraid of no worms?

 "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety"
Benjamin Franklin




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