Re: [Paddlewise] Guns? When and Where?

In my post the other day regarding selling my rifle to buy a kayak, I was
not intending to sound like I was "jumping onto the anti-hunting bandwagon
of political correctness", nor was anyone else if I remember correctly from
other posts. I, for one, was simply relating a personal decision made a
number of years ago that proved beneficial to me. Hunting is certainly
_not_ politically incorrect in the Province of BC, though trophy hunting
gets a fair bit of negatory attention.

Also, just a reminder to you gun-wielding americanos: don't come to Canada
or travel through Canadian waters packing "heat", or the "man" will get
you. You will loose your concealed, undeclared weapon and face stiff
penalties.

Also, the situation with wolves in the examples I gave were highly unusual.
In both the case of my friend who was chased by wolves, and the example of
an injured mariner facing possible problems (which has been documented), I
was not crying wolf.

As far as bear spray, I have a cop friend who teaches personal safety
awarness courses and self defense courses. His hard core students are
quickly able to overcome the subduing effects of pepper spray (he teaches
fellow police oficers the same technique). Nothing is infallible in terms
of full-proof self defense, be it from bear or human, other than not going
outside in the first place (wilderness or otherwise).  Some of us hold on
to life too dearly and tightly. So live a little - or is that die a little?
Anyway, get out there and enjoy nature while you still can. 

BC'in Ya
Doug Lloyd

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