Elk hunting ? - carry a side arm or not.

[bugs11]

For those experienced elk hunters; do you carry a side arm? while hunting? in camp? is this a dumb question?

Just wondering if I need to pack a side arm for my elk hunt expedition. I can choose between a Glock 21 ora .44 mag Ruger Vaquero 5.5" barrel.

[Kraton]

Good Read:
http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1500085&mpage=4&key=pepper%2cspr ayí·ƒí¶�


I carry a side arm. Spray or gun you still have to draw it.

[bugs11]

Never thought about pepper spray, definately lighter option than a fully loaded G21.

[bugs11]

I forgot, I also have a Bulgarian Makarov I could take. Hmmm, 9mmx18 would probably just pi$$ off a bear.

[handloader1]

Take the .44 Rem. Mag. Good luck.

[Abuelo]

If you're talking archery hunt, a concealed weapon permit is required to do that here. I've never bothered and never needed one. Just more weight to carry.

I've hunted with my Thompson Contender before. I found a shoulder holster to be much more comfortable when you're hiking around all day.

[stinkbelly]

I carry one while elk hunting. I ususally come in contact with about 2 bears a day. I actually drew ittwice last year. Once a bear was at full run at me at 20 yards. Luckily for me he wasn't running at me and when he saw me, he turned and ran away. The second, I woke up a sleeping bear. Great idea. I didn't see him and when I woke him up, he was at 15 yards. He immediately went into the full standing position on his back feet. I stupidly charged him and drew my pistol. He turned and ran away.

The year before, I came across a cub. I once again stupidly charged. I never saw the sow. Those sound like famous last words.

If you carry one, make sure it is legal and that you have the proper holster for the condiditons. Don't use a leather holster if it will get wet. I destroyed a perfect condition 357 this way. Now I use the fobus. It won't hold moisture against your pistol.

[Highpower]

I always carry one into camp. My main reason is for packing meat out, rather than carry a rifle, a sidearm works better for me. Used to be a 44 mag but now it's a 45LC Taurus Titanium.

[MThunter]

I carry a side arm while packing meat but thats about it. It gets annoying on your hip.

[BareBack Jack]

I carry one during archery season(where permitted).I usally carry a 41 mag or 44 mag.I used to carry a rifle and pistol during general season,but haven't the past few years cause I haven't been in bear country,and figured my rifle would work.
I do carry a pistol during pheasant hunting(during deer season)I've seen one to many big whities jump up and stop and look at me and all I have is a load of #5's.Figure one day it will pay off and I will get one.
Keep the markove at home unless you plan on finishing what the bear started.
BBJ