ORIGINAL: BowHntrRick
It is ironic that the portion of this discussion concerning carrying a pistol while bowhunting in PA should take place over the July 4 holiday when we celebrate our freedom as US citizens. Inthe overwhelming number of countries in the world this would noteven be open for discussion.
"Early In" sees no need to carry a gun while bowhunting: I doubt anyone would challenge his right not to carry. The problem is that, because he sees no need to carry, he concludes that no bowhunter in PA should be allowed to carry. Thankfully, that decision is not his to make.
I own property in the country that is close to a college. It is common for me to exit the woods shortly after sundown on a Friday or Saturday to find a car load of college students with a case of beer in my field. There has never been any difficulty: I tell them that I do not mind if they hang out on my property as long as they carry out their trash with them and then go peacefully on my way.
If I should find them damaging my property, however, I will order them on their way.If things should ever turn nasty I want something more on my side than a can of pepper spray.
Is it likely that I will ever need the handgun that I carry? No. Am I grateful for the right to carry it? Yes, I am.
I'm not saying that you would, but I think you would agree that others would use that as an opportunity to give themselves an advantage while bowhunting and use the gun on a deer. This is not a possibility but a probability in PA.
Besides, you'd be better off without a handgun if "things ever turn nasty." Brandishing a weapon on a group of unarmed college kids is a quick way to find yourself in jail, your property or not. Unfortunately, the offenders have all the rights these days, not the offended.