I' d guess that the majority of folks out here in Montana carry during elk season...and not for fear of running into some jackass or dope head. There is some pretty wild country out here with some critters that would like to eat you for dinner....and I know I feel more comfortable having my .357 mag on my hip or in my shoulder holster while bow hunting. I think as a last resort, I would like to have that in my right hand while ole griz is chewing on the left! Course you can carry in the open just about everywhere out here too....cept for federal/state buildings, banks, bars, etc. That' s the way it should be!