a smith model 60 in 357 would carry and work well

 

Thanks turbobug, seems tailor-made for the purpose. Googling the topic, I saw an Alaskan hunter saying "First - forget the wolves. There is no record of anyone in North America ever being tracked down or killed by one." But for mountain lion (I actually used to run into these - at a distance - endurance running in the foothills and canyons of S. California), like you, he suggested a small frame 5-shot, in 357 mag or 44 special.

Can I ask, do you (or anyone else) carry something like this? Or am I making too much of the possibility (I do think cougar numbers are low, and if the wolves really aren't a problem...well; still, my son is my son....)

 

Is there a reason your not satisfied with your hunting rifle providing your protection? (I know this may come across as sarcastic, but it's not meant to be. I've never hunted anywhere where I felt my 30-06 bolt gun wouldn't be adequate for anything I may run into.)

 

I personally have more concern regarding 2 legged predators than any thing else. As far as wild life, any thing that can eat you merits respect. I carry a hand gun while hunting more from habit than any thing as it is my habit to be armed. a handgun is usually on your person where a long gun is not so any thing that makes you feel better is fine. For the animals of concern in your area, a .32 Mag or .32-20 on up in a revolver or 9mm on up in an auto will get the job done.

 

I`d check your states DNR site. Anything about hand-guns should be covered.

 

When I'm in the woods I carry a rifle. No need for a pistol, but if you feel better having one, by all means do so.

The rifle you carry should be able to focus up close if scoped. That generally means low magnification. 1.5x-2x. This will also give you a wide field of view. Very important for close in work. Of course, if you have iron sights your good to go.

Mostly, don't worry about it. The chance of anything happening is slim. Go forth and have fun.

 

While hiking in the Appalachians I always carried a 2 7/8" Ruger Seed-Six, with 158 gr. soft points. Easy carry, stainless, utterly reliable. I would be more concerned about predators of the two legged variety. AC

 

Thanks guys. My hope is we'll be in such rugged terrain the 2-legged predator (I'm used to dealing with the urban variety, good riddance), I hope, will have a home range closer to its...truck.

Richard, I think the concern for me with just the rifle is the ability to follow up shots quickly. That, and being on the opposite side of the gut pile from my rifle, when I could use it most. With my Marlin, not really a concern on the followup, but my bolt 30-06, have to admit that yep, this was a bit of a concern. And for either, not being able to either get to it or up and ready should a big cat want to play catch. I think Dan, this is somewhere where I am as well.

But I have so little experience in this kind of vast terrain, I'm literally shooting blind. I'm probably way overblowing the concern, but prudence guides me respecting my boy. So thanks you all, your help is appreciated.

 

I usually carry a stainless Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt when hunting. It's not the most comfortable thing to carry due to its size. The other guys in my group don't carry anything in addition to their rifles/shotguns, but I like to, especially for camp site protection. Some would say the single action isn't the best choice and they're right. I just like it. I would recommend a large caliber, high capacity Glock, or similar quality semi auto. I don't think you need the biggest cannon there is. I think a .45 Glock would be hard to beat.

 

I guess it your call, and what the law allows there. We hunt Nat'l Forest land a lot, and always keep a sidearm handy somewhere.
Until recently here it was illegal to have a handgun with you while Bowhunting, which I thought was dumb since it was a passion of mine; and being alone, I could be a bit concerned at times walking all the way back to camp (or vehicle) in the dark especially.
When rifle hunting, I usually don't bother to carry one with me out there, but my son likes to carry a handgun with him, either on his belt or in his pack.
I do always have one in my vehicle, and in the tent/camp, when cooking, around gut piles, etc., etc. Like many, besides critters such as bears or lions, it's the two legged wolves I like to be prepared for as well. We usually have a 44mag, .45acp, or .357mag handy around... depending who's there, what, when, and where, LOL.
Good luck to you.

 

Hey Paul,

You and your son will both have rifles?

When field dressing, one of you may want to be "over watch".

For the most part, animals do not "prey" on people.

Check you game "regs". Your "carry" permit may "allow" for you to have your "carry" piece with you. (legal in Pa)

Since you are planning on some serious hiking, it will be extra "weight". Something to consider.........for dragging the game out. Especially if both of you are successful.

A good (Bianchi X 15, comes to mind) shoulder rig will serve well.

If concerned about feline predation, study up on what the "sign" are. If you do have mountain lion (in your hunting area), they will see you. You may not see them.

This may be more of a concern, if you are both successful, and need to pack one venison out.....at a time. The other carcass will be "bait" for any/all carrion eaters.

Have "passed" on shots (a particular 8 pt, comes to mind) late in the day. Would not have been able to dress that deer, and drag it out before full dark.

A compass, flash light w/ extra batteries, and a USGS "topo" map(s) of the areas involved, may be a good idea. Possibly a clear plastic "cover" for the map. A fire starter? Possibly a decent first aid kit? At least some gauze, white tape, band aids, peroxide, a "curved" needle and thread (in the event stitches are needful).

Around here, do not rely on the cell phone, or GPS.

I carry a small diamond "steel", to dress my blade. As soon as I "feel" the blade getting dull, will give it a couple swipes on the "steel".

May want to have an extra pair or two of socks?

Later, Mark

 

I don't go out in the woods anymore without more than one weapon. One weapon is not enough protection. In addition to my lever gun of choice, my side arm is a Ruger GP100 357 with 4" barrel. It's a medium frame firearm and can handle some hot loads, while still comfortable to carry. I also have more than one knife on me, if all else fails. You never know what could happen if a mountain lion jumps you, your rifle hits the ground, and you can't get to your side arm. For that, I have a Shrade "neck knife" that I can get out of its sheath without dealing with a snap. I also carry a larger knife on my gun belt. This stuff does not weigh me down, but then I don't walk all day either. Do what is practical for your hunting situation, but don't short change yourself. You "can't be too careful".

As Posted above, be sure to check your state laws about carrying a side arm while hunting.




Mike T.

 

A friend of mine was hog hunting, dog and tracking style, a boar charged out of the brush toward him, he got one shot off hitting the pig in the rib cage, pig kept coming, rifle jammed, killed the pig with his S&W 40 cal side arm. The boar fell dead at his feet with his head on his hunting boots. I always carry a side arm no matter what i hunt, especially pigs, rather have it and not need it. I just feel more comfortable with it, but i guess it`s a matter of choice.. And like some have said, there are dangerous critters out there 2 and 4 legged...:ahhhhh:

 

A lot of good advice given here. A good 357mag in a J, K, or L frame will work good and if you need get a 180gr bear load. I back pack in in Co for elk every year we are at least 5.5 miles from truck and all I am carrying is a recurve bow have never taken a pistol I ain't scared ! But with that being said I did buy a S&W 329PD in 44mag it weighs 25oz just in case I have a need. With this revolver I can down load it or shoot full boar loads and it is ultra light to carry check it out not cheap but there is nothing else in its class. I have been shooting 44 mags downloaded to 44 special speeds and it is a blast to shoot. Widow

 

Paul,

Wisconsin is an open carry state for firearms. You need a concealed carry license if you are. Not exposing a sidearm completely. I do a lot of hiking at different areas of Wisconsin and always carry a .45 on my belt. I have yet to come across any animals that posed a danger in the woods.

I have seen wolf tracks in mud puddles that had yet to fill in with water. Meaning that the wolf was only just a minute ahead of me. Never saw it nor heard it. It did not want anything to do with me.

I do at times take my 30-30 with incase I have a good chance of kicking up a coyote. Enjoy your time with your son.

Andrew

 

Better to have and not need then the other way around...suggest something rugged like others have, I would probably take my glock 24c as a backup to my main firearm as its ported and has a 6 inch barrel in .40, but I like the stainless vaquero suggestion as well...keep it simple or keep it rugged, both is better. Obviously having a sidearm and rifle in the same caliber would be ideal for most people but I'm more in the use what you have boat...there's my 2 cents

 

WOW - thanks so much you guys. I don't feel anymore like such a noob in raising the question. Guess my experiences with mountain lions in CA did raise some hairs a bit, and I'm glad I asked. GM does offer a concealed carry class and it seems a good, fairly lightweight sidearm in a good caliber wouldn't be the worst idea.

Great ideas Mark on the issue should we bring out game separately, and thanks too on the shoulder rig idea. My son and I will both be hunting - he's got a 336 and I'll have either my 336 or Browning X-Bolt 30-06 on me.

Great. So, want to keep it compact and as lightweight as possible but ready to fly if needs be.

AZ, yeah, like you I liked to get in dark when bowhunting, and there were times I would have liked a sidearm. In particular, one early morning (3:00ish or early, by memory), on a ground blind and no light - had dropped on the way in through thick bush. So I'm just there with my bow, and a pack of some kind of canine-like beast, likely coyotes, started nipping like crazy a few yards from me. Total darkness and my bellowing didn't seem to move them much. "You're in my room now, tenderfoot." I was young then. Used to do night scuba dives at nighttime, off the Channel Islands in CA, too....lots of game in my game bag, drift diving and hanging out in 300-400 of water column, waiting to be picked up. Pitch black. And sharkies were out and hungry, and could see just fine, thank you.

How we make it out of young manhood is beyond me, huh guys? :biggrin:

Thanks again everyone. You're a ton of help.

 

Hey, off on a tangent here, but I used to SCUBA dive too, and have been out to the various "Islands" off the coast of So. Cal many times. My night diving was limited to walking in off the beach though, and only did that a couple of times in the dark. I remember thinking at times I could see better with the dive light off, than it on, as far as anything coming my way that might want a taste of me, ha!

 

I carry a G20 while hunting with 15 rounds of 10mm goodness at the ready anytime I am in the woods, whether in a stand, a blind or stalking on the ground.

My scoped rifle is effective but not at 20 ft or less in the dark. The G20 gives me the option of multiple rapid fire close shots while I am holding a light. I am more concerned about being gored by a mad boar hog, especially when I am walking into the woods in the dark in the AM or walking out in the dark in the PM.

D

 

I see nothing wrong with being prepared if your state allows. I usually carry one of my 2 SA 45 Colts. One is a Ruger NMBH and the other is an Uberti. Plus, they are fun!

 

AZ, that's awesome! Never did a night beach dive - that's cool! Yeah, I liked the bioluminescence with the lights off, too...

You would appreciate this. Had a dive partner, good buddy Mel. We were both pretty in shape, serious competitive swimmers, so we thought (idiotically) we could push the tables like crazy. One night we were out pretty far, tired as we'd been out many times already. Drift diving, though it was only 100-120' or so. I lapsed behind him and killed my light. Then grabbed his fin and shook like crazy.

Ever see what pee looks like lit up in neon colors?:biggrin:

Too cool, AZ. When were you there? Which islands? Used to dive a lot, most weekends. Anacapa and Santa Cruz mostly.

 

I was certified to dive in 1968 I believe, took the courses through the YMCA in cahoots with a local dive shop. I've been to all the Islands I think, some more often than others, LOL! Use to go out on charter "dive boats" from Ventura and San Pedro (if recalling correctly), and we also sailed to Catalina a lot and then would dive there. Also beaches like, Zuma, Leo Carrillo, anywhere with kelp beds, etc. Back then we would get Abalone all the time, various fish with spear/slings, nice crabs, rock scallops, and lobster at times, all great fun with good memories.

 

It is legal to exercise open carry in Wisconsin while hunting including bow hunting. For those with a concealed carry permit it is also legal to carry concealed while hunting except on selected federal lands! Check the regulations if you hunt any of the federal reserves, my direct experience is in at Fort Mc Coy and the penalties for concealed art brutal anywhere on their property. Follow this lint to Question #2 on the WI DNR site: Warden Wire FAQ 9-30-11 for a clarification of the WI DNR rules.

I typically carry a Ruger 4.2" GP 100 with 140 gr hard cast flat point bullets loaded pretty stiff when I am in the woods. There are three times in the past 20 years I have come fact to face with a wolf, each instance was when moving into the woods with a head lamp in the wee hours. In all three cases the Wolf disappeared shortly after being illuminated.

Two years ago a Cougar passed through my yard early in the morning, had a 2 minute window where I observed it with my binoculars, but was unable to set up a camera in time. I have not seen it since. When I talked to the DNR they volunteered that a Female is resident about ten miles to the NE of my property and this was likely one of her cubs moving on to establish it's own territory. There are also reports of coyotes becoming aggressive towards humans in the Midwest, another reason for a back up weapon (as if I need a reason besides "I Can".

Chipmaker :shot:

 

A side arm is always on me regardless of how else I am armed. And a fixed blade knife on the opposite side. A two legged predator can get the drop on me just as easily as that sneaky doe can appear under my stand without notice. They might see my long gun but hopefully not the side arm. If you see a cougar before he sees you, he wasn't interested. If he/she is interested, you won't know it until you can smell its breath. Long guns don't work in either of those cases. Hopefully I can get to either the knife or side arm in a worst case scenario.

If I didn't need them, they served their purpose like leg weights for a jogger.

 

Wolves will kill humans. Candice Berner was killed by wolves in March of 2010 near Pilot Point, AK.

I always carry my .44 mag Ruger Redhawk loaded with Buffalo Bore 340 grain hardcast bullets whenever I enter the woods.

As others have said on this thread... better to have it and not need it than the other way around.

 

May think about a judge I love mine. 45 colt 410 slugs buck shot plenty of different new loads around.

 

Thanks you all. Ample evidence that being side-armed is more than prudent. So will do. Had Rugers as a kid. Er, is it wrong to say I also don't need an excuse, and that this effortlessly tips the balance?

Edit: Bugsmasher, can you tell me how long that is? And guys, for this purpose, it seems 5.5" or so is a good tactical size, yes?

 

The barrel length on my Ruger Redhawk is 5.5 ". It's not too long and removes from it's holster very easily. It's not the lightest firearm though as it's built like a tank. :biggrin:


Good luck on whatever you decide.