Hiking with a pistol in your backpack?

[d_striker]

I don't go hiking or into the mountains without having an open carry Blackhawk .357mag with hydrashock hollowpoints on my hip - for predators (I'm not talking about bears or cougars here).

Just having that definitely solved a problem back in 2002 up near Lake George when I had an encounter with a guy who was just released from Jolliet State Penetentiary (near Chicago, IL) the day before. Actually, it was this guy and his 5 skin-head buddies. He was looking to steal my fishing rod/reel that I set down (line still in the water - went to get more bait 100 yrds downstream). He started to give me attitude then changed his demeanor drastically when he saw the gun. When he went back to his buddies and started eyeing me I realized it was time to leave!


What would you do if you came upon some poachers - and they saw you too? Do you think having a firearm in a pack will keep you safe? I wouldn't want to bet my life on it! Wear it OC and well loaded!

How did you know he was just released from the pen?

[ChunkyMonkey]

Thomas was his parole officer. lol