Hunters what weapos do you use in the field?

[Ethereal]

What do I carry in the woods when I go hunting? Depends on the season but I have a backpack with some essentials in it like a fire starter, first aid kit, bear spray, life straw, compass, whistle, map, toiletries, sealed pack of dry clothes, some snacks, water, knife, flashlight, sleeping pad and my camera. I don't bring a gun and I dont leave with anything I didn't bring. I typically hunt for the most peaceful spot to basically enjoy that moment in nature, do some yoga or meditate, camp, or take pictures. It's great.

Well, if you can find someone to give you some basic instructions on how to use a firearm, it wouldn't be the worst idea in the world to bring it with you to the wilderness. Not sure how effective bear spray really is, but a firearm seems like more of a sure bet.

[PolWatch]

I hunt with binoculars & a camera.....from my back porch (ceiling fans & screens are required for comfortable shooting in my house!)

[Ethereal]

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Hands down, my bolt action Browning BAR .30-06. Versatile cartridges make it ideal for deer hunting (which I do) and if ever need be, home defense. Been using one for five years now.

A .30-06 rifle for home defense? A shotgun or a pistol are probably better options.

[Chloe]

Well, if you can find someone to give you some basic instructions on how to use a firearm, it wouldn't be the worst idea in the world to bring it with you to the wilderness. Not sure how effective bear spray really is, but a firearm seems like more of a sure bet.

I understand that point of view but to me bringing a firearm into a wilderness just seems wrong to me. It's hard to explain my thoughts on this but it's just the way I see things I guess. To me if I'm going to be out in nature I don't want to basically carry something with me that would be meant to kill something in its own home. It would also detach me from the mental peace that I want and get when I go backcountry hiking. I hope that makes sense.

[PolWatch]

I don't object to hunting. I have hunted in the past and most of my family still hunts. I believe that responsible hunters actually help the population of wildlife and are a positive force in keeping our wildlife populations healthy.

I do object to those who hunt for ego (trophy) because I'm of the old-school....if you kill it, you eat it. The only other acceptable reason to kill a wild animal is an immediate direct threat to humans.

[Ethereal]

I understand that point of view but to me bringing a firearm into a wilderness just seems wrong to me. It's hard to explain my thoughts on this but it's just the way I see things I guess. To me if I'm going to be out in nature I don't want to basically carry something with me that would be meant to kill something in its own home. It would also detach me from the mental peace that I want and get when I go backcountry hiking. I hope that makes sense.

Sure, I just hope you don't need a gun some day. Probability of being attacked is relatively low, so you should be fine, but we don't wear seat-belts because we get into accidents all the time, we put them on just in case that low probability event happens. If a bear or something similar every tried to kill you, you'd be happy you had it.

[Ethereal]

I don't object to hunting. I have hunted in the past and most of my family still hunts. I believe that responsible hunters actually help the population of wildlife and are a positive force in keeping our wildlife populations healthy.

I do object to those who hunt for ego (trophy) because I'm of the old-school....if you kill it, you eat it. The only other acceptable reason to kill a wild animal is an immediate direct threat to humans.

I agree with that, too. The native Americans had a lot of things right, especially when it came to their relationship with nature.

[Peter1469]

I use to bring my SIG P220 with me in the wilderness when I had it. I was more worried about the two legged animals. I also bring my tomahawk as that is a multipurpose tool.

[Bob]

I'm about as old fashion as it gets. I still deer hunt with an old Model 94 30/30 Carbine that was my fathers. They may lack the range and knock down of some modern guns but they are easy to carry and get a shot off with when in heavy brush. I typically don't hunt where long shots are an option and knock down doesn't matter so much if you hit your kill zone.
There must be other hunters here, what do you carry in the woods?

Seldom have I hunted game and deer was it.
At the time, I had a very nice Winchester model 70 Featherweight 30.06.

If you did not mind the kick of a freight train, it sure did a fine job.

Me, I was not able to find deer and that ended that for me.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Winchester-...ester+Model+70

Mine was the pre 1964 model that has the Mauser action. I had a gun smith mount a very nice scope on it.

[PolWatch]

I use to bring my SIG P220 with me in the wilderness when I had it. I was more worried about the two legged animals. I also bring my tomahawk as that is a multipurpose tool.

Sounds like you are prepared for anything.....good thing you are not into trophy hunting.

Husband usually takes a Beretta 1911....former Boy Scout leader....always prepared