How do you keep yourself safe outdoors?

[Pepper2004]

Monty, is right. Women, never get into a strangers car. Put up the fight of your life. Even make yourself throw up if you can. Cuss, act aggressive, and never act submissive!

I'll be hunting alone most of the time. My husband turn out not to enjoy MD'ing. I plan to carry a first aid kit, a very sharp knife, pepper spray, and a BB gun (for wild dogs and coyotes), cell phone, shovel, long screwdriver. I do own guns but doubt I'll be carrying. My best protection is my bulldog. I'll be taking him with me if I hunt fields.

One more thing don't dig in gopher holes. Rattlesnakes use them for dens sometimes.

HH,
Pepper

 

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[CladMaster]

As mentioned earlier, I always keep one headphone cup off. I see people wearing both almost exclusively. This is completely insane guys. You have to always be aware of your surroundings. I'm not paranoid or scared but someone could rob your tail quickly, not to mention a wild dog or something could rush you completely unaware. When I hunt in the countryside, especially deep woods, I always carry my .22mag side arm. Rabies runs pretty rampant in my County. We had about 30 reported cases this year.

 

[latitude42]

When I'm out in the woods/country..40cal S&W, when I'm in the city I carry bear spray, it's like pepper spray but 30times more powerful, it'll make a 400lb. bear run and put a human in the hospital.
Our govener has decided that the only ones that can defend themselves are armed robbers and police officers. I'd rather explain why I shot while standing over the guys dead body than have the state spend $200,000 looking for a shallow grave I'm burried in.

 

[Shortstack]

Monty, is right. Women, never get into a strangers car. Put up the fight of your life. Even make yourself throw up if you can. Cuss, act aggressive, and never act submissive!

I'll be hunting alone most of the time. My husband turn out not to enjoy MD'ing. I plan to carry a first aid kit, a very sharp knife, pepper spray, and a BB gun (for wild dogs and coyotes), cell phone, shovel, long screwdriver. I do own guns but doubt I'll be carrying. My best protection is my bulldog. I'll be taking him with me if I hunt fields.

One more thing don't dig in gopher holes. Rattlesnakes use them for dens sometimes.

HH,
Pepper

Hello, Pepper--- One thing about the pepper spray. The stuff we, as civilians, can buy is pretty weak compared to what law enforcement folks can get. If there is any way that you can get a police officer to get you a unit of pepper spray that THEY use, do it. It's 100% better. And I respectfully urge you to reconsider the BB gun idea. I have had run-ins with packs of dogs on two different occasions. Believe it or not, the SAME dogs were involved both times. The pack ran 5 members and they didn't learn the first time and had to be reminded again. I did not shoot one of them, but I DID fire one round of 9mm each time; aimed into the ground. The noise made them turn on 5 dimes and scoot. A BB gun would not have done a thing. These dogs "belong" to a house out in the country. If they'd been truly wild I MAY have had to shoot one, but a BB gun would have only p----- them off.
Happy hunting and stay safe.

Good tip on the gopher holes. Thanks.

 

[Monty]

Ferel dogs is something I am aware of but just didn't think about it in my original response. They can be very aggressive and dangerous, much more so than a coyote. Coyotes are cowards at heart and will flee if given an escape route. But a rabid animal is another matter. Most carnivours are night time hunters, the ferel dog being an exception. So beware of any wild animal that is roving about in daylight hours. A bb gun would probably put a curious coyote to flight but if rabid it would only infuriate him and probably bring on an attack. I very seldom MD in the wilds and most of my encounters with wild animals will be while hunting game. That being so, I am always armed with a pistol or a rifle or both. Monty

 

[Born2Dtect]

I feel safest when hunting with my club. There is safety in numbers. I don,t carry a gun as I don,t think it would be worth killing someone over a detector. My advice is to make up your mind in advance if you are going to fight back and prepare yourself. If you are, learn a little self defense, street fighting or whatever. Or just coperate and live to see another day. I, unfortunately have not decided how I would react, some days I would fight tooth and nail others I would hand over all and walk away.

When detecting I am very aware of my surroundings. I look for possible trouble and avoid it if I can. A well charged cell phone is a must. I also let my wife know my plans so if I get hurt she will know where I am. I know how to survive if lost or hurt. I take fire starter, water and food when going in the woodland or off road.

My best defense is me, I don,t look like a nice fellow, but I am! At least once you get to know me.

Ed D.

 

[Pepper2004]

Monty, is right. Women, never get into a strangers car. Put up the fight of your life. Even make yourself throw up if you can. Cuss, act aggressive, and never act submissive!

I'll be hunting alone most of the time. My husband turn out not to enjoy MD'ing. I plan to carry a first aid kit, a very sharp knife, pepper spray, and a BB gun (for wild dogs and coyotes), cell phone, shovel, long screwdriver. I do own guns but doubt I'll be carrying. My best protection is my bulldog. I'll be taking him with me if I hunt fields.

One more thing don't dig in gopher holes. Rattlesnakes use them for dens sometimes.

HH,
Pepper

Hello, Pepper--- One thing about the pepper spray. The stuff we, as civilians, can buy is pretty weak compared to what law enforcement folks can get. If there is any way that you can get a police officer to get you a unit of pepper spray that THEY use, do it. It's 100% better. And I respectfully urge you to reconsider the BB gun idea. I have had run-ins with packs of dogs on two different occasions. Believe it or not, the SAME dogs were involved both times. The pack ran 5 members and they didn't learn the first time and had to be reminded again. I did not shoot one of them, but I DID fire one round of 9mm each time; aimed into the ground. The noise made them turn on 5 dimes and scoot. A BB gun would not have done a thing. These dogs "belong" to a house out in the country. If they'd been truly wild I MAY have had to shoot one, but a BB gun would have only p----- them off.
Happy hunting and stay safe.

Good tip on the gopher holes. Thanks.

Hi Shortstack, after reading your advice I agree about the BB gun and pepper spray (civilian kind). I do sting some stray dogs that come in my yard and they run like heck. So, I was thinking it would work with wild dogs and coyotes. I haven't seen any wild dogs in my area but those dang coyotes are getting to where they come out in the day time. Usually it's just one. Husband shot one in our back yard not long ago. Guess I'll carry my 25 cal. pistol after all. (if I'm in woods or fields) I'd rather a dog be dead than me! Thanks for correcting me. I would hate for someone to follow my poor advice and get hurt doing so! There is one thing I do know. Never look a dog that is acting aggressive in the eye! They take that as a sign that you are being aggressive towards them. If you have no weapon to use against an aggressive dog try to make yourself look submissive, NO eye contact, and PRAY!

Pepper

 

[Gator-Flea]

380 Automatic and my digging tool work for me.

 

[RevJoel]

I take my good friend, Mr. Colt. I have carried the 1991-a1 Government model so long now I it is just another tool on the belt.

 

[BARGuy]

I too carry a .357 when in the woods. And have had a carry permit for 25+ years. To each his own.

However, DO NOT CARRY A PISTOL IN A SCHOOL YARD! This will get you in more doo-doo than you can imagine!

Used to spend some time 'tecting old parks on the "bad" side of Atlanta, by myself. Always went out early in the morning & quit before the "bad guys" awakened in mid-afternoon. Never had any problems...but then that was 25-28 years ago.

I also like to keep turning 90 degrees every few steps, as if cross-checking a target. This allows me to keep an eye on my surroundings without appearing too obvious.

Be aware!

DR

 

[Mr. Mojo]

Re: Never go anywhere....

with a firearm, that you would't without. That was good advice a retired cop told me when I bought my first sidearm. You just can't go asking for trouble, if it finds you that is different.

Max Sensitivity
No Descrimination
No shots to warn or wound

 

[VERMONTPACKRAT]

I dont usually have to worry about this sort of thing. I am 90% in the woods or just off some old road. I have carried a few times while MDing but I would not say they were for safety reasons. Where I hunt I could also shoot if I wanted too. Gotta love Vermont !! VPR

 

[kieser sousa/rip]

I try to use my head. I stay away from situations where there could be trouble. If that doesn't work I try to hit them in the nose with my forhead.

That there is the best addvise yet !

 

[Shortstack]

Hi Shortstack, after reading your advice I agree about the BB gun and pepper spray (civilian kind). I do sting some stray dogs that come in my yard and they run like heck. So, I was thinking it would work with wild dogs and coyotes. I haven't seen any wild dogs in my area but those dang coyotes are getting to where they come out in the day time. Usually it's just one. Husband shot one in our back yard not long ago. Guess I'll carry my 25 cal. pistol after all. (if I'm in woods or fields) I'd rather a dog be dead than me! Thanks for correcting me. I would hate for someone to follow my poor advice and get hurt doing so! There is one thing I do know. Never look a dog that is acting aggressive in the eye! They take that as a sign that you are being aggressive towards them. If you have no weapon to use against an aggressive dog try to make yourself look submissive, NO eye contact, and PRAY!

Pepper

Pepper-- I didn't mean to come across as "correcting" you. I would never presume to correct you, or anyone, about anything. On personal choices such as these, I may offer an opinion, but never a correction because there is no "correct" method of personal protection. I was only suggesting an alternative or two for your self-protection. Your advice about the gopher holes and the eye contact with aggressive dogs proves you are very knowledgeable about many, many things.
It looks like you folks in Georgia are getting a cold snap like we folks in Mississippi.
Stay warm and happy hunting.

 

[Montana Jim]

Haven't ever been bothered...

Sometimes I carry bug spray - them skeeters are killers!

 

[Monty]

Unfortunately Ed, it's not your detector an assailant would be after. Most of them wouldn't even know what it was. They would be after a quick buck and wouldn't hesitate to kill you for the couple of bucks most of us carry in our wallets. Gangbangers might kill or maim you just for the h*ll of it to prove they are tough guys. Monty

 

[kieser sousa/rip]

Very nice photo Jim ! I dont think you would have much of a problem with anyone sneaking up on ya !

 

[EDDE]

Unfortunately Ed, it's not your detector an assailant would be after. Most of them wouldn't even know what it was. They would be after a quick buck and wouldn't hesitate to kill you for the couple of bucks most of us carry in our wallets. Gangbangers might kill or maim you just for the h*ll of it to prove they are tough guys. Monty

Im hip monty

 

[Pepper2004]

Shortstack, we are getting a cold snap. Yesterday it didn't get out of the 30's! You keep safe, and stay warm, too.

I'd like to add one more thing about coming up on an aggressive dog. Don't RUN! If you can back away slowly, with eyes downcast towards you car, or a tree, you can try this. But if it makes the dog upset stay still. Hopefully he will get bored and move on. If he does attack fall to the ground on your hands and knees into a ball like position. Lock your hands behind your neck and keep your elbows close to your face and ears. You'll have a better chance at survival. Try not to scream as it will only excite the dog more. Hope this never happens to any of us but you never know.


Barguy, very good point about not toting a weapon on school property!

HH,
Pepper

 

[Ricardo_NY1]

New York City has got to be one of the toughest places to justify the need for a concealed permit, literally impossible. It's also one of those cities where you really have to keep your eyes open in certain areas. Besides my digging knife, I carry my ground shark with me even when I don't need it when I am not in the best of areas. I see it as a weapon I can get away with carrying in plain sight. Fortunately, I usually detect with someone. Safety in numbers I guess.