hiking in the dark to hunting spot

[Retterath]

I was thinking go the glock 20 10mm, but wasn't sure how heavy it would be. Do you think a 40 is big enough?

 

[mt100gr.]

A .40 is pretty light IMHO. Even a 10mm is a bit light but having 10+1 controllable, hard hitting rounds in a lightweight package out shines the revolver in my eyes. Then there's the reliability question: wheel gun vs auto....lots of valid points for both.

A Glock 20 with a 15 round mag is a lot of punch. But there is some weight involved. I am also a believer in bear spray. The stats don't lie. But for me, the thought of hiking back, or farther, with a used and empty can, (should things get hairy) is not a nice thought....so sometimes I carry both. Only you can decide what is to heavy. But if I am in grizzly country, I can think of a few things to leave behind to offset the extra weight.

I was sleeping under a tarp once, not hunting, and had something knock my pan off my stove about 4 feet away from me. (Yes, I cooked in camp. Sausages no less and have since learned my lesson) I jumped up and yelled, waking my buddy and scaring off whatever it was. Actually, I think that critter crapped down his leg when the pan hit the rocks and was probably long gone by the time I boiled up outta my bag. Either way, I was totally unarmed and that is an experience I remember like it was yesterday.

 

[5MilesBack]

I was thinking go the glock 20 10mm, but wasn't sure how heavy it would be. Do you think a 40 is big enough?

My G20SF is right around 40oz with a full 15rd mag. It's not bad at all.

 

[orelkaddict]

If I lived and hunted much in grizzly country I would want something bigger than my 40. But here in Oregon its plenty of knock down when combined with a 15 round mag. IMO. I also agree with the above posted that bear spray can be more affective than a pistol since it fogs an area instead of having to aim. That being said u better be dam certain the wind is in your favor when u pull the trigger! Not usually something I'm thinking of when s@$t hits the fan? Just food for thought on that

 

[BroodBuster]

Please don't discharge your handgun in the dark. It's just me smelling like a bear

 

[coastalyeti]

Grizz country---all bets are off. but other than that the phrase people use is;
"The only thing to fear is fear itself..." I wanna call Bull- on that, but in reality, its True. Because if you DO hear something trying to stalk you, growl at you, or have your hackles raised by the sound of a very close mountain lion scream, (or perhaps a Yeti [:-0, ) you're still gonna have an extremely bad time of it; Because even if you don't get eaten, you could still have a damn heart-attack, or even just defile your brand-new Sitkas.
The only good thing to come out your experience, would be telling Other hunters about it later, -especially at bedtime on the night before, and you should probably supply a gentle reminder to them just before you get out of the truck too.

 

[Ruskin]

Dark or not, I was hike solo during the day and heard the last shreeking cry of something being taken down, then seconds later hear what sounded like two cats fighting. My mind raced and even though I was only holding a glock 9mm I still felt better as I crapped my pants. Glad it was day and not night.

 

[coastalyeti]

I guess you could say you were, relieved. When I think if it, I carry a Ruger 44. Mag. The Bisley model, in an old leather holster. Never needed it, at least Not when I had it on.
Year before last, I was hiking Downhill, back to the truck, and all of a sudden, the bugs stopped. I should mention that it was pitch dark and I hadn't even bothered to dig out my headlamp, just following the deer trails lit up by star shine. It was only a mile more by the time it was dark and I just wanted to push on.
Then the bugs stopped. And I got that horrible feeling, you know, like something is watching you?
I got to admit I was all freaked out instantly. I never worry much out there, but this was Real. This was in the mountains in the desert so the only possible worry might've been a mountain lion but i was worried enough I started yelling and making all these ridiculous noises because I was spooked! my hair was standing on and I got out to the truck pretty quick but I kept turning around too, cause I thought I heard something at least once.
When I went back to my solo camp, everything was fine of course.
in the morning though, I saw great big pawprints right across the top of my footprints when I came back to Hunt that same honey hole the next day. Just a curious cat I guess, but there's no doubt I wasn't imaging things. I carry more often now.

 

[MTbowhunter36]

If I'm not camped out in the backcountry, then I'm hiking or biking into the area in the early morning darkness. For me personally, I think it's paramount to get to my hunting area for first light before the critters have sauntered off to their bedding area.

 

[Retterath]

Does a cat have to be super hungry to attach a human or when they come at you if u are in there territory or what causes one to go after a human.

 

[Beastmode]

When the good Lord wants you he's going to take you. Whether you are 5 miles back and cleaning an elk in the light of a headlamp and a cat jumps on you, or you are sitting at the computer naked eating cheetos on rokslide. When he wants you he gets you.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

If I do die naked eating cheetos at home on rokslide you guys better lie for me and say I got eaten by a cat or bear.

 

[littlebuf]

This is by far one of the funniest threads I've ever read on a hunting forum. Good stuff guys keep it coming scared of the dark, that's great LOL

 

[BroodBuster]

Does a cat have to be super hungry to attach a human or when they come at you if u are in there territory or what causes one to go after a human.

Most all cougar attacks are when the person is acting like prey thus triggering an attack. Almost all attacks are against trail runners and mountain bikers. I don't think I've ever heard of an attack on backpackers?? I've seen enough sign and been followed enough times to know I've probably been watched at least 100 times. They've always left me alone so I don't really worry about them. In fact I've never seen one even the time I got hissed at.

If one ever does bother me then I'll fight like hell with whatever weapon is at hand.

 

[Ryan Avery]

This is by far one of the funniest threads I've ever read on a hunting forum. Good stuff guys keep it coming scared of the dark, that's great LOL

You can think its funny all you want but it happens! When I was in the army I helped run a land navigation course. Seen a lot of tough guys lose there shit in the dark.

 

[Trr15]

You can think its funny all you want but it happens! When I was in the army I helped run a land navigation course. Seen a lot of tough guys lose there shit in the dark.

Being afraid of the dark is truly a primal fear and something that is ingrained a little stronger in some folks than others. Humans are visual creatures and haven't always been at the top of the food chain. What may seem like an irrational fear to some is really just biology in action.

 

[Randle]

When the good Lord wants you he's going to take you. Whether you are 5 miles back and cleaning an elk in the light of a headlamp and a cat jumps on you, or you are sitting at the computer naked eating cheetos on rokslide. When he wants you he gets you.

^^^^^^This, we have a saying in or camp " You cannot drown a man born to Hang" When its your time, it will be done His way.

 

[JP7]

I guess you could say you were, relieved.

 

[jmez]

Does a cat have to be super hungry to attach a human or when they come at you if u are in there territory or what causes one to go after a human.

Very rare for a cat to attack a human, even more rare for them to attack an adult male. 20 fatal cougar attacks in the US since 1890.

It's all about comfort level and familiarity I guess. .13 people per year die from cougar attacks, 35,000 die in automobile crashes. Should be much more concerned getting to your hunting area alive.

 

[Trr15]

Very rare for a cat to attack a human, even more rare for them to attack an adult male. 20 fatal cougar attacks in the US since 1890.

It's all about comfort level and familiarity I guess. .13 people per year die from cougar attacks, 35,000 die in automobile crashes. Should be much more concerned getting to your hunting area alive.

Great point, and really puts things into perspective.