Southern Colorado is a sidearm needed?

[sasquatch]

Nope, never carried in central Colorado or western Wyoming. I dnt walk about fearful for my life constantly.

I'm sure Our ancestors are so proud of what we've become.


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[jmez]

I don't.

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[Huntingfanatic]

Nope. Don't think there is any need

 

[plainview]

There has been a huge proliferation of illegal marijuana grows in Southern Colorado, always guarded and maintained by armed personnel. Particularly in Custer, Pueblo, Huerfano and Las Animas Counties. Most of these grows are reported to local authorities by hunters. I would not visit or otherwise recreate on any public lands here without a sidearm ... in any season.

 

[Trial153]

I was glad i carrying twice while bowhunting in NM and SD. Two legged vermin.

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[hflier]

I have come across enough sketchy situations in the woods that I will never be unarmed. If you haven’t then consider yourself lucky, but you only have to be unlucky once. Carry.


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[dotman]

I'll notice 3# in a heartbeat. Literally that could be 2 extra days of food.

Then I suggest getting a lighter tool!

 

[odin0226]

2 legged critters is why I carry; Ruger LCR 357 revolver weighs in at about #25 oz loaded. Well worth the weight IMO

 

[The Doob]

I have never hunted Colorado but I just signed up for a drop camp archery elk hunt in the SW corner of that state. In conversation with the outfitter regarding this question he advised to carry. He had hunted in that area all his life and had come across hundred of bears safely - except for one time where he was forced to defend himself and shoot/kill a black bear.
I'll be carrying

 

[DWP51]

I have health insurance, life insurance, car insurance, and homeowner's insurance just in case I need them.

I am glad to not need them, but I am also glad that I have them when I need them.

That is why I carry my 65-5 .357 when I am in the woods...Just in case.

If you don't carry in the woods that is your choice and I will not judge you either way.

 

[bcopley1116]

I hunted 3rd rifle in SW Colorado and didn't even need my rifle, let alone a sidearm.

 

[TheHardWay]

Living in SW Colorado, I'd be more concerned about encounters with a lion than a bear. Carrying is cheap insurance, but not a necessity.

 

[5MilesBack]

I'll notice 3# in a heartbeat. Literally that could be 2 extra days of food.

I'll carry my Glock 20 with 15 rounds on my hip the entire season, and almost forget that it's even there. If it was in my pack or somehow strapped to my chest or something I'd notice the weight or the discomfort, but on my hip it's just part of me.

 

[bz_711]

Just curious if archery elk hunting in southern Colorado a guy will need a sidearm?

Need? 99.999% never need

I carry because I can...don't get to open carry much "in the real world"...and with it on my Kifaru belt I never know it's there except when I'm casing/uncasing it at the truck.

 

[Justin_the_EDG]

Nope, never carried in central Colorado or western Wyoming. I dnt walk about fearful for my life constantly.

I'm sure Our ancestors are so proud of what we've become.


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Why would I be fearful for my life? Preparation > fear. There's a difference between feeling safe and being safe, I both feel and am safe in most every situation.

OP: I agree with most of the posts, other people are probably a bigger "danger" than the critters you'd bump into. If you're going lightweight, minimizing the largest number of bad situations with the lowest amount of gear would probably dictate you not take an additional gun. For me, the consequence of failure should I ever need a handgun outweighs its lack of utility. Then again, I train (as in, pay an instructor to help me gain skill) and practice with handguns regularly, so it's more than just a security blanket.

 

[Whaledriver]

My take is this. Having a sidearm when quartering up an animal is smart in my opinion especially when working after dark. Also walking back in to get the second load of meat. If you are worried about 30 ounces then backcountry hunting may not be your thing. I quit counting ounces and sawing toothbrushes. Pack your bag, train your body and go hunt.

 

[zrodwyo]

No, you don’t need a sidearm in Colorado unless you plan on spending some time in the sketchiest parts of Denver. I would sub a couple beers for that piece. Prior to you getting to your hunting spot a million granola munchers spent all summer there.


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[brandent111]

Nope, never carried in central Colorado or western Wyoming. I dnt walk about fearful for my life constantly.

I'm sure Our ancestors are so proud of what we've become.


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You mean the same ancestors that killed off pretty much all Grizzlies and Wolves in the lower 48? Those ancestors? lol

 

[swampokie]

I don't understand why u wouldn't carry.

 

[upslope 50]

I always carry one bow hunting. I download it to about 6 rounds in mag and throw a few extra rounds in pack. Use Q series holster and weight is minimal. I've had cats stalk me in the dark twice and a bow just wont do it if needed. Rifle hunts -no need for a short gun when you got a long gun.