Should I bring a firearm on a Wilderness adventure?
Please take into consideration that this articles is based on the legal status regulating the transport of firearms on federal lands as of February 2022. Those laws may have evolved by the time you read this article. I highly recommend familiarizing yourself with the current statuses related to the transport and use of firearms before attempting to take a firearm on an adventure.
Introduction
The question on whether to bring a firearm in the wilderness is a sensitive topic.
I do not wish to enter into a political debate on the status of firearms in the United States. The purpose of this article is to lay out the pros and cons related to bringing a firearm in the wilderness, for purpose of defense against predatory attacks or survival. This article is based on my experience and is meant to remain as objective and inclusive as possible.
While browsing the web, you will find plenty of topics related to the transport and use of firearms in the wilderness. However, I found that arguments for or against ten to be one-sided, and fail to take into consideration at the important nuances related to this subject Proponents and detractors alike often omit the important details that are absolutely crucial to make this decision. We will address those details in this article.
Pro #1 - A firearm is the best way to defend yourself against wildlife threats.
We have all heard this argument being made, especially from hunters and staunch 2A advocates. While this is true on paper, the reality is quite different.
In order to effectively deter a threat, you need to first master the use of your weapon under high stress. It is one thing to shoot accurately at the range. It is something else to draw a gun, aim and make good bullet placement at a grizzly who just surprised you and decided to charge. Let's imagine for a second that you are in the unfortunate situation where large predator charges you at close range: You will only get one or two shots before that animal is on you.
If you miss or if you manage to hit the animal but do not strike a vital organ, you will not only have wasted all chances to deter the threat but you will have made that animal even more upset than it already was, thus further minimizing your chances of survival.
Remember that most charges are fake and most attacks aren't meant to kill you but simply as a show of dominance meant to deter you from what the animal perceives to be its territory or its possessions, whether begin a carcass or cubs.
However, if let’s say that charging bear received one of two bullets in this ribs, his level of adrenaline will spike and he will most likely tear you into pieces.
The bear will eventually die from its wounds, but by the time this happens, you will be History.
When thinking about animal defense, It is important to take into considerations that those animals have thick layers of body tissues, much more resistant to bullets than our human bodies.
Which leads me to Con #1.
Carrying my marling Guide Gun chambered in 45/70 while bushwhacking in the Alaskan Brooks Range
Con #1 - Unless you are using a large and heavy caliber, it is pointless to carry a firearm.
This statement is mostly true. In order to effectively counter a large predator’s charge, you need sufficient firepower to launch a roubd with a large enough diameter and enough penetration power to effectively deter a threat.
Those firearms (and their ammunition) are heavy, usually built with steel and wood and will add considerable weight to your pack.
When it comes to handguns (the most convenient firearms to carry), a 357 Magnum will work against a black bear. However, in order to take down a grizzly or a moose, you will want to look at least at a heavier 44 magnum, or the more powerful 454 casull.
Those cartridges are meant to be loaded in heavy steel revolvers and more difficult to shoot than traditional 9mm.
I personally favor a short barrel lever action rifle: the Marlin Guide gun chambered in 45/70 which I have carried through hundreds of miles of backcountry terrain in Alaska, Wyoming and Montana.
Pro #2 - A gun will help provide food if you get stuck.
This is true in some ways. I once took a bad fall on my knee while going down a class 3 pass on a solo trip and for a time I thought I had shattered it.
I didn't have any way to communicate with the outside world and the nearest trail was at least 4 miles away as the crows fly, across 2 mountain passes.
While I was laying there, unable to walk, with a storm approaching and limited supplies, my immediate thoughts wen to my firearm which would provide me with a way to hunt food or avoid becoming the meal of some hungry animal looking for a wounded prey.
Con #2 - It is pointless to carry a weapon if it is not readily available.
A chest rig from Diamond D Leather allows for fast drawing.
There is little use to a weapon that's buried in your pack. In order to be effective in case of an emergency, a weapon needs to be on your waist of chest, loaded and quick to draw if necessary .
This poses several concerns. The first is a legal one. Federal law allows the transport of firearms in national parks and forests, however the conceal / open carry of firearms is left to the state's discretion. Parks and recreation areas located is states like California will allow you to carry firearms in your pack but not on your waist or as an open carry.
On the other end, National parks like Yellowstone in Wyoming will allow you to open carry a revolver.
The second problem this poses is a problem of perception from other humans. People frequent National Parks and National Forrests for recreation purposes and the thoughts or coming across a lonely stranger with a large gun can make some people understandably uneasy. This is something to take into consideration if you decide to open carry on trails that are frequented by other people. If you mostly do off-trail traverses like I do, then you have little to worry about.
Con #3 - One more responsibility
Firearms are a responsibility. If you are taking one along with you, you will need to properly take care of your weapon in order to avoid any accidental discharge. That is something else to think about when you are out there, especially if you are adventuring with other people.
Alternative to bringing a firearms
First of all, I do not think firearms are necessary in parks that do not harbor grizzly bears, moose or wolves. Black bears are far less aggressive and easily deterred by bear spray or simply, noise. Mountain lions' encounters are extremely rare and those animals usually only attack from behind, making firearms quite useless in such situations.
With that being said, there are 2 main alternative to bringing a firearms: The first one is to not go on adventures alone. A grizzly or a moose is much less likely to charge at a group of people than an isolated hiker. A general rule of thumb in grizzly country is to hike in parties of at least 3 adults .
The second deterrent is bear spray. Bear spray is light, can be legally and easily carried on your waistband or chest on all federal lands and has been proven to effectively deter bear charges.
No accurate shooting skills are required. The general rule of thumb is to aim towards the animal muzzle at close range ( 9 feet or less). A large cloud of smoke will spray the area and turn Teddy Bear away the majority of the time. Bear spray do not work all the time but studies have proven to be more effective at deterring bear charges than firearms (for the reasons I explained above).
One major inconvenience from bear spray is that they are not known to work on other animals that bears.
When to carry a firearm
Ultimately, it is a personal decision. In my opinion, it greatly depends on the type of adventure you go to, the size of your party, your skills and obviously the location (and jurisdiction you are in).
I have carried firearms when bushwhacking alone in the middle of Wyoming, far from any used trails. I have drawn a firearm at a bull moose who seemed pretty aggressive and although I didn't use it, I was glad I had it.
Ultimately, if you are going to be off trail in grizzly country and with a limited party, it is worth thinking about it (considering you already know how to use your weapon under a situation of stress).
If you are hiking on well maintained trails and with a sufficient party, it may be a burden more than anything.
Know your stuff
Know how to deal with a bear of moose encounter. There are plenty of articles and books that teach you how to properly react in such an event. Store your food in a bear canister at camp site and do not camp in areas that have obvious signs of animal use or presence. You should be completely knowledgeable on Leave No Trace Rules before you consider travelling to bear country.
You are ultimately responsible for your own safety. Happy adventures and remember to enjoy and protect the great outdoors !