HikeArizona.COM

Hi All,

I was on a beautiful hike this past saturday morning on the Bluffs Springs Trail in the Sups. The Temperature cooperated, the sun was behind clouds, there was a nice breeze and of course anyone who's been out there knows the scenery is increadible.

The only weird thing about the hike was on the way back to the trailhead at the end of my hike probably within a half mile of the peralta trailhead, I ran into these two guys that were all suited up for war games or something. Camo, Knives strapped to gear suspenders, a pistol at the older man's side who had so much facial hair, you could barely see his face.

As I passed them with my hiking poles out the older guy said to me all suprised, "Ski Poles?!!!" I quickly explained they helped the old knees on the way down after I noticed he had a gun at his side. I pretty much smiled and nodded then continued on my way.

Now I'm all for everyone's right to bear arms and all, but seeing this kind of freaked me out. I know it's legal to carry handguns in Arizona and that's fine, but I was thinking there isn't a very large reason to carry a gun out there, especially if you are with another full grown adult male.

I have no idea what their reason would be for bringing those types of weopons out there, and the whole incident was a bit disturbing. I was glad that I encountered these yahoo's close to the trailhead. Anyone else run into any of these gun toting militia type weirdo's?

Paul

Wiz wrote:And has anyone NOT seen Deliverance?! That could be the "Why I carry a gun camping" training film.

I have not seen Deliverance, well, thats not true, maybe five minutes worth and I got bored with it, then changed the channel.

Then you didn't get to the part that makes this movie a must-see for wilderness types like us. Rent it out and watch it from beginning to end. A very disturbing movie, you won't forget it soon.

Wiz wrote:Rent it out and watch it from beginning to end.

Wiz my man, appreciate the suggestion; however, I am not a Burt Reynold, nor Warren Beatty fan, I believe the two main characters and I did not care for the basic plot as well.

Abe wrote:

Wiz wrote:Rent it out and watch it from beginning to end.

Wiz my man, appreciate the suggestion; however, I am not a Burt Reynold, nor Warren Beatty fan, I believe the two main characters and I did not care for the basic plot as well.

Ned Beatty, not Warren Beatty. I think you may be confusing this with another movie - Burt Reynolds isn't really the main character any more than any of the others. I still recommend it.

But then, I liked "Beavis and Butt-head Do America" and "South Park", too.

Wow, this thread is long!!! This is my first post on HAZ, but I feel that it is certainly a great topic. I do carry my handgun (a Glock 21...45 cal.) but only on overnighters and weekend trips. I don't see any need for it on a day hike. As for the Militia types you are refering too, I guess I could be mistaken for one of them, you see I am not only a hiker/backpacker but also a hunter. Some of my gear is camoflage, and some is bright yellow or purple, it just depends on what I take. So if you see me on the trail with my big cammo backpack, it's either that I'm hunting or just didn't swith all my gear into my other pack. I don't wear bdu's or carry an assualt rifle, but do carry a sidearm and sometimes wear my cammo boonie hat. Anyway, I have seen Deliverence and that whole "squeel like a pig" thing sounds a little far fetched to me.

kkcrowe wrote: ...Anyway, I have seen Deliverence and that whole "squeel like a pig" thing sounds a little far fetched to me.

Welcome to HAZ kkcrowe!

(age 14-16) I grew up on a recreation lake in Oklahoma. I'm sorry to say I've seen the cruelest side of cruel. Deliverence isn't far fetched in my opinion, which makes it chilling.

kkcrowe wrote:Wow, this thread is long!!!

Welcome aboard kkcrowe. Yes this is a long thread, it died down, and was resurrected recently. However, Wiz ol' boy, you are right it was Ned Beatty and I thought of that after I submitted it and I tracked down this; http://www.destgulch.com/movies/deliver/

Yep, this is the flick I do not care to watch, and I was not aware of the squealing scene. Still no interested ol' boy.

Teva, notice the poll topside. Now thats a tricky question, because I think "Sometime" should be added. Speaking for myself, I pack a firearm depending on where I am going. Thumb Butte trail in Prescott my firearm stays home. On the other hand I am nursing a notion to backpack the Verde River Trail and I may pack one. I do like to travel, hike/backpack, alone, I believe in being aware of my surroundings. And again, I do have this kind of conversation with folks at work..... I work for Sturm, Ruger, and Co. in Prescott.

I don't think is was the posting about Deliverence, but I took up target archery again last week after a ten year hiatus. Regarding the movie Deliverence, I think the real debate should be how could they dam up a wild and scenic river instead of the toothless locals doing unspeakable things to canoeists.

Nighthiker wrote: Regarding the movie Deliverence, I think the real debate should be how could they dam up a wild and scenic river instead of the toothless locals doing unspeakable things to canoeists.

Most of the wild and scenic part of the Chattooga River remains and is under the auspices of the US Forest Service, http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/rec/Chattooga/chattoog.htm. And as for those toothless locals, that's just movie nonsense. My dad was born just down the road from the Chattooga, and I grew up about an hour away. It's hardly "hillbilly" country.

Abe wrote:Teva, notice the poll topside. Now thats a tricky question, because I think "Sometime" should be added.

Valid point

I'll see if I can redo it

Mike wrote:And as for those toothless locals, that's just movie nonsense. My dad was born just down the road from the Chattooga, and I grew up about an hour away. It's hardly "hillbilly" country.

The reason it wasn't filmed on the Illinios river as it slithers past Muskogee is the toothless locals would have done worse to the film crew

boy---this thread has taken one heck of a tangent.

Purchasing and smoking "dope" only hurts others because it is illegal! What if you could grow your own happy little green garden? I say no to guns, yes to pot!

cactuscat wrote:Purchasing and smoking "dope" only hurts others because it is illegal! What if you grow your own happy little green garden? I say no to guns, yes to pot!

I think you would view pot differently if you talked to my brother in laws wife and kids . . . . . .

Trying to get back on the original topic...

I have seen some strange looking people on the trails pack'n guns. Of course, when they see me hiking with a gun at my side, they must think I look strange carrying a gun.

Honestly, who cares. If you want to take a gun, take it. If not, don't. I doubt anyone found on the trail carrying a gun, made that choice lightly. I have to consider, where I am, who I am with, and what might happen if I am forced to use a gun. I hope everyone else that packs a gun has at least thought about these things.

teva wrote:

Mike wrote:And as for those toothless locals, that's just movie nonsense. My dad was born just down the road from the Chattooga, and I grew up about an hour away. It's hardly "hillbilly" country.

The reason it wasn't filmed on the Illinios river as it slithers past Muskogee is the toothless locals would have done worse to the film crew

Q: How can you recognize the most level-headed local on the Illinois river?
A: He's the one with tobacco juice running out both sides of his mouth.

Q: What has 50,000 legs and 18 teeth?
A: The population of Muskogee.

Don't get me started! :GB:

Okay, back to the topic of this thread. It is understandable that we are concerned about our safety and do not want to became a victim of an accident, wildlife encounter or crime and that as individuals for the most part we plan and act to address the potential risks. However you address the risks, have a plan before hand and know how to use those items that you choose to address those risks.

Snick33 wrote:

cactuscat wrote:Purchasing and smoking "dope" only hurts others because it is illegal! What if you grow your own happy little green garden? I say no to guns, yes to pot!

I think you would view pot differently if you talked to my brother in laws wife and kids . . . . . .

And my ex

On a kind of similar note, what is everyone's preferred gun to carry while hiking? I have recently gone with Glock 30 .45 cal. It weighs only around 10 oz. loaded and is pretty small.

38 Smith and Wesson Revolver, Titanium for incredible lightness. I load it with 2 pellet shots and 3 ball shots. A sissy gun to many I suppose, but it's all I need or can handle.