Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 11-10-2019, 11:58 AM   #81
3 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
Highlands Ranch , Colorado
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 225
I boondock about 90% of the time, usually many miles off a main road. There is safety in numbers. I enjoy getting out in the backcountry with friends/relatives. But we'll camp solo if nobody is available.

If I'm boondocking and there is someone nearby I'll introduce myself as a way of gauging who I'm camping near and letting them know who their neighbor is. By nearby I mean 1/4 mile away. I would never pull up next to someone else in a boondocking situation. That's just rude.

I do carry a pistol in a concealed holster and there is a pistol in the trailer that is easy to get to as long as you know where to find it. I also carry bear spray. If you aren't prepared and willing to shed your ideology then you're just a sheep to the prey.

In CO, WY, MT and UT I'm more concerned with meeting a critter than I am with meeting a bad guy. I've encountered bears, mountain lions, moose and coyotes. Those are just the ones that are likely to attack a human. I've yet to encounter a wolf. My brother-in-law works for the wildlife department in a nearby state and has sent me documents from their encounters that detail how aggressive wolves are.

We did have an incident in Wyoming where our neighbors at a dispersed camping location by a lake were quite rude. Their kids had no respect for our campsite (there were six trailers in our group) and the adults partied loudly well into the wee hours. We chose to leave and crossed that location off our list.

When I'm "out there" I feel safe, but never safe enough to let my guard down. I like to think I have good situational awareness, but I know I'm not 100% on that like someone with formal training would be.
HRTKD is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 12:02 PM   #82
1 Rivet Member
 
2006 23' Safari SE
Oak Harbor , Washington
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by earljones458 View Post
Although I carry a firearm mostly for human predators, one of the other best self protection items is a can of wasp and hornet spray. It's easy to use, has very good range (25-30 ft) and will stop anyone if you spray them on the face. It's also legal, even in Canada, and readily available. It's also great to keep near your doors at home.

If you spray someone in the face with Insect Spray (which can and has caused permanent blindness) you can face the same criminal charges as shooting someone. Please do not attempt to argue this point, just do your research... (Note - An action with the possibility of "Loss of life or cause great bodily harm" equals a possible felony charge. BE SURE you have adequate cause!)
theOrca is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 12:08 PM   #83
1 Rivet Member
 
2006 23' Safari SE
Oak Harbor , Washington
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Cray View Post
I have a gun in case of bears

And I have a "gun case" made from bear skin...
theOrca is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 12:13 PM   #84
3 Rivet Member
 
perri's Avatar
 
1986 25' Sovereign
1970 27' Overlander
SoCal , USA
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 133
Blog Entries: 1
I’m with you, Maggie. I think general safety threads are helpful, but I think a thread based on a sensational incident serves mostly to prompt overreaction, undue fear. It was a remarkable incident in its rarity.
perri is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 12:13 PM   #85
3 Rivet Member
 
1962 22' Safari
Leo , Indiana
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 110
A wise man once said "Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it."
Jimroll is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 12:19 PM   #86
1 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
Coyote , New Mexico
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 16
Social Engineering - Intimidation and personal confrontations - tools of thugs and politicians! If you can be persuaded by any of the afore-mentioned and you do not carry you will be a victim sooner or later. First rule - never make yourself a target! Next - talk but keep it generic never divulge anything! It is always great when one can talk their way out of a problem but on those occasions when talking doesn't work what are you going to do? Flight or fight are the only two options left when talking doesn't work. I would suggest that when going into a questionable location you have an exit plan! If being confronted never ever let anyone get to within arm's length, know what is behind you and walk backwards until safely out of reach - never turn your back on anyone even children. Yes, children have been used as a distraction! There are a lot of self defense - self help guides on "YouTube" and "Google." Reviewing a few every time prior to driving off provides a mindset that can keep you safer. Also, do a quick scan of media covering your itinerary just to know what lies ahead. Don't forget the weather, it can be your worst enemy!
Maxroadster is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 12:33 PM   #87
Rivet Master
 
KK4YZ's Avatar
 
2020 28' Flying Cloud
2017 23' Flying Cloud
Hiawassee , Georgia
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1,403
Quote:
Originally Posted by drbrick View Post
I find this whole discussion about Boondocking and carrying Guns to be safe in America very sad - I am glad I live in Canada. While Toronto seems to becoming a bit scary (for me as a Canadian) with around 35 murders by guns each year (I wonder where these guns come from?).

Also like most of you have written, I too use common sense and listen to that wee small voice inside me is saying when it come to being smart where I camp. If I have to be armed with a gun each place I go camping to feel safe in the US, because of my Canadian cultural background perhaps I just wouldn't go there. So thank you for inferring through this discussion that perhaps I should change my future Travel Plans.
I don’t feel I HAVE to be armed. I just think it’s the smart thing to do FOR THE RIGHT PEOPLE. Nobody has anything to fear from a gun owner who is law abiding, competent (trained), and responsible. The thing about US is some of us still believe in individual rights, and taking responsibility for your own decisions.

BTW did the 35 gun murders in Toronto not have a thug pulling the trigger?
Do you know that knife murders in London have skyrocketed since they got rid of guns?

You can take a superior attitude all you want but IMHO it’s based on ignorance.
KK4YZ is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 01:19 PM   #88
Rivet Master
 
DavidsonOverlander's Avatar
 
1964 26' Overlander
1974 31' Sovereign
Milton , ON
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,223
Images: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by drbrick View Post
I find this whole discussion about Boondocking and carrying Guns to be safe in America very sad - I am glad I live in Canada. While Toronto seems to becoming a bit scary (for me as a Canadian) with around 35 murders by guns each year (I wonder where these guns come from?).

Also like most of you have written, I too use common sense and listen to that wee small voice inside me is saying when it come to being smart where I camp. If I have to be armed with a gun each place I go camping to feel safe in the US, because of my Canadian cultural background perhaps I just wouldn't go there. So thank you for inferring through this discussion that perhaps I should change my future Travel Plans.
I live close to Toronto and have always felt safe there. Toronto murders make the news in our area, but there are a dozen Canadian cities with higher rates of violent crime. Most of the illegal guns in Toronto came in illegally from the USA, others were stolen from legal gun owners in Canada. I agree with your comment in the second paragraph. I've never travelled anywhere that made me wish I had a gun, but if I thought I did need one I just wouldn't go there. If someone doesn't feel safe travelling in America there's a big world of safer places out there to explore!
__________________
1974 Sovereign
2005 F-350 SRW 4x4 crew cab long box
TAC ON-5

1965 Avion C-10 Truck Camper (65avion.home.blog)
DavidsonOverlander is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 01:38 PM   #89
Rivet Master
 
DavidsonOverlander's Avatar
 
1964 26' Overlander
1974 31' Sovereign
Milton , ON
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,223
Images: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by KK4YZ View Post
I don’t feel I HAVE to be armed. I just think it’s the smart thing to do FOR THE RIGHT PEOPLE. Nobody has anything to fear from a gun owner who is law abiding, competent (trained), and responsible. The thing about US is some of us still believe in individual rights, and taking responsibility for your own decisions.

BTW did the 35 gun murders in Toronto not have a thug pulling the trigger?
Do you know that knife murders in London have skyrocketed since they got rid of guns?

You can take a superior attitude all you want but IMHO it’s based on ignorance.
Just because fewer Canadians carry guns doesn't mean that we don't take responsibility for our own decisions, it's just that we understand that there is a connection between the number of guns and the murder rate and most of us would rather not live in a place where guns are prevalent.

As for knives being just as dangerous, which implies that the number of guns is not the problem:
UK murder rate: 1.2 per 100,000
Canada murder rate: 1.8 per 100,000
USA murder rate: 5.3 per 100,000
Even though I am 3 times as likely to be murdered in the US than in Canada I still feel comfortable traveling there because I understand that a 5 in 100000 chance of being murdered is still very small. Then you can further reduce it by understanding that most murders are committed by someone known to the victim, and many others are people who are involved in criminal activity.

An understanding of data management and statistics is more conducive to my comfort level than carrying a gun!
__________________
1974 Sovereign
2005 F-350 SRW 4x4 crew cab long box
TAC ON-5

1965 Avion C-10 Truck Camper (65avion.home.blog)
DavidsonOverlander is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 01:49 PM   #90
Rivet Master
 
2018 27' International
Southeastern MI , Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,344
I’ll take my chances and benefit from a robust economy, thankyouverymuch.
__________________
2018 International Serenity 27' FB
Michelin 16” tires
Hensley Arrow hitch

Tow Vehicle: 2020 F-350 6.7L Diesel
Countryboy59 is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 02:11 PM   #91
Rivet Master
 
billrector's Avatar
 
2017 27' Flying Cloud
Fort Worth , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 773
Quote:
Originally Posted by Countryboy59 View Post
I’ll take my chances and benefit from a robust economy, thankyouverymuch.


Ha....have to agree!
billrector is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 02:16 PM   #92
Opinionated newb...
 
wave man's Avatar
 
2018 25' Flying Cloud
League City , TX
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 479
Guns are not deserving of this irrational fear response.

More people are killed by blunt instruments and household tools/implements.

This is fact compiled by State, Local, and Federal crime statistics compiled over time.

Guns are merely another tool, in this case one designed to inflict harm for sustenance or survival whether defensive or otherwise. Regardless of the circumstances, guns don’t tend kill or injure someone without a person involved. There lies the proper target for your concern, fear, or paranoia.
__________________
Men are but men, and the greatest men are they who soonest learn the simpler things. ROBERT E. HOWARD

What a man does for pay is of little significance. What he is, as a sensitive instrument responsive to the world's beauty, is everything! H. P. Lovecraft
wave man is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 02:20 PM   #93
Opinionated newb...
 
wave man's Avatar
 
2018 25' Flying Cloud
League City , TX
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 479
Because of human ingenuity, you have the option to fight for your life, or someone else’s with a weapon.

Personally I think it to be infinitely more desirable than using harsh language or condescending attitudes to defend life and liberty.

Like it or not, it changes nothing.
__________________
Men are but men, and the greatest men are they who soonest learn the simpler things. ROBERT E. HOWARD

What a man does for pay is of little significance. What he is, as a sensitive instrument responsive to the world's beauty, is everything! H. P. Lovecraft
wave man is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 03:01 PM   #94
Rivet Master
 
kscherzi's Avatar
 
2013 27' FB International
El Dorado Hills , California
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,023
Images: 24
The safest US state in regards to gun deaths (fewest) is Hawaii. Just the issue of getting the airstream over there...

The worst is Alaska, but most of those are suicides. Followed by Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico.

Got this data from the internet. So, to play the safety odds, stick to boondocking in Hawaii.
kscherzi is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 03:11 PM   #95
3 Rivet Member
 
1972 25' Tradewind
East Lansing , Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 183
While you may have a greater chance of being murdered on a city sidewalk, that fact does nothing to guarantee your safety anywhere, even boondocking. You might carry a firearm for decades and never need it..... but the moment you do, you will be glad you had it on you.

Robberies and murder's are rapidly evolving events and I have yet to see anyone call "time-out" to run home and grab a weapon!
SnowWanderer is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 03:18 PM   #96
Dazed and Confused
 
Isuzusweet's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
1983 31' Airstream310
Hillsburgh , Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,805
The sad fact about gun ownership, is that very, very few are taught to hold fire, until they are 100% sure that what they are pointing their gun at, is a threat.

To hold fire while your body is full of adrenaline is a feat that is very hard to master; especially if you own a gun because you are fearful.

That's why we were taught not to shoot until we were bloody sure; even while coming under fire.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony
__________________
Per Mare, Per Terram and may all your campaigns be successful.

“It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose your own.” "Harry S Truman"
Isuzusweet is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 03:45 PM   #97
Opinionated newb...
 
wave man's Avatar
 
2018 25' Flying Cloud
League City , TX
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 479
I agree completely. This, is a fundamental tenet taught by most but perhaps not stressed firmly or often enough I think.

I’ve heard it enough in the Army, in State employment, Federal employment, in training classes and in carry classes ... seems self evident to me. I for one sober up quickly whenever I am armed, let alone when I’m handling my firearm. It’s a serious responsibility, necessitated by serious threats..
__________________
Men are but men, and the greatest men are they who soonest learn the simpler things. ROBERT E. HOWARD

What a man does for pay is of little significance. What he is, as a sensitive instrument responsive to the world's beauty, is everything! H. P. Lovecraft
wave man is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 04:05 PM   #98
Rivet Master
 
Julie-Bob's Avatar
 
2009 25' FB Classic
Scottsdale , Arizona
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 849
Images: 2
Pepper Spay is good, a cheap but very strong and good is Hornets Spay that can be found everwhere. It spays about 20 to 25 feet, has to be washed out of eyes with lots of water. Bad guys can't see.
__________________
Bob & Julie # 5587, 4CU in AZ
Julie-Bob is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 04:08 PM   #99
2 Rivet Member
 
J2Becker's Avatar
 
2013 20' Flying Cloud
Roxboro , North Carolina
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by Julie-Bob View Post
Pepper Spay is good, a cheap but very strong and good is Hornets Spay that can be found everwhere. It spays about 20 to 25 feet, has to be washed out of eyes with lots of water. Bad guys can't see.


+1. Wasp spray kept by the door
__________________
__________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
"The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there is no good evidence either way." Bertrand Russell
J2Becker is offline  
Old 11-10-2019, 05:12 PM   #100
Rivet Master
 
2018 27' International
Southeastern MI , Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,344
Quote:
Originally Posted by wave man View Post
I agree completely. This, is a fundamental tenet taught by most but perhaps not stressed firmly or often enough I think.

I’ve heard it enough in the Army, in State employment, Federal employment, in training classes and in carry classes ... seems self evident to me. I for one sober up quickly whenever I am armed, let alone when I’m handling my firearm. It’s a serious responsibility, necessitated by serious threats..
Vast majority of owners are responsible. Media makes a few cases sound like everyday occurrences. It’s hype.
Countryboy59 is offline  
Closed Thread


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Vehicle Security - What have you done? Tiato Sprinter and B-van Forum 119 11-28-2022 09:46 AM
A ponder - Would Have,Could Have ,Should Have Life is a Highway Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 37 11-01-2019 07:55 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:17 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.