For those of you that like to camp in the wild, what's the best protection against the lone psychopath with a gun (hope he didn't apply for a semi)?

 

A 50 caliber sniping rifle, of course. And a good set of binoculars. Then, whenever you spot any psychopaths, you can shoot them from a safe distance, and not have to worry.

 

Fight crime, shoot back

 

In any situation, the best protection from malice, is do not be seen by the malicious. Widerness camping is something that gives perfect opportunities to the creative camper. - avoid brightly colored tents, avoid camping in open spaces, or on top of hills, look around the area, prior to camping, and see what moves around. Find a sheltered space, half way up a hill, that offers concealment, and possible solid cover, and pitch a dull colored tent, covered with a drab net. If you can, dig in somewhat, and really hide your sleep sight. If not, make it difficult for the psycho to see you, because if you can't be seen, you can't be targeted. Most psychos do not just arrive at a place, and let rip. They usually go there often, to get a feel for the place, so they leave traces. Find those traces, and you can be the preditor, not the psycho.. Particular places of risk.. Large areas of the Mojave desert, are swarming with strange folk with AK 47 rifles. (they are illegal in CA.. so that tells you they are not good guys) Look for empty cartridge cases, trodden into the dirt, or nail boards, over dirt roads.. Avoid those places. Also, when going into the wild blue yonder, take a side arm, and a long gun. Also take 2 knives, one to defend, and one to use for anything else.

*Signs of Theo's mispent youth*

 

All good advice, but it seems the most dangerous time is the evening when you can't see. What should be the rule of the thumb-shoot at anybody approaching your area at night?
I think additional protection to the suggestions above would be to have a dog and another camping group with you (if possible). What just recently happened in CA with the young Christian couple is a case in point.

 

I never go camping alone. I always try to have my dog with me, a spot light and my 12 gauge. I've been told I shouldn't share that I have a gun. I figure I'm more likely to be attacked as a 20 yaer old girl rather than, a 20 year old girl who packs and is very capable of using a 12 gauge.

I'll usually also scout out the sight in advance on a day trip. This allows me to get a better feel of who or what might be around the area. A lot of people use camping as an excuse to go out and get smashed. I don't find it to be the smartest thing to do unless your with a large group of trusted people.

You can never be too careful. The last time I went camping, I was just getting up and around for the morning (about 7:00 am) and two bow hunters walked with in 75 Yards of my spot before I even saw them. I was happy to see that they didn't intend any harm.

It's really sad to see that there are so many sick people out there. I just try to plan for unfriendly encounters. That way there's no surprises.

 

A good dog and a sawed off shotgun. rifles can be clumsy in close quarters combat unless you have a carbine of some kind. govt 1911 .45 can't be beat in close quarters. that's if he (or she!) isn't scared s***less after you blast a sawed off shotgun at them!

 

Night vision is available .

 

Some friends of mine were camping beside the Current river, south of Salem. Got pretty smashed and passed out beside the fire. When they woke up in the morning, everything was gone - tent, sleeping bags, coolers, cooking gear - everything.

 

Watch the movie "Deliverance" just before you go camping. Except for Ronnie *** dying and Ned Beatty having a romantic interlude with a psychopath, they did well against two very experienced psycho's, who also happened to have the advantage of holding the high ground and rifles.

If you want the advanced course, then watch the movie "Southern Comfort"
The campers, i.e. Army Reservists, show how to put up a great fight against some really mean Cajun boys.

No one should go camping without watching those two movies the night before you leave for the wilderness.

 

Ummmm...is this a hypothetical situation or are you planning on camping near a minimum security mental institution?

Really, I would be more worried about the wilderness chewing you up and spitting you back out. That would be far more likely to occur.

Whistler

 

I agree with you Whistler, that in most cases that is true. I can also see where psyche is coming from though. I know of a local campground that actually has a correctional facility about one and a half miles form it. It is up in the mountains in the wilderness. I have camped up there in the campground and out in more remote areas before.
IMO: There are alot of twisted individuals out there and I would rather be prepared to deal with them then to chance it.

 

Go to a survial school.learn how to kill someone with your bare hands.Learn to go days with out sleep and learn how to eat bugs and barries so you can carrie more ammo for your weapons of choise.
Man ya'll remind me not to go camping with ya'll.I would be scares you would shot me when I got up to Potty.
If your that scared please dont camp near me!!!!!
Yes you need some kind of protection and to be aware of what going on around you,but your there to enjoy yourselfs.Not to worrie about someone stepping out from behind a tree and killing you.Odds are the wild life will kill/hurt you before that happens.



Now that I have stepped on all you good fokes toes I'll shut-up and take whats coming

 

I'm sure you're kidding....you wouldn't just shoot into the darkness if you thought a person was there? Right?

Having spent a few nights in the Ca dez north and south, I've got to say I would not feel too comfy in the southern dez these days as the illegals have been forced into that country. No real personal danger, but they would be of a mind to take food and water.

I go with the large group thing, circle the wagons, keep that 12 ga. or hi-cap carbine or pistol handy.....

Theologian seems to have it right.....

 

We don't really have to worry about all that around here. I'm from SE OK and everybody has at leats one or two guns in their vehicles. Heck, I'm 14 and I have three guns in my bedroom and carry around 2 razor sharp knives at all times. Except school.