Temporary Othering – A Tool for Self-Defense
Please note that we are NOT the original writers of this blog post. All credit goes to the original writers. Find the original post as published at this link: http://mdpofsd.blogspot.com/2014/05/temporary-othering-tool-for-self-defense.html
It began with a socially outcast vengeful young man with pent-up frustration that blames others for his unhappiness. To many in the united states, he had been a”Nut Job”. To many people outside the US, he was another”American Nut Job”. To some pro-gun people, he was just a”Bad Guy with a Gun”. He had been a Misogynist. To other girls, he was another’Man’ doing what guys do.
Determined by which particular agenda you want to promote, the labeling of the killer as a’this’ or a’which’ is the beginning of a logical sounding, but essentially emotional thinking Othering based argument.
Concerning self-defense, it’s important to realize that in the event you’ve been Othered, then it’s time to throw the principles of social conflict from the window. Most likely, your attacker isn’t going to provide you the warning signs of aggression and anger. He or she could lure you, deceive you, and attack you from behind with their weapon of choice.
You now are faced with engaging in your own type of Othering — Temporary Othering for Self-Defense (TOSD). In its purest form, TOSD means that you dispatch your attacker with the exact same cold blooded efficiency and methods he would seek to use on you. You use deceit and overwhelming force to interrupt your attacker, foil his plan, and disengage to safety. Your Othering is restricted to the time required to get the work done. The time need for you to get away. Extended Othering is very likely to get you sent to jail when you go beyond what’s necessary. Othering provides power. It frees you from the bonds of the limitations of socialization and ethical issues. It allows you to perform actions that you would ordinarily never do, and therein lies its power. But rationalized Othering is something different. The California killer justified his Othering and rationalized. It allowed him to kill innocent young women he had never met for being women. And in return, it enables the Othering and labeling of the entire male gender as misogynists by people who attempt to exploit the dark power of Othering.
What Is The Best Caliber For Self Defense Shooting?
Please note that we are NOT the original writers of this blog post. All credit goes to the original writers. Find the original post as published at this link: https://www.offthegridnews.com/self-defense/best-caliber-self-defense-shooting/
What’s the Goal of Defensive Shooting?
Decide What’s Right for You
I prefer to discretely carry something that offers more rounds in the gun, in addition to an additional magazine. For me, navigating daily life, that means 380 or 9mm. While I admit there is greater”oomph” in the 40 and 45 loads, the former of which I carried for years and still do on occasion, it is my present and usual option to carry something which holds more ammunition and is immediately accessible in my waistband.
Handheld solar generator provides dependable backup power in times of need.
A great strategy is to check out your ammo manufacturer’s website. Ballistic data can frequently be found on YouTube videos where some manufacturers have gone to the trouble to re-create FBI protocol gel block evaluations.
The post What Is The Best Caliber For Self Defense Shooting? Appeared on Off The Grid News.
Performance of the smaller calibers such as 9mm and .380 ACP HP has come a long way in recent years. Loads considered inadequate for penetration of clothes and fat are better dialed-in for self defense shooting. Lots of shooters like 45 for the confidence-producing huge hole it makes.
When you’ve learned how your selected rounds perform concerning growth, penetration, compare that to your likely defense scenario. Perhaps you reside in a region where people wear heavy layers of clothing most of the year. As a result, the .380 may not have sufficient penetration to be effective. Comfort will play a factor, as well. If you can fit your preferred 45 to a concealment rig, have at it. Many people can not make that work. Choose something you’re confident about in terms of performance, as well as something that is wearable.
What Matters More Than Caliber?
Lets talk mostly about the differences between two common choices for a self defense handgun. The 9mm Luger and 45, whether it be the ACP, Long Colt, or some other sub-category of 45.
Shot placement, followed by a sufficient number of rounds to deflate the assailant’s conclusion or physical capability, is far more important than caliber.
A handgun is a relatively weak weapon against a mammal such as the standard human being. Both had wounds that started on the side of the mind and, rather than penetrating, the bullet had followed the curve of the skull until it got across the side, behind the ear, and simply went on its way. Both people had nothing more than minor scalp wounds.
It is important to distinguish defensive ammo–including hollow point, jacketed hollow point, and newer versions (HP)–from target ammo, typically with full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets. FMJ is made to penetrate in as straight a line as its speed and mass will permit. HP is designed to expand in size, after impact with good tissue, and sometimes fragment into smaller projectiles. The wider the expansion, the more striking the fragmentation under ideal conditions. I’m referring to a center mass shot on a typical 12-14-inch thick critter, whether two-legged or four. Miss marginally, which round may sail through muscle and exit the other hand, not even slowing down the subject.
Bullet Choice
It could be said that HP is a responsible selection of ammunition for the self defense handgun when compared with FMJ. The HP expends its energy on the very first thing it meets. This bullet is less likely to sustain velocity and cause damage beyond the intended target.
The post What Is The Best Caliber For Self Defense Shooting? Appeared on Off The Grid News.
Performance of the smaller calibers such as 9mm and .380 ACP HP has come a long way in recent years. Loads considered inadequate for penetration of clothes and fat are better dialed-in for self defense shooting. Lots of shooters like 45 for the confidence-producing huge hole it makes.
When you’ve learned how your selected rounds perform concerning growth, penetration, compare that to your likely defense scenario. Perhaps you reside in a region where people wear heavy layers of clothing most of the year. As a result, the .380 may not have sufficient penetration to be effective. Comfort will play a factor, as well. If you can fit your preferred 45 to a concealment rig, have at it. Many people can not make that work. Choose something you’re confident about in terms of performance, as well as something that is wearable.
Shot placement, followed by a sufficient number of rounds to deflate the assailant’s conclusion or physical capability, is far more important than caliber.
A handgun is a relatively weak weapon against a mammal such as the standard human being. Both had wounds that started on the side of the mind and, rather than penetrating, the bullet had followed the curve of the skull until it got across the side, behind the ear, and simply went on its way. Both people had nothing more than minor scalp wounds.
Anyone who’s studied defensive shooting much knows that it is simply a round throughout the brainstem or upper spinal cord that guarantees an immediate stop. In all other cases, including an eventually round right through the center, the continuation of the attack depends on the conclusion of the attacker.
Few topics can light up a range-side or gun store discussion like handgun caliber. Most every long-time handgun owner feels strongly about one caliber or another being the best. When speaking of self defense use, the term”stopping power” almost always enters the discussion. This report looks at both professional opinion and traditional thinking to answer that question.
Share your information in the section below:
To overcome a common myth from the start, self defense shooting doesn’t have killing as its purpose. The sole purpose of a lawful self defense shooting would be to stop the attack. Despite what movies and TV would lead us to believe, only one in six people who sustain gunshot wounds perish. Also counter to typical media portrayals, one round fired from any standard handgun has less than a 25 percent likelihood of stopping an attack. Odds go up substantially–to about 63 percent–with two shots.
MCS 254 – Long Range Tactical Handgun Combat Training
Please note that we are NOT the original writers of this blog post. All credit goes to the original writers. Find the original post as published at this link: https://moderncombatandsurvival.com/firearms-2/firearms-training/mcs-254-long-range-tactical-handgun-combat-training/
Urban Survival
does the argument that straight white people are privileged and don't get a say actually divide us rather than further our common goal as a people? i feel like people shut straight white people up with the privilege argument and then those straight white people get defensive and eventually end up in the alt right
Please note that we are NOT the original writers of this blog post. All credit goes to the original writers. Find the original post as published at this link: https://selfdefensemusic.com/post/185724715068
So far as pushing anyone to the alt-right in 2019… eh. The alt-right imploded. The press is just keeping the term going to milk the few remaining clicks it can get from it. There’s now debate if it was a thing or if the media lumped three strangers together and sold it as white ISIS. I think we take you if you’ve got views that are racist in 2019. Not a member of some meme from two decades back.
The way ideas are offered to the public or repackaged by internet pundits that are unqualified is, for certain, counter-productive. Before they heard the term, got it. People who didn’t get it were mostly educated on it by net heads who didn’t really know what they were talking about. That just worked to expand a trench.
You end up with the equivalent of people who say”I’m eating double the animals to compensate for vegans.”
Let’s say you do not understand privilege because you have seen evidence of it. You hear people talking. The speech is layered with condescending maxims such as’do’ that don’t advise you. When you ask for clarification, the people who were just picking you apart tell you it isn’t their job to educate you. Nobody is ready to engage on the subject of class which makes you feel as though nobody is really interested in solutions. The expression’garbage people’ is being thrown around.
How To Pack Heat With Absolutely No One Knowing
Please note that we are NOT the original writers of this blog post. All credit goes to the original writers. Find the original post as published at this link: https://www.offthegridnews.com/self-defense/concealed-carry-no-one-knowing/
Deception is the rule of thumb, and nobody suspects anything when a guy has his hands in his hoodie pocket. The opening within the pocket is broad and easy to access, and it’s extremely easy to pull a gun through it. From the kangaroo pouch to the draw is smooth and easy.
Suitable holsters, belts and clothing can make carrying a large weapon easier, and even more comfortable. Accessing the weapon, however, isn’t always optimal, but that is where the style of clothes become involved. They enhance not only accessibility, but also comfort.
concealed carry
Like the name suggests, the pocket breaks away to reveal the weapon for quick and effortless access. This sort of carry is for people who wear a tucked-in shirt and hate the slow and uncomfortable draw tucked-in holsters. The khakis are great for the office as well as the jeans for off-work wear. The pants are tough and dependable, and are definitely premium in quality.
This undershirt style of transport has become increasingly more popular. The 5.11 Undershirts are remarkably tough and a extremely concealed and comfortable way to carry. The 5.11 shirts do require a cover garment such as a button down shirt. This does form a deep concealment holster and can be worn under a suit with or without a suit jacket.
concealed carry
The biggest issue with concealing a weapon is the hidden part. Sure, nobody can see the gun, but do you look like you are carrying? The biggest assumption about concealed carry clothes is their tactical appearance. Under Armour is an extremely popular brand.
The Alpha Jacket allows a fast access universal holster for up to a Glock 19-sized gun. The not-so-compact gun fits in quite nicely. The additional pockets could be used to store as much ammunition as possible desire, or simply fill them with everyday needs. The coat even has pockets in the sleeves to conceal a knife or flashlight.
The breakaway pockets are on either side and are available for left or right handers. The pockets are capable of hiding huge pistols and the substance resists printing. The size of the person wearing the trousers will determine the size of the gun capable of carrying.
5. Undertech Concealment Shorts
A small handgun such as the LCP or Diamond Back DB9 is a compromise, often sacrificing power, accuracy, controllability and capacity for carry comfort. While a mouse gun could be better than nothing, it’s still only just a bit better than a sharp stick.
“Shorts” is a bit deceiving when describing these, as they actually are tight compression shorts which in reality are panties. The Undertech Concealment Shorts package a universal holster held in place with tight elastic. This holster places the weapon in the small of the back and can be worn left or right handed. The shorts are available for both men and women. The shorts are completely tuckable if needed and act as a simple IWB holster, with no need for a belt.
What types of clothing do you wear when concealing? Share your ideas in the section below:
5.11 is not the only brand or option for concealed carry shirts, either. Undertech produces a lightweight mesh sleeveless shirt and a long sleeve concealed carry shirt for winter wear.
2.
As you can see, this industry is growing on an almost daily basis. With concealed carry on the rise, companies are gleefully stepping up to fill the void of comfortable and functional ways to take a weapon. This goes for holsters, clothes and even for guns themselves. The advent of these clothes by major brands such as 5.11 and Under Armour are just a preview of what’s to come if concealed carry keeps growing in popularity. With recent legislation changes in Washington D.C., California and Illinois, it’s easy to see that concealed carry is going nowhere anytime soon.
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The best way to hide your guns, and other off grid caches…
Winter has always been the opportunity to carry a big gun. The jackets and sweatshirts have always made it just a bit easier to hide a weapon. Concealing is simple, but as soon as you start adding layers of thick clothing, your draw quickly becomes slow and hard. So the simple fact is, baggy clothes mean simple concealment, but hard draw. Hoodies have a tendency to snag and grab, and coats can do the same.
It is chock full of pockets to hide any and everything. The Scott Alpha Jacket features 35 pockets to carry a cell phone, a tablet, a pencil, extra ammo, and of course a gun. The Alpha Jacket is a stylish design that stays away from the operator look as well.
Get $600 worth of survival patterns … absolutely free!
One of the best ways to conceal carry a weapon has to be these pants. Available as khakis, cargo pants and jeans, these concealed carry pants are designed to carry a weapon at the front part of the thigh for maximum comfort when sitting and versatility when moving.
With the increase in popularity of concealed carry it only makes sense that more companies would come forward to fill a niche with holsters, guns and clothes. These garments are designed especially for concealed carriers. This is a welcome change from buying a gun to fit around your clothes; today you can fit your rifle around your clothing.
4.
They started in the sport clothing business and have gradually expanded into the tactical market. This was spurred because of the number of military personnel who loved their clothing. This hoodie is a mix of both the sport and tactical sides of the company.
Winter Wear
Should you ever have carried a handgun larger than an LCP, then you know that concealing is its own challenge.
This hoodie looks like the typical Under Armour hoodie, and sports its well-known wicking ability as well as its water resistance. The hoodie is, of course, both warm and comfortable, and very high quality. The tactical part is the opening in the kangaroo pouch which allows easy and quick access to an appendix-style holster.
For normal quick access carry, down the button garment can be left open and the holster carries like a shoulder rig without the bulky straps. The Undershirt includes a left- and right-handed pocket holster. The additional pocket can conceal another firearm or additional ammo. The 5.11 holster is capable of carrying a full-sized weapon, which is a major advantage over a mouse gun. A complete size Sig with 15 to 17 rounds of fire power beats six rounds of .380 from a Glock 42 any day.
They started in the sport clothing business and have gradually expanded into the tactical market. This was spurred because of the number of military personnel who loved their clothing. This hoodie is a mix of both the sport and tactical sides of the company.
Winter Wear
Should you ever have carried a handgun larger than an LCP, then you know that concealing is its own challenge.
This hoodie looks like the typical Under Armour hoodie, and sports its well-known wicking ability as well as its water resistance. The hoodie is, of course, both warm and comfortable, and very high quality. The tactical part is the opening in the kangaroo pouch which allows easy and quick access to an appendix-style holster.
For normal quick access carry, down the button garment can be left open and the holster carries like a shoulder rig without the bulky straps. The Undershirt includes a left- and right-handed pocket holster. The additional pocket can conceal another firearm or additional ammo. The 5.11 holster is capable of carrying a full-sized weapon, which is a major advantage over a mouse gun. A complete size Sig with 15 to 17 rounds of fire power beats six rounds of .380 from a Glock 42 any day.
Takes on the Tau Cross sitch?
Please note that we are NOT the original writers of this blog post. All credit goes to the original writers. Find the original post as published at this link: https://selfdefensemusic.com/post/186071599648
A odd twist of events. Sad since I liked the shit outta the two documents, it means the end of the band.
I understand a tag would want nothing to do with that content. However, I don’t listen to agree with it, so the fact the album has tough themes on it means nothing to me. I look forward to hearing it.
Concealed Carry: Gun vs. Knife
Please note that we are NOT the original writers of this blog post. All credit goes to the original writers. Find the original post as published at this link: https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/concealed-carry-gun-vs-knife/
Professional Knife Training?
When Facing a Knife, Distance Is Your Friend
Most men and women who carry a firearm for personal protection have heard the old saying:”Never bring a knife to a gunfight.” But having a gun should never give you a false sense of security — even when your assailant is armed with”only” a knife.
About John Caile
Just do not forget that even if you are carrying a gun, when a knife is involved, there is a good chance you are going to get cut. But being prepared will give you a better chance of surviving the encounter.
Want to find out more? Make Sure to sign up for our next Live Training Broadcast, July 16.
As always, awareness is critical. The sooner you observe a threat, the more quickly you can react. Most of you are familiar with the”Tueller Drill” (yes, it is a drill, not a rule because it is often incorrectly labeled), which has determined that a young, powerful attacker can cover a distance of 21 feet (7 yards) in about 1.5 minutes.
NRA Certified Instructor John Caile has over 35 years of experience in the firearms industry, including training others in concealed carry and practical handgun shooting skills. As the communications director of the Minnesota Gun Owners Political Action Committee, he was instrumental in passing Minnesota’s landmark concealed carry permit law. John has appeared on national talk radio and community and public television and is a contributing writer for Concealed Carry Magazine. He continues his lifelong activism for gun owners and their rights in Palm Coast, Florida.
For those of us who carry, this normally involves practicing how to draw from concealment and flame one-handed — with the weapon held close to the body as well as the support arm held up across the chest to block a slashing or stabbing attack. I usually teach this in combination with the”Tueller Drill.”
Now the Bad News: Be Prepared to Get Cut
Stay safe.
For those of you who wish to get a better understanding of knife fighting generally, especially defending against a knife attack, I strongly suggest finding an expert in the area. Most major metropolitan areas are going to have several.
The post Concealed Carry: Gun vs. Knife appeared first on USCCA.
The reason is simple: Unless your attacker can throw a knife with Ninja-like speed and precision, they will generally have to get close to do serious damage. As much as possible, keep your distance.
A friend of mine, a martial artist and former trainer of CIA covert operators, warns:”If you get in a knife fight, you are probably going to get cut.” He points out that because knife attacks are up close and personal, they require what he calls”phonebooth fighting” techniques.
I often demonstrate the”Tueller Drill” to students in my concealed carry courses. With a rubber training knife, I stand about 21 feet from a student. I arm that pupil — dressed as he or she normally would be while carrying — with my SIRT laser training pistol in a holster.
Remember, you have no idea how skilled with a blade your attacker might be. You may be surprised by just how much damage they can do (even after being shot). Depending on the graphic forensic photos I have viewed through time, knife injuries are horrific… and frequently lethal.
Even if you only want some basic defensive skills, you will learn a lot. If nothing else, you’ll find how blazingly fast some people are using a knife. 1 such instructor I understand, a former Army Ranger, can draw two knives — from concealment — in under a second!
For a comprehensive explanation of the research, including a number of the legal aspects involved, I urge you to watch this 15-minute movie featuring noted self-defense expert Massad Ayoob.
Almost invariably, I’m able to stab him or her several times before he or she can find the training pistol out. Remember, this is an individual who’s fully expecting an assault. In the actual world, an attacker may appear suddenly and out of any direction, which means you will probably have even less time to react.
The surprising truth about voice and tone in self-defense
Please note that we are NOT the original writers of this blog post. All credit goes to the original writers. Find the original post as published at this link: http://invictaselfdefense.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-surprising-truth-about-voice-and.html
Vocal tonality is pretty Significant.
In fact, it’s really significant, especially when it comes to a self-defense circumstance. Many women encounter issues due to their tone of voice doesn’t match the words they are using, and frequently this is because they fear coming off as being rude, or being a bitch. We’ve been socialized for a very long time to be considerate, and don’t get me wrong, being polite makes the world a much better place, but sometimes it’s really important that you’re firm in what you say and how you say it (particularly when you feel as if the situation that you find yourself is making you uncomfortable).
By way of instance, if you’re out on a date with a guy and he begins getting handsy and you aren’t
really into it, women will say”stop”, but with a vocal tone that doesn’t match their wishes. If you say”stop” but your voice goes up in the end, this is called”Hunting Rapport”, which is confusing for the man. Even though you are telling him to stop, your tone is telling him that either a) this is still open for conversation and you only need a bit more convincing, or b) he will think that you’re being playful. It is absolutely imperative that you’re clear in what you say and how you say it – your tone and words must match in order for him to really understand your own dreams. That makes sense once we understand that 93% of our communication is non-verbal, and only a measly 7% of our communication is all about the words that we actually say. Of that 93%, only 55% of it is body language – the other 38% is the tone of your voice.
Let us look at three different types of vocal tone:
1. This tone of voice communicates that not only do you mean business, but you are showing that you don’t want what they are offering and are communication that clearly. Say”stop” aloud, curving your voice downward as you finish the word. Individuals who train dogs do the same – dogs don’t understand what you are saying, but they do understand your pitch. Speak from your chest (not your neck ) when you mean business; it’s much more commanding, and you will fill your social space with your intent (which, in this case, is for him to keep his hands to himself). Monotone – We’ve all had that teacher or professor who droned on in a monotone voice. A monotone pitch communicates disinterest – this is not the pitch that we are looking for in self-defense. Stay”prevent” aloud in a monotone voice – it sounds as if you’re bored, not that you are actively trying him to stop what he is doing. Hunting Rapport – this is where your pitch pops up at the end. Generally, this conveys fun, playfulness, or that you need something from another person. Neutral Tonality – “Neutral tonality is the ideal tonality to have. Neutral tonality fluctuates between breaking rapport, and seeking rapport. Neutral tonality is best communicated with a strong voice, speaking from the torso. Neutral is the best of all worlds. Neutral communicates that you’re emotionally stable.” (1)
When you are in a self-defense situation, remember to be apparent in both tone and words. Don’t try to sweeten what you are saying by having a cute or lively voice or a bit of a grin – mean what you mean, and say it the way you mean it. Don’t be concerned with coming off poorly because, in all honesty, if this man is getting handsy and is being a jerk, then do not worry about what he thinks of you. Your safety is always the main thing!
Works Cited:
“Become the Intelligent Conversationalist”, Kingpin Social, http://kingpinlifestyle.com/become-the-intelligent-conversationalist/
After seeing the photos and videos, I feel super alienated that I don’t care a cent about Have Heart. Proudly straightedge and longtime hardcore fan but their music just passed me by this entire time and even my most recent revisit didn’t get me excited. I’m glad the people who got to go were stoked and had a great time, just feels super weird not being a part of this one.
Please note that we are NOT the original writers of this blog post. All credit goes to the original writers. Find the original post as published at this link: https://selfdefensemusic.com/post/186190102098
I’m sorta there with you. I frankly think FREE is the band. Have Heart hit on that post-youth team. They were rather good at it though.
Backcountry Backup: Defending Your Life and Property
Please note that we are NOT the original writers of this blog post. All credit goes to the original writers. Find the original post as published at this link: https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/backcountry-backup-defending-life-property/
Fight or… Fight
Fraud, vandalism and other Park II crimes dropped from 113,000 in 2012 to 105,000 in 2013. Those amounts represent incidents from a base of over 280,000 annual visitations to parks across the country. Whether or not a firearm was involved was not included in the findings.
Know the Local Laws
“I’ve been in the outfitting business for 51 years, and I have never recommended carrying a firearm to the BWCAW or Quetico Park,” stated Dan Waters, of Canadian Waters Outfitters. “There are simply no dangers that would warrant carrying a firearm into the canoe country.”
A confrontation with a moose can produce a deadly kick or being crushed by a massive set of antlers. And then there’s always the human threat too.
“I personally would like to carry a gun at all times but feel that the chance for an accident outweighs the need for one,” Udovich said. “Additionally, most of my friends and locals bring guns into the wilderness. It normally is not even something discussed. You get to camp, people pull out guns, no real surprise. ”’
NOTE: You can learn more about each state’s firearms legislation at the USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Law Map.
While the question of whether it’s legal to carry a concealed weapon in a national park was answered by Public Law 111-24, the need to carry a firearm for DLP in those parks and other backcountry recreation areas has been one of personal preference and ongoing debate and discussion.
Defensive use of firearms changes in the backwoods. Not only are human predators always a factor, but animals like moose and bears also pose a very real danger to hikers and campers.
A very important part of the comfort zone is knowing how to prepare if you ever encounter a situation in defense of life or property (DLP). Even venturing into restricted areas such as national parks, designated wilderness areas, refuges and other outdoor recreation sites — especially those with expansive sections of remote backcountry — requires the sensible outdoor adventurer to maintain a heightened degree of DLP awareness and readiness.
“But there are bears who need more space,” Artz said.
“If you have to pass through an area where bears can’t see you, make noise, talk loudly, sing out loud, etc..”
In bear country, you might even consider procuring a specific woods gun aside from your usual carry gun; .380 does not work particularly well against this fellow.
Frank Udovich, the owner of Kawishiwi Lodge and Outfitters in the BWCAW, said that it actually comes down to a matter of preference, one now made easier by the new law regarding firearms in national parks.
In backcountry, where accessibility is restricted to flying, floating, or footing it an effective escape is not often a viable alternative.
Mind the Borders
The post Backcountry Backup: Defending Your Life and Property appeared on USCCA.
Wildlife Woes in the Backcountry
A Different Type of Predator
It’s often said that when someone leaves civilization and heads into a wild area, they”re-enter the food chain.” Though this is unassailably accurate, it does not mean you need to behave like (or end up as) food.
Lots of the laws involving adjoining countries struggle. Boaters cruising the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin on the St. Croix River, where an imaginary border line runs down the middle of the channel, must abide by the Badger state’s law against carrying concealed firearms with no accepted permit.
Backcountry Mixed Bag
Opponents, however, feared its passing would cause a heightened potential for gun-related mishaps in an otherwise pristine and safe environment. In effect for barely five years, the law is still too new to have been subject to enough statistical scrutiny to solidly confirm or dispute these concerns regarding occurrences of firearm-related violent behavior in national parks.
Statistics matter little if you or your family is confronted by a deadly threat. Consider an incident that occurred on a border lake at the BWCAW many decades prior to the passing of this law. Randomly shooting into the air and surroundings using a variety of weapons, including semi AR-style rifles and pistols, a half-dozen drunk guys, working boats powered by outboards (prohibited on a section of this particular lake), raided several remote campsites and spent hours terrorizing canoe campers on Basswood Lake (thus the group subsequently being called Basswood 6).
Steve Piragis, owner of Piragis Northwoods Company in Ely, Minnesota, agrees.
Walk Softly and Pack a Big Bore in the Backcountry
Still, during the period from 1985 to 1996, bear attacks did result in 36 injuries to individuals and six deaths.
Defense against attacks by wild animals has always been a valid concern among people who frequent the backcountry of America in areas where there’s a heightened chance that you might encounter a huge carnivorous animal. However, incidents leading to death are extremely rare. According to an article in the Journal of Wildlife Management, through a 25-year interval in Alaska, 52 brown bears and 38 black bears (5 percent and 3 percent, respectively, of the complete bear kills during that period) were dispatched in defense of life or property.
National Park websites have been updated to include links to every state’s firearms legislation.
So far as a favorite weapon for DLP, especially against attacks from big critters, .40-caliber service sidearms, .44 Magnum revolvers and shotguns appear to be the weapons of choice among those in the general public and private sectors who carry firearms. Bear spray is a serious option as an alternative or complement to a firearm. Many feel it’s equivalent to or better than a firearm for deterring animals or people.
[Wild animal] incidents leading to death are extremely rare.There are no definitive answers about whether or not you need to have a firearm if adventuring inside a national park or other similar locations, nor which caliber to use. Clearly, owners of guns should be comfortable and proficient with their weapon to be used as an effective and safe tool in defense of life and property. Public Law 111-24 now extends that right and responsibility throughout the majority of our national parks and other recreation lands as well.
In Alaska, the wildlife regulations require people to stay 50 yards away from bears.
Besides brown/grizzly bears common to, and an attraction of, many parks in Alaska, Montana and Wyoming, an experience with black bears could occur throughout much wider regions of the U.S.. Other animals that could also lead to a serious threat to individuals include mountain lions, wolves and even moose.
“More than 30 national parks are located in more than one state, so visitors will need to know where they are in those parks and which state’s law applies,” said Kathryn Warnes, grant management expert with the National Park Service.
“It’s really a non-issue,” Piragis said. It is just asking for an accident or unwise use… (Bear attacks) are so rare as to even be mentioned in my opinion.”
Since both areas share a water border with Canada, there’s absolutely no visible line to inform you once you’ve boated to our northern neighbor’s waters. Cross the line at Voyageurs and you have to now also abide by Canada’s firearms laws, which prohibit handguns but may allow certain kinds of”camp firearms.” However, absolutely no firearms of any sort are permitted in Quetico Provincial Park, the BWCAW counterpart unit on the Canadian side of the vast boundary waters region that shares many border lakes with the United States. It is up to the person to make arrangements to manage a firearm in their possession prior to entering Canada.
These regulations were adopted with particular scrutiny toward each nation’s laws, including non-restricting laws, regarding the carrying of concealed weapons. Certain areas within national recreation areas (visitor facilities, offices, etc.) still enforce site-specific bans on guns.
This responsibility upon the firearm-carrying visitor becomes even more challenging when international boundaries are crossed. Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Areas Wilderness (BWCAW) and Voyageurs National Park are two specific examples of how complex this legislation can become if you have not done your firearms possession homework.
It is up to the person to make arrangements to manage a firearm in their possession prior to entering Canada.“When I’m in the backcountry, I take my .40 service weapon in a chest holster and a marine flare in my pants pocket,” Artz said. “I have not had to use either one.”
Popular firearms in Alaska include .44s in torso holsters, but some prefer to take a shotgun. Many outfitters in the BWCAW argue against the need to take a firearm into the wilderness area.
Oftentimes, the threatening hand dealt to you doesn’t permit you the option of enjoying the avoidance card. Instead, you may be forced, sometimes traumatically, into the Flee-or-Fight mode. In the backcountry, where accessibility is limited to flying, floating or footing it in, a successful escape is not often a viable alternative either. Carrying a firearm might be your only life-saving option and ultimate DLP course of action.
It was a rare incident that has not since been repeated, at least within the distant BWCAW, in the seven decades hence. Under the revised law, members of these campsites could lawfully possess weapons to use in self-defense. Whether these counter-actions would have evolved into an even more dangerous situation fuels an ongoing debate.
Since February 2010, Public Law 111-24 makes it legal to own firearms in national parks and refuges. You might carry a firearm, concealed or otherwise, so long as applicable federal, state and local firearms laws in the country in which the park is situated allow your possession of that weapon. That law doesn’t, however, change prohibitions on the use of firearms in national parks or affect any hunting regulations. And even if it’s legal to carry a firearm within a park’s boundaries, it’s still not legal to discharge it.
Many outfitters in the BWCAW argue against the need to take a firearm into the wilderness area.
Using Minnesota’s laws as a perspective, there are currently 32 states whose handgun possession laws are”not substantially similar” to Minnesota’s firearms possession laws and as such are not valid in the state. Furthermore, laws in the country where a firearm is registered don’t supersede Minnesota’s regulations or laws. In the case where a portion of two or more states lies inside a park boundary, it is up to each individual to confirm the status of legislation in each of these particular states.