canadians, and aussies, and whoever else can't have guns

Here's one of my more traditional combos when some choppin' is needed. I substitute a kershaw outcast, leatherman skeletool, becker crewman, griptilian (fixed and folder) amongst others:

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I grew up in northern ontario canada guns were are legal and very common. Up there, hunting is the only valid reason to have a gun with you in the woods so you don't normally take one hiking.

I would almost always have a Kabar, a hiking pole and a whistle. Never needed to defend myself from anything and I've seen lots of black bears.

If I'm car camping, I will almost always have a short barreled 870 in the tent with me. If I'm camping in a remote location for several days I would definitely bring a 30-30 regardless of the time of year. Wolf is open all year long under a small game license so providing you have a valid hunting license and fpc you can have a rifle with you.

Land surveyors and prospectors and maybe a few other professions can get a permit for carrying a handgun in the woods. I don't know how difficult it is to get but I know it's doable.
 
What is the name of that Uncle Henry you have there? I own one and was pondering on the 'official' name and have no clue.

Back to the OP...I carry a Mora 850, Hatchet, SAK Tinker, Coast 6" Folding Saw, 24" Tram machete, and one of a number of larger folders. The larger folder could be a CRKT (M16-14d or M16-04z, or Kasper) a Schrade Cliphnager, or a Schrade Beast. I also sub the Mora for a classic Ka-Bar fighting knife or a Frost survival. I never carry a firearm. At most I would carry a slingshot for the heck of it.

This is, of course, in addition to FAK, food, water, etc, etc, etc. But the knives are the fun part.

PeACE
Dougo
 
Forgive me for being nosey, but i am just curious to see your HIKING combo. This is only for places that don't allow guns (let's not hijack the thread with guntalk) . If you are from a place that allows firearms and travel to places that don't , let's see yours . It has been years since i traveled out of the u.s . but i will post what i would carry , later today

For me a gun is not a part of hiking / camping equipment, so it's kinda hard to say what I carry instead of it. To the woods, I usually carry a puukko of some sort (last weekend it was a mora classic). Sometimes depending on the terrain I carry a hiking staff, and to a longer trip a Fiskars hatchet also. These are the closest things to a "weapon" I can think of, although it's not their primary function. I've never actually used a knife to defend myself, but I once did hit an adder with my staff. When hunting, I of course carry a shotgun or my recurve bow.

As far as wild animals are concerned, I think prevention is the key. If I would hike in a bear country here in Finland, I would definately carry a bear bell to avoid any confrontations. If bears would be a serious threath, and firearms would not be an option, I would propably carry a bear spray.
 
Basically, no guns allowed in Japan and there are some bears in the woods or streams.
In autumn, bears get active and people enjoys mushroom collecting that there happens
quite a number of human-bear interaction. Sometimes a story of an old guy smashed
bear with naked hand as a Judo master comes in public.
 
Self defence is not really a major issue where I've been walking, so I carry one of these combos.
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With my leatherman Surge that I ECD.
 
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I'm a European gun owner and I rarley carry a gun, but when I do, its not for self defense. I always have on my belt or lashed to my pack a large chopper or machete. The smallest of the large knives I usually have is a full sized KA-BAR.

There are no large predators in my area, but pick figs or prickly pears from the wrong tree and you might end up with a face full of birdshot. Nothing short of a long gun will be of help in a situation like that.
Still, although there is always the chance that I might need to fight, I do not feel it is great enough for me to carry a designated weapon.
 
In sweden there are a huge amount of guns. Almost as much as in The US. However they are almost all long guns for hunting. Period.

Anyway. I usually bring a Fallkniven H1, a Bahco folding saw and a LM Fuse.
 
I am Canadian and I don't own any guns... but it has nothing to do with the laws.

My father used to own a 12 gauge, but sold it to my uncle when the laws became tighter. He wasn't using it anymore. I'm 23 and I never saw him use it or go hunting.
 
Do any of you guys who don't/can't take guns take bows along?
I find it relaxing to do some archery now and then in the field, not necessarily hunting. More when I'm in a "primitive" mood.
 
Well I for one think we over blow the "security in the woods" topic on this forum. I understand that people problems exist in some areas with high population densities and around drug ops etc. However, security issues with wildlife in North America usually revolve around awareness of conditions and common sense practices. At least in Ontario, the only worries are black bears (minor problem) and moose (big problem during the rut but otherwise not a problem).

Black bear may be a minor problem in certain parts of Ontario, but out here its a huge problem. I have been lucky enough only to have had the BBQ ripped appart, others have had there kitchens completely renovated by these bears.

Also its not very comforting to come home in the dark listening to the sound of the bear scavenging in the bush nearby, while the neighborhood dogs are all barking like crazy.

However for the sake of public safety the Ontario government has provided an 800 nuisance bear phone number with a full menu of information at the touch of a button.
 
Do any of you guys who don't/can't take guns take bows along?
I find it relaxing to do some archery now and then in the field, not necessarily hunting. More when I'm in a "primitive" mood.

I would like to take a bow with me (legally I could do it) and am thinking about it frequently. But target shooting in the woods is a bit difficult. AFAIK it is not explicitly forbidden, but I know that some people who did it were later trialed for attempted poaching. :rolleyes: And bow hunting is illegal here, of course. So taking a bow just for carrying it seems to be nonsense, at least in my eyes.


But I know some land owners/hunters. Maybe I could arrange something without going to jail. :D I have to speak to them ...
 
Incorrect.

How you need land or permission to shoot you also need a licence for the gun which is a pain in the ass to get and have.
You cant carry any fixed or locking knife ive been charged before for carrying a silly 2.5 in knife just because it locked it was also on a keyring.
 
tabeeb762, hola

That is correct; sport and recreational activities, trade use, religious excuse. The Spyderco UK penknife is a good example of something you can legally EDC anywhere, any when, unless of course there is something particularly sensitive about the location. Outside of that you must satisfy one of the above. If you do you can carry a wide variety without lawful impediment.
 
How you need land or permission to shoot you also need a licence for the gun which is a pain in the ass to get and have.
You cant carry any fixed or locking knife ive been charged before for carrying a silly 2.5 in knife just because it locked it was also on a keyring.

The law is very clear. The implementation of it may not be, remember A.C.A.B, but the law is.

“You cant carry any fixed or locking knife ive been charged before for carrying a silly 2.5 in knife just because it locked it was also on a keyring.”

The size of the knife, and the fact it was on a keyring, makes no difference if you did not clearly satisfy one of the rules I mentioned above. The reason for that being – I locked. It could have a blade only and inch long, if it locks and you get got by the metal detector on the underground or something, game over. The key to it all is satisfying those conditions not arguing what should or should not be legal. I'm certain that is central to how you got to be prosecuted.
 
Very good question.

My pack is always fluid, but has the following as it's core.
I have an old Schrade Hobo (with fork and spoon) that I always carry,
my Leatherman Charge (a gift from my wife), and my Koster Bushcraft.
Additionally, I usually always carry some kind of folder. Usually my BM710,
or the little Leatherman folder that came with the Charge.

For fishing or hiking, I'll put in my Fiskars Hatchet and my NWA 5".
I've been thinking about adding one of those folding camp saws,
but haven't done so yet.
For camping, I'll add my breakdown swede saw, and a bigger blade.
I alternate between my Scrapper6, my Fallkniven A1, or my Becker BK9.

Regarding guns, I haven't used a rifle for many years, and normally
have a can of bear guard with me in case of critters.
Since I became a member of BF, I've thought more and more about
getting a rifle, but haven't decided yet.

Cheers
 
At the present time I simply don't carry a gun when I'm out in the bush. I have found that common sense, and a little knowledge go a very long way. Although I have had some scary close encounters with black bears, however both times the bear has fled, even a mother with her cub. I must admit that the encounters did get me thinking about getting my FAL and purchasing a long gun (maybe a 45.70) for REAL close encounters.
 
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