Did I say into the Air? I have sense enough to shoot into the ground.
Do you jump to conclusions often?
I know to never fire a shot without knowing
Where it will end up. I've passed up shots at large racked deer before, because I was not sure the shot was safe to take.[/quote
So, you've gone from "I carry two knives and a sidearm at all times when hiking", to, "I only do this when I'm on my property".
Which is it? Your story keeps changing.
I can conclude that anyone who habitually shoots a round off to "scare dogs away"(when hiking) lacks common sense. You implied that this is your MO.
Since you didn't qualify your origional statement to include, "into the ground", I am innocent of jumping to conclusions.
BTW, ever heard of a ricochet? That round might come back and hit YOU, or your dogs, or the other guy that, "I didn't see".
I don't care where you point your gun, firing a round to, 'scare off dogs', is still irresponsable. But then I guess anyone who carries 2 knives and a gun while walking their dogs is pretty much afraid of their own shadow anyway.
Since you replied to the OP's question of hiking with a gun, knife or both, I assume that your origional reply meant what it said. You fire off guns while hiking.
May I suggest, (While hiking):
A starter pistol- sounds just like a gun. You said yourself that this sound scares away dogs.
A small air horn
A can of pepper spray.
I totally understand your anoyance with loose dogs. I freak'in hate them, and their irresponsable owners.
However, firing a sidearm to scare them away is really over the top, not to mention dangerous. You may hit an unintended target. You may someday meet the owner who resents your 'taking a shot' at his/her dogs.
Might I suggest you read Col. Jeff Coopers 4 Rules of Firearm Safety?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Cooper_(Marine)
Pay attention to rule #4.
Lot's of sane and responsable suggestions there. It is obvious that you have never read it, or, if you have, you disregard it as foolishness and should read it again.
Let's not hear the excuse that you always follow rule 4 and identify what is beyond your target.
I know how fast packs swarm other dogs. There is no time to draw a weapon and carefully scope out the 2000 yards behind the 'target', for friendly's, before the dogs are already sniffing each others butts. There may be time to draw and fire before they reach your dogs, but not safely.
I live in an area where people, including myself, frequently pack heat because of bears. We don't shoot to "scare". We shoot to kill. If we hit our target, (the charging bear), we don't risk hitting any unintended targets like people.
Please, never walk your dogs in Alaska. We will all feel safer if you don't.
