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[2naSalit]

13. Interesting question...

I live in a very rural yet completely saturated by humans from April to October location... most of the land in this area is comprised of public lands of every type, and we have bears - both kinds. I have worked for a couple federal public land management agencies, not LE but still responsible for protecting the resources and the public. I have encountered several open carry enthusiasts in my service and the majority of them were less than appropriately informed about the laws regarding their weapons and the use of such... and would proceed to explain to me why they had the right to carry that weapon and that they would use it in a pinch regardless of what the law said if an animal or human scared them in the back country.

So I would ask first, what is your intent in carrying a firearm while hiking on a public property? Is it really necessary? What benefit would having this weapon with you be if you are not hunting? Are you aware of the benefits of carrying pepper/bear spray? Do you think carrying a lethal defense tool over a nonlethal defense tool is best for anyone involved should you feel the need to defend yourself?

But that's just me wondering why it is necessary to carry a weapon when not hunting when there are better tools available that don't involve blood and the spilling of it.