Introduction:

In recent times, our community has witnessed unsettling incidents involving armed street robberies, prompting the need for heightened awareness and preparedness. This guide will share valuable insights to help individuals navigate potential street encounters, whether in urban areas or the great outdoors during activities like hiking, camping, backpacking, and RV trips.

Understanding the Enemy:

Armed robbers, or “hold up men,” are not ordinary criminals. They have crossed a line most won’t, accepting the possibility of violence, felony convictions, and even taking innocent lives. Recognizing that your life means nothing to them is crucial when preparing for a potential encounter.

The Dynamics of Encounters:

Hold up men operate impulsively, targeting victims on the street in an opportunistic manner. Situational awareness is key, and I’ll share some tips to help you stay vigilant and potentially avoid dangerous situations.

The freedom to enjoy the Trail comes with the responsibility to be informed, prepared and alert to our surroundings. Many areas are remote and help may be far away. No law-enforcement authority nearby but can readily contact those who do in a particular area and help them help you.

Safety awareness is one of your best lines of defense and your brain provides one of your best weapons.

Tips for Street Encounters:

  1. Indicate You’re Armed: Use non-verbal cues to indicate you’re prepared to defend yourself. For example, if you’re a woman, keep your gun hand in your purse, or if you’re a man, fan your shirt or coat tail with your gun hand.
  2. Say “No” Firmly: When approached, especially by strangers, adopt a mindset of saying “No” to any requests or questions. Avoid unnecessary conversations and stop the encounter as soon as it starts.
  3. When to Draw: If non-verbal cues don’t deter a potential threat, draw your weapon discreetly and move to cover. This action alone often convinces the aggressor to rethink their intentions without escalating the situation.
  4. When to Shoot: The moment you see the assailant’s weapon is the moment to act. Be decisive and remember that your life is on the line. Waiting may result in irreversible consequences.

Weapons and Training:

Carrying a handgun is often the most practical choice for personal defense. Choose a weapon that fits your needs and, if possible, undergo basic training. While extensive training is ideal, mastering fundamental skills like a smooth draw, quick pairs, and reloading can significantly improve your readiness.

Choosing a Firearm for Long-Detoured Through Hike

If you’re considering carrying a lightweight firearm for small game procurement and added security during your long-detoured through-hike, there are various factors to take into account. The following guide aims to help you make an informed decision based on your needs, preferences, and the legal considerations in the region.

1. Purpose and Game Laws:

  • Understand the purpose of carrying the firearm. Is it primarily for small game procurement, self-defense, or both?
  • Be aware of local game laws that may dictate the type of firearm and ammunition you can use.

2. Firearm Options:

  • For Small Game Procurement:
    • Consider a lightweight, accurate firearm for small game hunting.
    • Options like the NAA Mini Master convertible or Ruger LCR .22lr may be suitable.
  • For Security and Self-Defense:
    • If protection from potential threats like tweakers is a concern, options like the SP101 .357 snubbie with appropriate CCW may be considered.

3. Considered Choices by Other Hikers:

  • Review recommendations from fellow hikers, such as the S&W 317, Ruger LCRX, Ruger Wrangler, or 22/45 Lite for lightweight and accuracy.
  • Explore options like the Marlin 39 Mountie or a breakdown model like the 10/22 for versatility.

4. Legal Considerations:

  • Be aware of firearm laws in any other state(s) you may pass through.
  • Ensure compliance with open carry and concealed carry regulations.

5. Practical Considerations:

  • Weight and Accessibility:
    • Consider the weight of the firearm and ammunition.
    • Choose a holster or carry method that provides quick and easy access without compromising safety.

6. Firearm Maintenance:

  • Acknowledge the challenges of keeping a firearm dry during backpacking.
  • Regularly inspect and maintain your firearm to prevent corrosion and ensure reliability.

7. Alternatives to Firearms:

  • Bear Spray:
    • For bear encounters, consider carrying bear spray as an effective alternative.
    • Bear spray is also effective against other potential threats and is easier to use in high-stress situations.
    • Taser have a range of 25 feet so in any distance contest the taser wins , however at close range the baton is the better weapon. The TASER along with the stun gun are GREAT advances in methods and tools for stopping a combative suspect with minimal use of force and will prevent injury to the suspect and officers when PROPERLY used.
    • Flashlights used as batons and oleoresin capsicum (Pepper Spray) are great force alternatives.
  • Snakes:
    • For snake encounters, non-lethal methods like trekking poles or gentle nudges with sticks can be effective.
    • Understand the behavior of local wildlife to minimize the need for defensive measures.

8. Personal Experiences:

  • Learn from the experiences of other hikers who have shared their thoughts on carrying firearms during backpacking trips.
  • Ultimately, choose a firearm that you are comfortable with and can shoot accurately.
  • Prioritize safety, legal compliance, and environmental responsibility.
  • Trust Your Feelings
  • Disorder within your gut feeling that things are not right can cause you to lose proper situational awareness. This clue is one of the most reliable because the body is able to detect stimulus long before we have consciously put it all together.
  • Learn to Predict Events
  • The most effective aspect of Situational Awareness involves the ability to project the future actions of elements around you.
  • After you have been able to identify elements in your environment and can comprehend the situation, it is time to take your Situational Awareness one step further. Use this information to think ahead and determine how it will affect future actions and events in the environment.
  • Be Aware of Time
  • Time is an important factor in mastering Situational Awareness. The pace of your environment is constantly being changed by the actions of individuals, task characteristics, and outside elements. When unplanned events begin to arise on the trail, be sure to make the necessary changes to your schedule and goals to help you survive.
  • Continually Assess the Situation
  • When you are in a survival situation always be prepared for changes around you. Continually assess and reassess the situation to determine if you are giving yourself the best possible chance for survival. Learn what nature, the land, and new tasks are telling you, before you find yourself in a difficult situation or trail.
  • Monitor Performance of Others
  • Be alert for changes in the performance of those around you caused by work overload, stress, and mistakes. When changes are needed, take action by speaking up and helping out. A weak link in your family could be the difference between success or failure in hike and your survival.

9. Final Considerations:

  • When considering concealed carry insurance for criminal self-defense, it’s worth noting that it’s illegal in most, if not all, states. The odds of making a claim for this type of insurance are perceived to be extremely low, with the average person carrying such coverage expected to have multiple claims throughout their life. There’s a notable point to consider – these insurance providers won’t represent or legally insure someone who has committed a criminal act. This means that in the heat of the moment, if you don’t strictly abide by all laws during your fight for survival, you could be dropped by the insurer. Skepticism arises about the legitimacy and value of concealed carry insurance, particularly for criminal self-defense.

Remember, your choice of a firearm for a long-detoured through-hike should align with your specific needs, local regulations, and personal competencies. The financial challenges faced by the average person in defending against false and malicious prosecution is astronomical.

Three facts of life

  1. There is intrinsic risk in the wilderness. Lightning, cold weather, falling rock, wild animals and a long list of other dangers exist. It’s not 100% safe. A twisted ankle can be life-threatening if you are alone. Learn first aid.
  2. You are responsible for your own safety.
  3. You can minimize most of the risk with knowledge, equipment, and planning. It’s imperative that you are well prepared.

Aftermath:

In the unfortunate event that you are forced to use your firearm, remain calm. Inform the police that you were threatened with deadly force and emphasize your need for an attorney before providing a detailed statement. Understand that getting your gun back may not be guaranteed, so consider using basic, reliable firearms for street encounters. Stay informed, stay safe.

Law Enforcement Interaction:

Providing insights on effective cooperation with various law enforcement entities, including park rangers, state police, search and rescue, local police, and border patrol, this section informs individuals about their rights in encounters with Law Enforcement & .Gov Agencies including their broad arrest and detainment powers.

Under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to stand up a law enforcement body to enforce Federal laws and regulations with respect to public lands and their resources.  As a result, the Bureau of Land Management has been given specific resource protection and law enforcement responsibilities that further its multiple use mission.

In all areas, the Bureau of Land Management’s law enforcement officers work in cooperation with local sheriff’s offices, state agencies, and other federal law enforcement agencies.

Reporting incidents:

In an emergency, note where you are and call 911

In an emergency requiring immediate medical or Law Enforcement response call 911.  Tell the dispatcher you are a Trail user and provide your location (include name and approximate distance of nearest town and nearest road if possible).

Contact local law enforcement and use the official U.S. Forest Service Incident Report Form

Suspicious or illegal activity that does not require emergency response should be reported as soon as possible to local law enforcement or local rangers. In addition, report all incidents on the Trail using the U.S. Forest Service Incident Report Form. State Law Enforcement should also be informed, so please contact them as well. A seemingly isolated incident may be linked to others—if they’re not reported, no one will make that connection.

You can help the Bureau of Land Management protect America’s public lands.

For immediate assistance or to report natural resources crimes on public lands, please call the Bureau of Land Management’s Law Enforcement Dispatch at (800) 637-9152. This number is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the event of an emergency, always call 911 or your local sheriff’s office.

Engaging the State Police when reporting is essential for several reasons. State Police possess a 24/7 response and communication infrastructure, ensuring swift action in critical situations. Their staffing and organizational capabilities make them the most reliable point of contact, especially in rural areas where they handle the majority of emergency calls. Given that SAR groups and State Agencies often do not publish public phone numbers or answer calls outside business hours, reaching out to the State Police ensures a prompt response.

Conclusion:

Street encounters are unpredictable, and preparedness is crucial for personal safety. Whether you’re hiking in the wilderness or navigating city streets, adopting a vigilant mindset and understanding the mindset of potential threats can make a significant difference. Stay safe, stay aware, and be prepared.