craig333
Riley's Human
Pull that thing up to a camp of rowdys and open the door and I bet they'd quiet down right quick 
Camping security
- Thread starter KILR0Y
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ntsqd
Custom User Title
So will a chemie light-stick duct taped to a crossbow bolt arcing overhead at about 10 pm......
Those frat boys couldn't pack up fast enough.
Those frat boys couldn't pack up fast enough.
billharr
Senior Member
Good article.
First Paragraph:
Should I carry a firearm for my own protection while truck camping?
The quick answer is, “Well, maybe”. There will always be a debate of whether or not one should carry a gun. As with my new bride’s comment, thirty-five years ago, it has to be in your comfort zone. The majority of people really have no business carrying a firearm, even though it is their right in the United States. Let's break this down, without getting into a big debate.
First Paragraph:
Should I carry a firearm for my own protection while truck camping?
The quick answer is, “Well, maybe”. There will always be a debate of whether or not one should carry a gun. As with my new bride’s comment, thirty-five years ago, it has to be in your comfort zone. The majority of people really have no business carrying a firearm, even though it is their right in the United States. Let's break this down, without getting into a big debate.
If I will be allowed to diverge for a moment:
And putting all the modern political implications aside: Here out in the great Southwest desert region, shooting is still a sport.... At lease once a year, my friends and I set up a shooting camp out in the vast emptiness of the Great Mojave. With 300 yd. steel gong, randomly placed clay birds, balloons and other targets that are biodegradable or can be removed when were're done. With all kinds of rifle and pistol games like; hitting a suspended and swinging water balloon, shooting a playing card in two on edge or cutting match sticks. A target printed with playing cards at 100 yds. is "rifle poker".. 5 shots, a hit on a card is your draw. Everything from AR-15's to muzzleloaders. But, then we are tea teatotallers and no alcohol is envolved.......or should it be mixed with gun powder. And, along with some Dutch Oven cooking,.. great times..
Some people don' know, shooting was one of our very first national sports..
And putting all the modern political implications aside: Here out in the great Southwest desert region, shooting is still a sport.... At lease once a year, my friends and I set up a shooting camp out in the vast emptiness of the Great Mojave. With 300 yd. steel gong, randomly placed clay birds, balloons and other targets that are biodegradable or can be removed when were're done. With all kinds of rifle and pistol games like; hitting a suspended and swinging water balloon, shooting a playing card in two on edge or cutting match sticks. A target printed with playing cards at 100 yds. is "rifle poker".. 5 shots, a hit on a card is your draw. Everything from AR-15's to muzzleloaders. But, then we are tea teatotallers and no alcohol is envolved.......or should it be mixed with gun powder. And, along with some Dutch Oven cooking,.. great times..
Some people don' know, shooting was one of our very first national sports..
bka0721
New Member
Hello Everyone!
A friend forwarded me this thread. I have followed this forum for some time, but I am more a learner from others than a poster. It is rewarding that you enjoyed the article I wrote in TCM. I am that Bryan person.
The topic I wrote about is one of the frequent questions I receive from other campers. Especially when they know my background. Let me clarify a few points. The article was written in the effort to reach all groups. Ones for and against firearms. For the article is about much more than firearms. Many of us are aware how polarizing the topic can and is, about firearms. For that reason I strived to reach all so that they would continue to read and maybe find something that relates to them. From all the feedback I have gotten, it would appear I achieved my goal.
Yes, your comments about the author being paranoid has been discussed in many forums. What I always point out it that the article was written with the aspect to open up discussion of all the opportunities one has at their disposal, when traveling and boondocking. There is no mention that I prescribe to all of these opportunities. I am just reporting, as you have seen in my earlier articles. As well as the upcoming ones. Such as the topic of Stealth Camping, coming up in a few days. But for many, they recognize the sense of having, Situation Awareness. Unlike many here, I am a full-timer in a truck camper and have been almost 6 years. Of that time almost 5 years without plugging into commercial electricity, as I am totally off the grid. So while man of you are celebrating Christmas, Birthdays and at Super Bowl parties I am out somewhere remote and exciting. Since I have not home, and haven't since 2008, I must carry all that I need with me. As I have no opportunity to return home, restock, pick up different kayaks or bikes, or even 4 season worth of clothes. So yes, I have a different situation awareness than many of you here.
Thanks again for your interest in my articles and hope you will continue to read about my continuing adventures.
bryan
A friend forwarded me this thread. I have followed this forum for some time, but I am more a learner from others than a poster. It is rewarding that you enjoyed the article I wrote in TCM. I am that Bryan person.
The topic I wrote about is one of the frequent questions I receive from other campers. Especially when they know my background. Let me clarify a few points. The article was written in the effort to reach all groups. Ones for and against firearms. For the article is about much more than firearms. Many of us are aware how polarizing the topic can and is, about firearms. For that reason I strived to reach all so that they would continue to read and maybe find something that relates to them. From all the feedback I have gotten, it would appear I achieved my goal.
Yes, your comments about the author being paranoid has been discussed in many forums. What I always point out it that the article was written with the aspect to open up discussion of all the opportunities one has at their disposal, when traveling and boondocking. There is no mention that I prescribe to all of these opportunities. I am just reporting, as you have seen in my earlier articles. As well as the upcoming ones. Such as the topic of Stealth Camping, coming up in a few days. But for many, they recognize the sense of having, Situation Awareness. Unlike many here, I am a full-timer in a truck camper and have been almost 6 years. Of that time almost 5 years without plugging into commercial electricity, as I am totally off the grid. So while man of you are celebrating Christmas, Birthdays and at Super Bowl parties I am out somewhere remote and exciting. Since I have not home, and haven't since 2008, I must carry all that I need with me. As I have no opportunity to return home, restock, pick up different kayaks or bikes, or even 4 season worth of clothes. So yes, I have a different situation awareness than many of you here.
Thanks again for your interest in my articles and hope you will continue to read about my continuing adventures.
bryan
Bryan, please link the story about Stealth Camping when it is up, I am very interested in it. I have been Stealth Camping for a couple years and some places I am more comfortable than others. Not safety wise but more about getting caught. Looking forward to seeing it.
bka0721
New Member
Hi idahoron.
Good hearing from you. Hopefully someone will see some of the upcoming articles, and link them to Wander the West. Some might be of interest to this group, like water availability and conservation. As for Stealth camping, it is really a matter of confidence. That comes from practice, lots of it. Especially with urban stealth camping. There will be many tips that will help you get started to building that confidence level, in the article. Many here probably already use. To be honest, what is the worst thing that could happen? You are asked to move on? In all the time I have been on the road, I have never been asked or told to move. Most of this are the choices I have made, in where I urban/stealth camp. Especially since my rig is 48 feet long. I suspect you will be able to hide yourself as well I have too.
b
Good hearing from you. Hopefully someone will see some of the upcoming articles, and link them to Wander the West. Some might be of interest to this group, like water availability and conservation. As for Stealth camping, it is really a matter of confidence. That comes from practice, lots of it. Especially with urban stealth camping. There will be many tips that will help you get started to building that confidence level, in the article. Many here probably already use. To be honest, what is the worst thing that could happen? You are asked to move on? In all the time I have been on the road, I have never been asked or told to move. Most of this are the choices I have made, in where I urban/stealth camp. Especially since my rig is 48 feet long. I suspect you will be able to hide yourself as well I have too.
b
Hi Bryan,
It was nice to see you at DVNP again this year.
Regards,
Steve
It was nice to see you at DVNP again this year.
Regards,
Steve
Looking forward to the stealth camping piece, and whatever else you have to write about. I dont know if it was stealth camping, or discrete camping, but I nomaded around northern Az for several years, spending the majority of my time camping, often in semi-close proximity to towns. It was interesting, and fun at the time, but the sleeping on the ground under the stars and sleeping in a minimalist bed in the back of my truck isnt in my plans at this point. I'd need some more comfortable accomodations.
bka0721
New Member
Hi Sagebrush. I was wondering if that was you and of course it was a treat to have you drop in and say hi. Hope things are going well and you are getting out often.
Malmute, I come from 45+ years of backpacking, some of it for my job. But at this age, I am enjoying the comforts of a truck camper as I still seek the solitude and the open skies of the outdoors. So my way of thinking is still based in those tent and sleeping on the ground. Every vehicle I purchased over the previous 40 years had a requirement, that they could be slept in. As well as when my family was growing too.
You might be aware, or surprised how large a population nomads really are. These are the people that sleep in their cars/trucks and work during the day, only to return to their vehicles again. They find the dark shaded areas of business parks or all night businesses. They retain memberships at rec centers or health clubs to access showers and other facilities. All cheaper than an apartment and or campground. Often a meal plan is used for the ones that are challenged in meals and managing money. These are often available through many of the chain restaurants.
Here is one of my tips. Go to a Wal-Mart or other big box store, but don't park there. Drive around the area and look for a suitable location for the night. I bet you find one. Get your things done, reading, eating, dressing, organizing and bedding BEFORE heading back to the spot you have found for the night. Pull in for the night, after dark and then out at the first sign of light in the morning.
b
Malmute, I come from 45+ years of backpacking, some of it for my job. But at this age, I am enjoying the comforts of a truck camper as I still seek the solitude and the open skies of the outdoors. So my way of thinking is still based in those tent and sleeping on the ground. Every vehicle I purchased over the previous 40 years had a requirement, that they could be slept in. As well as when my family was growing too.
You might be aware, or surprised how large a population nomads really are. These are the people that sleep in their cars/trucks and work during the day, only to return to their vehicles again. They find the dark shaded areas of business parks or all night businesses. They retain memberships at rec centers or health clubs to access showers and other facilities. All cheaper than an apartment and or campground. Often a meal plan is used for the ones that are challenged in meals and managing money. These are often available through many of the chain restaurants.
Here is one of my tips. Go to a Wal-Mart or other big box store, but don't park there. Drive around the area and look for a suitable location for the night. I bet you find one. Get your things done, reading, eating, dressing, organizing and bedding BEFORE heading back to the spot you have found for the night. Pull in for the night, after dark and then out at the first sign of light in the morning.
b
craig333
Riley's Human
My gym is next door to a Walmart, does that count?
The only problem I have is if I am ticketed for trespass I could lose my hunting and fishing licence. It is mandatory in idaho if you get a trespass. I have never heard if non hunting or non fishing trespass also counts but I don't want to find out. I have done a little stealth camping and you said it right "building that confidence level" I don't lift my top over night when I do it.bka0721 said:
I saw a fair number of people that I took as semi-nomadic when I was doing it. I enjoyed the sense of freedom, and being outside a lot. I cleaned up at friends houses off and on mostly, or cleaned up in camp. I had land and lived in a tipi off and on for a couple years also, which I liked quite a lot. Most of the country I frequent has large amounts of National Forests to camp in. I tend to gravitate toward such country if travelling or adventuring. I've rarely ever used developed campgrounds, I normally find some little used two track side road off a dirt road and explore it for potential. I had quite a list of places to camp when doing it regularly around N Az.bka0721 said:
Funny about the vehicles, being able to sleep in them has always been one of my primary criteria, even when I wasnt doing it much. One can be stuck not finding a room when travelling, or just decide to take a nap when out in the hills, (or in a parking lot in town. Naps can be tricky and overwhleming opponents at times). I'm wanting some sort of camper now, maybe two. An offroad capable teardrop, and a regular small/moderate size pull behind stand up rig. I could probably build a teardrop, and maybe the regular camper. I have to get my back and shoulder repaired and get capable of working again first.
I bought a motor home from a friend halfway across the country, I mapped out my return by the walmart locations. I never had anyone bother me when staying at one. I know a fair number of travellers stay at the local one in the summer.
Never heard about meal plans. I ate out a fair amount, sometimes cooked or made up easy stuff in camp. The meal plans sound worth looking in to.
bka0721
New Member
Hi Malamute!
Thanks for filling me in. You might consider starting a separate thread, as this topic is removed from the original posting. I would be happy to follow you to that new thread and contribute. Just note the link to it, as I don't surf much on topics due to I don't spend a lot of time on my computer out in the middle of no where. And that is a good thing!
. Thanks!
Thanks for filling me in. You might consider starting a separate thread, as this topic is removed from the original posting. I would be happy to follow you to that new thread and contribute. Just note the link to it, as I don't surf much on topics due to I don't spend a lot of time on my computer out in the middle of no where. And that is a good thing!
. Thanks!
Back to the camp security aspect, I tended to stay in different places each night, and not form particular patterns. I generally carried openly most of the time, and definitely whenever out of town (this was in the days when concealed carry permits werent around much, and not where I lived). There had been a well known case of a family of some outlaw types in the area before I moved there, they went on a murder spree, targeting random people they came across. I always had a rifle around, if not in hand when walking. Mostly lever actions, sometimes other things. I fooled with AR's a bit then also. They made pretty good small game getters.
I did a lot of cold camps. As much as I enjoyed a fire, I often prefered not to attract attention. If camping with others, we'd usually have a fire. I had a dog once I stopped riding motorcycles, they are great at knowing whats around, day or night. I often was awakened by my dog low growling at something off in the darkness. I kept an old army angle head flashlight with the red lense handy. It showed eyes out in the dark, without alarming animals. It was usually a coyote, curious as to what the heck was out on the ground in the sagebrush. I could drop back off to sleep in a minute or less if it was something benign like a coyote. Sleeping on the ground, I kept a rifle next to me, covered with the edge of my canvas tarp ground cloth, out of sight and out of the dew or rain if it came up. The pistol was usually under the pillow, or right next to it covered over, depending on the perceived need for easy access. A few times, I slept with it in my hand on my chest, laying on my back, Most often it was a 4" smith 29, or a 4 3/4" nickel Colt Single Action in 44 spl cal. I didnt like sleeping with a 1911, I had awakened to them cocked and unlocked several times.
I did a lot of cold camps. As much as I enjoyed a fire, I often prefered not to attract attention. If camping with others, we'd usually have a fire. I had a dog once I stopped riding motorcycles, they are great at knowing whats around, day or night. I often was awakened by my dog low growling at something off in the darkness. I kept an old army angle head flashlight with the red lense handy. It showed eyes out in the dark, without alarming animals. It was usually a coyote, curious as to what the heck was out on the ground in the sagebrush. I could drop back off to sleep in a minute or less if it was something benign like a coyote. Sleeping on the ground, I kept a rifle next to me, covered with the edge of my canvas tarp ground cloth, out of sight and out of the dew or rain if it came up. The pistol was usually under the pillow, or right next to it covered over, depending on the perceived need for easy access. A few times, I slept with it in my hand on my chest, laying on my back, Most often it was a 4" smith 29, or a 4 3/4" nickel Colt Single Action in 44 spl cal. I didnt like sleeping with a 1911, I had awakened to them cocked and unlocked several times.
Ramblinman
Senior Member
Tears in my eyes laughing so hardKILR0Y said:
Ramblinman
Senior Member
That is funny on so many different levels!!! Genius
bka0721
New Member
Malmute, I certainly don't travel with you or know your circumstances in life. So there is no way I am able to comment on your position from a knowing position. What I am able to share is there is very few times, in these last 6 years where I felt I needed to carry a firearm on my person or with me while sleeping. It really comes down to the choices ones makes in where they camp and the level of comfort. Pretty much summoned up in the first paragraph of the article on Personal Safety.
I wish you the best and safe travels, always.
b
I wish you the best and safe travels, always.
b
In 40+ years of carrying while camping, I have been glad I carry a gun a number of times:
1. Rabid raccoon chasing my dog around the campsite in BWCA. Shot the raccoon.
2. Two rough looking guys in the Cascades decided to 'look through' my tent. Unsnapped my holster and pulled and reholstered my revolver and left my hand on the stock, while demanding they leave. They left rather quickly, so did I. Reported to Sheriff.
3. Nighttime campfire in Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana. Dog going nuts, multiple pairs of eyes shining from just beyond the fire. Single shot into tree in their midst convinced them to leave. Probably not the smartest thing to do; using 1/6 of my load. I doubt I could reload fast enough if they decided to attack. Large fire and no sleep that night. Ranger thought it was feral dog pack.
4. Inquisitive black bear cub climbing my bow hunting tree. Mama bear getting concerned. Water bottle bath convinced cub to explore elsewhere, but it could have been 'interesting'. I was very happy to have a gun on my hip.
I could go on, but point is that I didn't get to choose those time that I needed protection. All of them were situations and places that I have been in numerous times without incident. If I had known I would have a problem, I would be somewhere else (1st rule of a gunfight).
1. Rabid raccoon chasing my dog around the campsite in BWCA. Shot the raccoon.
2. Two rough looking guys in the Cascades decided to 'look through' my tent. Unsnapped my holster and pulled and reholstered my revolver and left my hand on the stock, while demanding they leave. They left rather quickly, so did I. Reported to Sheriff.
3. Nighttime campfire in Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana. Dog going nuts, multiple pairs of eyes shining from just beyond the fire. Single shot into tree in their midst convinced them to leave. Probably not the smartest thing to do; using 1/6 of my load. I doubt I could reload fast enough if they decided to attack. Large fire and no sleep that night. Ranger thought it was feral dog pack.
4. Inquisitive black bear cub climbing my bow hunting tree. Mama bear getting concerned. Water bottle bath convinced cub to explore elsewhere, but it could have been 'interesting'. I was very happy to have a gun on my hip.
I could go on, but point is that I didn't get to choose those time that I needed protection. All of them were situations and places that I have been in numerous times without incident. If I had known I would have a problem, I would be somewhere else (1st rule of a gunfight).
Kolockum
Still Wandering
I have been following this thread closely and I really like the article by Bryan Appleby. Camp safety is much more than just firepower its how you present yourself, keeping situational awareness and not being afraid to leave the area if something doesn't feel right.
All that said I (and most of us here) spend a lot of time in the boondocks and no matter how careful we are, statistically something bad is going to happen. It can be anything from theft/vandalism to unhappy wildlife to broken down vehicles. I carry a pistol when legally possible and typically avoid places where it is not legal or I lock it in a safe. I don't let my gun make me feel safe, if I would not go into an area unarmed then I would not go in armed. My gun is a back up for when everything else goes wrong. I don't loose too much sleep worrying about what is going to happen but I do everything I can to prevent/discourage something from happening.
Finally if you carry a gun in your vehicle PLEASE use a gun safe secured to your vehicle! They are fairly inexpensive and a gun owners duty. I personally like Tuffy but there are many other good safes/vaults out there.
All that said I (and most of us here) spend a lot of time in the boondocks and no matter how careful we are, statistically something bad is going to happen. It can be anything from theft/vandalism to unhappy wildlife to broken down vehicles. I carry a pistol when legally possible and typically avoid places where it is not legal or I lock it in a safe. I don't let my gun make me feel safe, if I would not go into an area unarmed then I would not go in armed. My gun is a back up for when everything else goes wrong. I don't loose too much sleep worrying about what is going to happen but I do everything I can to prevent/discourage something from happening.
Finally if you carry a gun in your vehicle PLEASE use a gun safe secured to your vehicle! They are fairly inexpensive and a gun owners duty. I personally like Tuffy but there are many other good safes/vaults out there.
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