Why I alway carry when hiking

[shermdo]

The recent murder of the female hiker in the Georgia mountains is exactly why I am such a strong advocate of ALWAY carrying a handgun while hiking. The police believe that they have the doer in custody and now the are investigating possible links to similar murders of hikers in NC and FL. I have simply never understood why some people argue that carrying in national forest or parks is not needed.

This is a link to the story on the FoxNews web site:
http://http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,321107,00.html

[reverserboy]

There's no one to hear you scream when you're that far off pavement. If you can carry while hiking...it's a good idea. Feral dogs are also a problem in some areas. I came in contact with them once AND was glad I was carrying(a mini 14 & a 1911).

[God's Country]

I agree 100%. People hiking/camping are very vulnerable. Especially more heavily traveled trails.

[dieselkarl]

I used to backpack and alpine climb in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming and never carried. Then I moved back east. There's more people and thus more problems. I carry frequently when on the trail. Now that I've 2 little ones on the trail with me, I worry about critters as well.

[axmdr40]

Can somebody enlighten me as to the rationale for the ban on carrying in national parks?

There is none, stupid politicians seems a good enough reason as any