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PaperclipPerfector  2mo ago (text post)   2115 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for September 28, 2025

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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I've been hiking a lot again. At least one day long hike per week and, thankfully, I've even engaged in a few 2 - 3 day overnights. Wonderful stuff.

Question for the motte; what are your thoughts on being "armed" on the trail. I put "armed" in quotations because this could mean one or more of;

  • Pocket knife
  • Large pointy stick
  • Inconvenient and heavy rambo style "survival" knife
  • Pistol
  • Shotgun / rifle toting.

Bear in mind I am specifically asking about a non-hunting situation. While I am experienced enough to agree with the adage that the most dangerous critters you will encounter are the two-legged kind, I sometimes have these intrusive thoughts about encountering something like a rabies ridden buck. That would be frightening.

So, open question. Not looking for advice per se, just everyone's thoughts.

Wasn't there a post recently about how bears will run away if you have the smallest firearm?

Black bears will run away if you cough unexpectedly.

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