Bowhunting and handgun?

seabass · 02-19-2004, 08:18 PM

I am now back into bowhunting for deer along with my 15 year old son. With all of the reports of cougars following people and a few attacks, I am considering buying a hand gun to pack along. I am big and ugly enough that a cougar would run from me but what about my son? He knows how to handle a shotgun and I would spend the time teaching him how to handle a hand gun. I am looking for your opinions.

Thanks in advance.

seabass

jr sherwood · 02-20-2004, 04:47 AM

seabass, Please read the regulations before you pack a weapon while bow hunting.

jr

danger · 02-20-2004, 06:13 AM

Yes do read the regs prior to carrying a handgun while bowhunting especially for your son whom is probably a minor. All being said it is very legal to pack a sidearm while bowhunting in Or and I think a good idea.

I would get your son something small light and probably a revolver. There are a few composite framed .357mags out there that would suit nicely as a carry pistol,and the revolver action makes them very reliable.

Dan(ger)

SLEDDER · 02-20-2004, 06:15 AM

If it concerns the safety of the hunter or hunting party, I would not care what the regs. say. I would rather get a hefty fine than stand there with my thumbs up you know where while a cat is doing his thing. You also have pot plantations that are accidently found. Some of those guys are not real friendly. A hand gun probably wouldn't do you much good in the plantation situation, but at least you have something. The boonies are not what they used to be. Between the illegal harvest of forest plants, pot growers and kitties, you should probably carry more than just a stick thrower. I always do, but I keep the pea shooter out of sight at all times.

dla · 02-20-2004, 07:30 AM

It's legal. Take a look at the following for more information.

http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/166.html

I'm not a big fan of revolvers because I think they are obsolete, clunky designs. But there may still be some good prices on used S&W M66/586/686 .357mag - check Shotgun News. Otherwise anything from 9mm and up will work for stopping a big kitty - and the modern autos are much nicer when and if you get your CHL.

seabass · 02-21-2004, 06:05 PM

Thanks for the responses so far. I would like to hear more pro and con. Are the chances of getting hurt by the handgun (assuming about average gun skills) greater that getting attacked by a cougar? I welcome all opinions.

Seabass

Just Fish · 02-22-2004, 04:41 PM

I have been bowhunting since 1975 and the last few years the cats have been a big problem. I have had close encounters of the kitty kind the last three years last year I was calling from my tree stand buy the wallow I hunt and had one come stalking In just out of bow range.Next year the 41 mag goes with me.

Grantspastor · 02-22-2004, 11:18 PM

Learning firearm safety is of paramount importance. I don't bowhunt, but if I did I'd probably carry a sidearm. The statistical odds of being stalked or injured by a cougar are very low...BUT...statistics don't mean anything if you happen to be the one involved. I personally know two people (one of them is my brother) who have had cats stalk them while calling for elk.

SalmonSeason · 02-26-2004, 03:43 AM

It's always been legal to carry a handgun while bowhunting. ODFW tried to override State (OR) law. Just don't shoot your big game w/ a firearm while bowhunting. I highly suggest firearm safety/practice and then carry. Carry with conifidence for kitties and two legged cats

Silver Eagle · 02-26-2004, 07:28 AM

What every you carry BE SAFE and don't poach...and for gods sake take a kid hunting, we will need them to keep it going after were gone........

Hoosier Daddy · 02-26-2004, 07:39 AM

I've just been carrying a big freaking bowie knife. I figure I have better odds of getting it out than un-quivering an arrow to stab with if I get jumped. Also, if a 70 year old man can take a cat out with a penknife, I should be able to fight one off with this one.

Amahnee · 02-29-2004, 08:22 AM

Last year was the first year it has been legal to pack any kind of firearm during archery season. Legislation was passed based on our 2nd amendment right. Weight has been the issue for me. It's uncomfortable to pack around a heavy pistol. I went out and bought a new S&W 329PD. It's a .44 Mag Air Lite and weighs only 25 ounces unloaded. It is the sweetest thing I've ever carried. The recoil isn't that bad either. They are spendy though! $660. at any retailer. They come in .357 too. Here kitty, kitty!

danger · 03-01-2004, 07:29 AM

This is the first year I will be packing during archery season. Bought a Glock 23, loaded with 13 165 grain HP. Light, reliable, high magazine capacity. If that cat is after me aiming will not be a high priority,just keep pulling the trigger.

Dan(ger)

feisty's wife · 03-01-2004, 02:45 PM

I bowhunt in Wa., I ALWAYS carry a handgun...I will not go into the woods w/o one, legal or not...I know of very few gamies who will attempt to frisk a guy down when he is hunting, and I figure that what they do not know, will not hurt them. I also have a CCW, and am a very carefull person, I would be more concerned about tqo legged critters than I would about the feline kind.I lived on the streets for four years, and I tell you, there are some real animals out there, and you NEVER know when you will meet one. Be Carefull...and trust No One you do not know....never ASSUME...It might get you killed.

seabass · 03-01-2004, 05:15 PM

Thanks for all the replies and input. I am leaning toward buying a handgun and having my son stay close to me till he is capable of handling it safely. I also like the bowie knife idea. I have a big machette that I brought back from Nigeria that could come in handy. At least I could clear some paths while hunting the coastal areas.

Thanks again
seabass