Dear All; Interesting range of comments regarding guns. I've always assumed that just about everybody you meet in backcountry U.S. was packing a weapon. I am encouraged that those responding either don't carry a weapon or are responsible gun owners.
In discussions with US railroaders, especially train crew members, nearly all pack a weapon, and some have had to point them at various people who have threatened them during work. Signal maintainers, track crews and carmen tell me they carry guns also. All those tales of shooting moose and pheasant from old time mixed trains in Canada are baloney. It is a Federal offence to transport or discharge a gun of any kind on a Canadian train unless you are a railway police officer, mail or express clerk. I'm happier to know that I'm not likely to be shot by an irate SPORRS contributor if I walk inadvertantly into his photograph or feed cheezies to a seagull. Statistically, I'm ten time more likely to be shot at in the US than in Canada, and 114 times less likely to be shot by a deranged "gricer" (avid rail enthusiast) in Britain. I've gone on photo trips with dogs. They make great companions, and retrievers provide endless amusement. For us, it is the search for the perfect photograph. For the dog, it is the search for the perfect stick. While it is tough to carry a gun into Canada, all you need for your dog is a vet certificate saying it has had its shots. Phil Mason Revelstoke, Canada -> SPORRS: Serious Photographers of Railroad Related Subjects -> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs -> Message © SPORRS® 1998 - All Rights Reserved
