Roger,
I as well have a current concealed carry permit. And like you I wasn't
carrying it on me but in the car until a bad incident that happened about 3
yrs ago. Now I carry it either on me or in very close to me. Even when on
my pontoon. Yes, just having it visible seems to control the situation but,
one does have to be prepared to use it!!!
When I was fishing on the Naches River with a very good buddy of mine. We
heard breaking of glass, and when we found the source we were staring a 5
ass holes breaking into my buddies suv. As I said I wasn't carrying my
pistol at that time, we were out numbered and basically just got
descriptions of the perps, and a licenses number of the car they took off
in, (along with my buddies two other flyrods, a bunch of cds and other
equipment.)
Although we recovered everything, and the perps were put away for awhile, It
shook us up pretty good knowing we could do nothing to perfect our
belongings.
Thus, we both carry legally, and with out fail whatever we are doing or
going. Its sad, in my opinion, that this is how it has to be, but for me
atleast it is.
I've never had any problems since, but I can't say that its because of me
carrying or not. Thats the only bad happening that I've been around.
Kent Dowd
(kc)
----- Original Message -----
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2001 6:05 AM
Subject: Weapon?
> Any thoughts out there, or personal experiences, where carrying a weapon
while flyfishing has been an advantage. I have a concealed carry permit and
have had for at least 30 years, as I used to make bank deposits for my
company after hours. Even though I have retired from that company, I have
kept the permit current, but rarely, except when going somewhere remote,
even take my weapon. Several years ago I was fishing the Yak just off I-90.
I was parked on a frontage road less than 150 feet off of, and in full view
of the Interstate near Easton. I was on a dead end frontage road and had
turned the car around prior to walking down to the river. Upon returning to
the car, two unsavory looking fellows driving an old blue Nova came tearing
down this frontage road and spun their car around and deliberately blocked
my car from going anyshere. I had my pistol in the trunk, as as they were
getting out of their car and approaching me, I quickly walked to the rear of
my car, and po!
> pped the trunk opener. I then re
> ached into the trunk, grabbed the gun which was in a clip on holster, and
walked back to where they could see me put it on my belt. I never drew the
weapon, just showed that I had it. The fellows involved left so fast that I
am not sure their feet or the car were even touching the ground.
> The purpose of bringing this up is that I have had several instances over
the past five years where, when by myself, I have been accosted. In each of
these merely letting the other party be aware that I was armed, by letting
them see the holstered weapon, made the difference. I know from reading
past posts that some in this group hunt as well as fish. I am sure that
some feel very uncomfortable around firearms. The purpose for my question
is not to get into the the guns versus no guns debate. Rather I would like
to see if it is just me who is running into situations like the above, or if
it is becoming a widespread problem. In none of the situations involved
have I even instigated so much as a conversation beforehand with the perps.
Just seems to be a bunch of people out there looking for trouble, kicks,
etc. I know many areas have experienced car breakins, etc. The basin lakes
in eastern Washington seem to be a hot spot for this type of activity. I
have been threate!
> d several times at Nunnaly. If
> any of you remember Gene Armstrong who worked at Kaufmanns in Belleve, he
had several similiar instances he related to me.
>
> I know guns, know how to use them, was brought up with guns in a rural
setting, and feel comfortable around them. I also am keenly aware that if
one carries a gun he better be prepared to use it, and not have it used
against ones self. I am also well aware of the legal and moral ramifications
of carrying and using a weapon.
>
> I would really appreciate thoughts, experiences, etc. on how to protect
yourself. Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more a common occurance.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Roger
>
