Any good suggestions for this? Am I being paranoid? Now I go to the beaches where I know there are fishermen. During the winter, we get the homeless from the northern states and they go wherever they can. This I learned when I worked in the ER as a secretary and from the news... after an assault took place.
We have some nice trails, and it is not always possible to line up a partner, especially on short notice. You wake up, the weather is great, it is your day off... Who can you call at 5-6am?
Ten years ago I took martial arts, but it has been many years since I have done a running front kick! I am now a 'senior citizen!' I have a loud whistle to carry, my monopod can be a weapon if needed. Again, am I being paranoid?
I don't think you're being paranoid - it's wise to think about this ahead of time. I'd carry mace or pepper spray, but those only help once there's a threat. Have you thought about a dog - would make for a good trail buddy and, more importantly perhaps, a deterrent.
Posted by Steve Foss on August 19, 2007 at 6:40 PM
Barbara, I don't think you're being paranoid. I'm alone on fairly well traveled trails all the time and think about those things. It's not gender specific, either. And dogs aren't generally good options for nature photographers unless it's all landscape work and the dog will stay out of the landscape. Birds and other critters flee the other way when a dog starts blundering through the underbrush. I carry pepper spray, the really strong kind for bears, in the front pocket of my camera backpack, and it goes in a leg pocket of my cargo pants when I'm actually out on the trail.
Probably you and I will never need these measures. Not even once. But they offer some feeling of security and if that one time ever comes along that you need them, you'll need them in a hurry. I actually bought two spray cans of pepper spray and experimented with one to see how tight the spray stream was and how far it would travel. I've even thought it through to the extent that, if a confrontation developed, I would not warn the person about the spray to deter them, nor would I flash the can first, but would simply pull it out and spray with no warning. If someone is coming after you and is a lot stronger or quicker than you, it's easy to evade the spray if you know it's coming.
I suppose THAT degree of thought and planning sounds paranoid, but if an animal or person ever came up to me on those trails and threatened me, I would not hesitate to deliver a faceful of pepper spray (mind the wind strength and direction, though, if you spray ). Better for them to fall back on their ass and cry for five hours than for you to be a victim.
You are not being paranoid. Is it paranoid to fasten your seat belt because you realize it is possible that you might be in an accident? Is it paranoid to have a fire extinguisher in your home? Some folks confuse being prepared for a possibility as paranoia because they would rather believe that unpleasant things don't happen.
My suggestion is that you get a permit to carry a concealed handgun (they are readily available to people who can pass a background check) and get some training in how to use it and when you are justified in defending yourself with it. I'm the Vice President of the Colorado State Shooting Association and a certified pistol instructor. This question comes up all the time and the odds are you will not need to defend yourself, but it does happen more frequently than it should. My wife and I have been in one situation that we would have ended in serious bodily injury or worse had we not been armed...we were confronted by 8 young men who did not seem to have honorable intentions :-). The fact we were armed was a deterrent. The fact you can, and are prepared to, defend yourself most often means that you won't have to!
Assess the situation and if you think it is going to be dangerous, don't go there! In all cases, think, be aware of your surroundings, and be prepared.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on August 19, 2007 at 7:50 PM
As a competitive shooter for over 25 years - and also a certified pistol instructor - I have no qualms about carrying a handgun for protection (though I rarely do because of the unfriendly political climate towards gun owners in this part of NY). But to do so responsibly, good training is required - not only for shooting skills but also for knowing the law and when the use of deadly force is justified. Last but by no means least, you must have ingrained the correct mindset for violent confrontations and the absolute willingness to use justified deadly force if it comes down to it. Only if you are willing to invest in the training - physical, legal and mental - would I recommend carrying a handgun for protection. It is an awesome responsibility that must be taken very seriously.
As Bret points out in his article, your best defense is to be aware of your surroundings and to learn the art of avoidance - good advice for those with concealed carry permits too.
Posted by Larry Walker on August 19, 2007 at 7:56 PM
Hi Barbara, No I don't think your being paranoid either. I live in the same county as you. (North end of St. Lucie at the Indian River county line). I haven't had any trouble yet but I think about it from time to time. It is hard to to find someone to go with like you said. I don't always know when I'm going to be off and if I call someone at 3am when I usually wake up that's a sure bet they won't come!
No, you are not paranoid. You have received great advice here so far. I just want to make the observation at how sad it is that we must fear our fellow humans more than the snakes, mountain lions, bear and all the other "wild" creatures.
30-35 years ago my wife and I used to back pack for a week at a time. We hiked the back country alone camping where ever we decided. We felt safe as 10 miles or so into the wilderness we left all the "yahoos" behind. ATVs changed that and we now do not feel safe and no longer sleep alone in the woods since anyone with access to an ATV or dirt bike can reach the deep woods without making the commitment of a long hike.
So, no, you are not paranoid just being cautious and prepared.
Posted by Richard Wong on August 19, 2007 at 9:35 PM
The best defense is to be aware, smart, and know how to fight / escape. Weapons are useless in many instances especially if you aren't in a position to use one.
Posted by Cliff Beittel on August 19, 2007 at 9:38 PM
Jim gives good advice, but it's also true just a little practice can go a long way. I once knew someone without a lot of training or skill who successfully handled a home invasion. One of the perps died, one recovered from his wounds, and the other fled (caught later, I believe). The court determined the shootings were justified by the lethal harm threatened against the family's children, and no charges were brought. Quite a difference from the similar case in Connecticut this summer, and worth a lifetime of pride, I think, for the parent involved.
I'll second the bear/pepper spray. Also, have 911 on speed dial on your cell phone so you can activate it with 1-2 keystrokes. Even if you can't talk they can locate your phone and send someone (obviously it will take them a while to get there though). The best option in my opinion: go to your local rescue shelter and pick a nice big dog. You'll save his/her life and in turn you will have a loyal companion you can always count on.
Guy
Posted by Roger Rouch on August 19, 2007 at 11:38 PM
Without repeating some of these good suggestions, I might add that I seldom stop to chat it up with anyone who might be the tiniest bit suspicious looking. When I run across strangers on the trail or camping I try to act with an air of confidence and tend to dress in drab an worn clothing to not draw attention. I probably feel safest on trails where there is a moderate amount of traffic, but seem to seldom encounter odd looking characters in areas where some moderate exertion is required to get there. As a guy, I think I've only had one or two situations in many years of hiking by myself or with others where I felt any sense of danger. I think of all of the suggestions offered, I think the ones I like the best as a deterent are a big dog, a can of pepper spray. and a cell phone.
Posted by Kent Staubus on August 20, 2007 at 12:17 AM
I rarely feel any threat out in the woods from people, but I do live in a low crime region. The reality is things are different for women though. At 6 AM, you are at the "safest" point of the day. Most criminals are lazy and stay up all night and don't venture out that early. When I want to photo in a "bad" part of an urban area, I do it at dawn.
If I were you, I probably would take some strong bear spray, just to have. Like Steve above, I would give no warning if I thought I had to use it. You should also be telling someone where you are going and when you are due back. As for guns, I am very much a "good old boy" in that respect and am very comfortable with them. You could get a conceal carry permit pretty easily in Florida. I keep an automatic carbine in the trunk of my car with two 30 round clips. However, I rarely carry a gun when I'm just out taking photos. (Exception being night time in the Black Hills where mountain lions prowl.) There are two problems with guns as I see it. The first is you have to practice regularly with a pistol to be able to hit anything. The second is if you have kids around, a loaded gun is a huge risk. I don't know right off how many guns I have around here, but I do know for a fact none are loaded and ammo is stored separately. My thinking is the bear spray would be a great deterrent for anything you might come across. I also carry a razor sharp knife with me, but as a weapon it would be a last resort since it takes skill and strength to use well. I wouldn't recommend you carry a knife because it could be taken away.
Kent in SD
Posted by Jim Erhardt on August 20, 2007 at 6:23 AM
Great responses. Thank you all! I had this subject in mind for quite a while, but for some reason put off posting it... I will check out the articles mentioned. It truly is a sad comment for our times. I know how to deal with snakes and other critters. No bears where I live, or mountain lions. There are some wild boars in places.... Thanks again.
Wow lots of responses here! I have not had time to read them in detail, but this pertains to me too. I usually shoot alone, and am always out in the woods on some trail or other. My concern is not only a possible asault, but the chance of falling, spraining an ankle, or getting bee stung (I'm allergic). I don't always take the precautions that I should, but definitely carry plenty of water, emergency items that you may need (epi-pen for me in case I get stung), cell phone (which unfortunately does not always have a signal where I go), and pepper spray. I always stay on the marked trails and usually don't hike too far from civilization. I noticed in glancing through the responses that it was suggested to get a dog. Sounds like a good suggestion. Unfortunately I don't have anywhere to keep a big dog, and my little dachshund won't be much protection!
Posted by Kelly Rowe on August 20, 2007 at 9:34 AM
Barbara, I left Orlando because the crime has gotten so crazy there. I know this is going to generate some flak, because it has here before. When I did night photography in some of Orlando's less safe areas (where the historic homes and buildings are) I always carried a firearm with me. Florida has a great concealed weapons program. Get some training. Get a license. Get a small concealable firearm and carry it with you on the trails.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on August 20, 2007 at 10:07 AM
Kelly said;
I know this is going to generate some flak, because it has here before.
There is no reason for flak over this suggestion. It is (in many places) a legal and (unless you are a pacifist) ethical option, but one that requires the investment I mentioned to do so responsibly.
But in today's social/political climate, it is a decision that carries with it many ramifications. Criminals injured while committing a crime can still - unbelieveably - sue their victims in civil court. If you simply pull a gun to deter the crime, the bad guy can report you to the authorities for "brandishing a weapon" and now the victim becomes the criminal. It's no wonder so many would rather take their chances on being victimized by the criminal rather than by the system. But the system will not change unless the people who it's supposed to serve stand up for their rights.
Like I said, there's a lot to consider.
Posted by Emmett Ward on August 20, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Barbara,
For 17 years I was a patrol officer for Memphis Police. And believe me, anytime that I am out early in the morning or especially late in the evening I carry. Its amazing what a photo vest can hide. And I understand the argument that the system can work against you in certain situations, But as we say,"Better to be tried by 12, than to be carried by 6.
I probably would have answered differently, had I not raised a couple of daughters in "bush" Alaska and now delight in a granddaughter who moves between major metro areas around the country periodically (My daughter married military). I also periodically help my wife load herself onto floatplanes for flights into remote Alaska wilderness.
I'm well over 6', grew up in the country with brothers and no sisters, and by nature I'm pretty rough and tumble even as I'm on the downhill slide toward the big 60. Had I raised sons or never married, I think my "take" on women would likely be less insightful, but don't expect me to be as thoroughly versed as I should be yet. I'm still learning and reserve the right to make mistakes and say stupid things!!
With that as a preamble, I have to say that these type of discussions quite reasonably verge into safety for women in "social" encounters, but there's a lot more to consider than threats from human subspecies on the trail--- for both men and women. Alice ventured into it in her post, but outside of major urban areas all of us are more likely to get into trouble with injuries and weather changes than with other people.
Certainly do what you can to prepare for people problems, but don't let that concern distract you from what I consider to be more likely problems of getting hurt or lost. It ain't as sexy as talking about guns and pepper spray (and I have a houseful of both), but put a lot more thought into dressing appropriately, leaving a "float plan" (specifying where you are going, when you will be back, and who to call if you're a no show) with someone responsible, and carrying an appropriate choice of rescue communications (cell phone, sat phone, VHF radio, EPIRB/ELT, whatever). Attacks by cretins make the headlines, but accidents and health problems fill the ER's.
As a woman I always go places where there are plenty of people when I'm camping or hiking, usually it's a park of some kind so there are some rangers around...mainly because if something happened I'd know that someone was probably going to pass by. I worry more about getting hurt than the human predator, though as a woman I'm always on alert...I become very aware of surroundings. This Sunday I was in downtown Denver, which is full of the homeless and was very aware of the "looks at the photographer" and was always watching my back. But to put a more positive side to this discussion I feel safer out in the woods than I do in the city. However, here in Colorado a USGS intern was recently killed while doing a study by herself...it does make one pause. It may sound cheesy but I always have a tripod with me and sometimes I just carry it over my shoulder...I always figure that could be used as a club (yes, it does go through my mind) and I also always walk with a purpose...I've even, when nervous about it, have tried to look like a man walking. Pepper spray would be a good idea, but as for a gun...not for me. Just play it safe, and TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS...I think you're already more prepared than most in knowing some martial arts...but my slogan is don't be stupid, but also don't let fear stop you from doing what you enjoy.
Hi, Barbara,
I'll join the consensus and say, no, you're not being paranoid. As a woman, I always think of these things. I have a concealed weapons permit but have never carried because the laws differ among the states and supposedly, you're not supposed to carry in the national parks. Besides, a firearm that can actually defend you is quite heavy.
Mostly my strategy has been to stay around places that are well traveled, to look for families to camp near or to walk on trail with or near, with their permission. Most have been very obliging. I never go on trails by myself because I'm not a "heavy duty" hiker.
In other words, so far my best defense has been to be aware of who is around me, to REALLY listen to my intuition AT ALL TIMES, to be very careful about what I say and how much I say to strangers, and to trust my poodle service dog, who has warned people away by barking. Dogs have a lot of intuition, too, and can tell you in many ways how and where to pay attention and/or not go.
Thanks to all the men who responded! It's reassuring, in a strange sort of way, to know you guys think about this too. Thanks for your understanding about women being out there alone.
Posted by Lori Kincaid on August 20, 2007 at 10:29 PM
Hi Barbara,
I guess I'm going to be the exception here, but I say you're being paranoid . Just kidding, of course, but seriously, I just don't worry about it. I almost always photograph alone and absolutely refuse to limit myself to venues with other people. In fact, I seek out the paths less travelled and love to backpack by myself, preferably to locations where I'm unlikely to see another human. I don't carry a weapon, except for my tripod, and feel much safer in the woods than I feel walking to a parking lot in the city. I think the two-legged varmints are a much greater risk than the four-legged, but most human predators won't bother to get on a trail. It's true, attacks do occur--we had a rash of assaults on the AT several years ago--but to me the odds of being assaulted in the wilderness are too low to worry about it. Don't get me wrong though: I practice conscious awareness of my surroundings, I carry appropriate first aid and other supplies, and I have a healthy respect for the unforeseen. I also listen to my instincts. If I feel cagy or unsafe I turn around and go home. Hope this helps!
Barbara,
No, you're not being paranoid. The most important thing is to know your surroundings, and prepare accordingly. You know your area, and your gut feel is that there is cause for concern. Review your options, and taking into account the excellent info people on here have given you, go with something YOU feel comfortable with.
I live in Alaska. We have crazy weirdos (humans) and wild animals running around, both of whom can do you bodily harm. I do a fair amount of photography while my hubby is working, and I carry a pistol most of the time. I'm a hunter, I used to target shoot pistol, and I feel comfortable with it. But I also use a cell phone to let my hubby know where I am, and I keep a sharp eye and ear on my surroundings no matter where I am. In fact, even when we're out together, we're very, very aware of our surroundings.
Do whatever combination of things you feel comfotable with, but don't let your guard down. That's not being paranoid, that's using common sense.
One of the things I like best about living here in the Great State of Arizona, is our open carry law. As long as the weapon is visible from three sides, no permit is needed. I feel the biggest downside to carrying concealed, is that a criminal doesn't know who has a weapon and who does not. Since most people don't, this could lead to a confrontation, that would cause you to need to pull out the weapon. But if you carry it exposed on your hip, they know at first glance that you are prepared to defend yourself and go looking for an easier victim.
I live, work and do most of my recreation here in one of the worst drug smuggling corridors, But even though I've encountered countless groups of smugglers in remote locations, none have ever approached me after seeing the gun on my hip.
The best advise I could offer to you would be to open carry a large can of mace ( I don't think that Florida allows open carry of handguns ) But if you ever come to visit our Great State, feel free to carry a handgun if so inclined. Just be sure that your shirt or jacket doesn't cover it!
Walther PPK or The Lady Smith & Wesson add to that a bit of common sence and a cell phone.
Posted by Steve Foss on August 22, 2007 at 8:25 PM
I ran into a camper on a remote trail in the Superior National Forest today while I was out shooting images for a hiking trails guide I'm working on. Came around the bend and there he was setting up camp with a .44 Ruger Redhawk in a holster on his hip.
He didn't see me, and I paused a minute to look him and his stuff over before I approached him. I would not have been so hesitant to walk up to him if he wasn't carrying. After I said howdy and introduced myself, it turned out he knew me from my photography. Anyway, plenty of people carry out in the woods. It just serves to illustrate the greater level of care one takes in approaching someone who's carrying a gun in sight. I've carried, myself, and we talked a bit about that. He's an elementary teacher who lives about an hour from Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. He got the tradition from his Dad, who carried his whole life when out in the woods.
As I said earlier in this thread, odds are you'll never need it in a whole lifetime of walking in the wilderness. But that one time you do, you REALLY do! And as others have stated, you have to be familiar with the weapon, trained in its use and also trained to think through whether or not you have what it takes to use deadly force to defend yourself.
Tim, Colorado was the same as Arizona regarding open carry when I lived there. Lots of folks who wandered in the mountains in general (I lived at 10,000 feet), as well as cattle ranchers in particular when out on the range, carried openly. Only problem with moving to AZ is how bloody HOT it is.
Posted by David Senesac on August 23, 2007 at 9:51 PM
When discussing how safe it is as an outdoor photographer, location is a huge factor. I see you live in Florida Barbara. Although I haven't spent much time there, it would be near the top of my list of dangerous locales to be a woman outdoor photographer at. Huge urban areas, major vacation destinations, lots of migrants, several areas with with reputations that attract low lifes with little morals.
Here in California we have our dangerous areas too but they are invariably near urban areas. Every once in awhile one reads about how some woman is attacked while jogging along an urban park trail. Beyond urban areas such is quite rare though always possible. These days I see far more solo women or small groups of only women on trails than ever in the past. And that includes quite a lot of day hikers and backpackers. And I've been an avid outdoors photographer most of three decades. A good reflection of the general morality of most of us folks. Reality is the real outdoors has always had little interest with criminals and perverts.
...David
Posted by Liz Stanley on August 29, 2007 at 10:04 AM
Great topic and comments. I've typically thought about safety not so much from the gender standpoint (I am female as well), but more about the general concern of carrying several thousand dollars worth of equipment out in public. People have brought up some good points about being aware of your surroundings, self-defense, the effectiveness of weapons, etc. Here are a couple of things that I haven't seen mentioned. All my gear is insured. Hopefully any bad guys out there are more interested in my gear than in me, so I would have no hesitation about letting them have it if it comes to that. I stay in tip top physical shape by regularly working out 5-6 times a week, and could likely outrun anyone who wants to come after me, even as I approach 40 years of age. I always dress very comfortably - never in anything I couldn't easily run in. Especially when in a hiking/camping environment, I tend to dress rather non-feminine (ball cap, outdoors type shirts, convertible hiking pants, etc.) I doubt many people could tell from a distance that I am female. Not that any of this guarantees something wouldn't happen, but I think in addition to all the normal precautions anyone should take, it definitely lowers the odds. And that's really the best anyone can do.
Discussion
27 repliesWe have some nice trails, and it is not always possible to line up a partner, especially on short notice. You wake up, the weather is great, it is your day off... Who can you call at 5-6am?
Ten years ago I took martial arts, but it has been many years since I have done a running front kick! I am now a 'senior citizen!' I have a loud whistle to carry, my monopod can be a weapon if needed. Again, am I being paranoid?
Probably you and I will never need these measures. Not even once. But they offer some feeling of security and if that one time ever comes along that you need them, you'll need them in a hurry. I actually bought two spray cans of pepper spray and experimented with one to see how tight the spray stream was and how far it would travel. I've even thought it through to the extent that, if a confrontation developed, I would not warn the person about the spray to deter them, nor would I flash the can first, but would simply pull it out and spray with no warning. If someone is coming after you and is a lot stronger or quicker than you, it's easy to evade the spray if you know it's coming.
I suppose THAT degree of thought and planning sounds paranoid, but if an animal or person ever came up to me on those trails and threatened me, I would not hesitate to deliver a faceful of pepper spray (mind the wind strength and direction, though, if you spray
My suggestion is that you get a permit to carry a concealed handgun (they are readily available to people who can pass a background check) and get some training in how to use it and when you are justified in defending yourself with it. I'm the Vice President of the Colorado State Shooting Association and a certified pistol instructor. This question comes up all the time and the odds are you will not need to defend yourself, but it does happen more frequently than it should. My wife and I have been in one situation that we would have ended in serious bodily injury or worse had we not been armed...we were confronted by 8 young men who did not seem to have honorable intentions :-). The fact we were armed was a deterrent. The fact you can, and are prepared to, defend yourself most often means that you won't have to!
Assess the situation and if you think it is going to be dangerous, don't go there! In all cases, think, be aware of your surroundings, and be prepared.
As a competitive shooter for over 25 years - and also a certified pistol instructor - I have no qualms about carrying a handgun for protection (though I rarely do because of the unfriendly political climate towards gun owners in this part of NY). But to do so responsibly, good training is required - not only for shooting skills but also for knowing the law and when the use of deadly force is justified. Last but by no means least, you must have ingrained the correct mindset for violent confrontations and the absolute willingness to use justified deadly force if it comes down to it. Only if you are willing to invest in the training - physical, legal and mental - would I recommend carrying a handgun for protection. It is an awesome responsibility that must be taken very seriously.
As Bret points out in his article, your best defense is to be aware of your surroundings and to learn the art of avoidance - good advice for those with concealed carry permits too.
30-35 years ago my wife and I used to back pack for a week at a time. We hiked the back country alone camping where ever we decided. We felt safe as 10 miles or so into the wilderness we left all the "yahoos" behind. ATVs changed that and we now do not feel safe and no longer sleep alone in the woods since anyone with access to an ATV or dirt bike can reach the deep woods without making the commitment of a long hike.
So, no, you are not paranoid just being cautious and prepared.
Guy
If I were you, I probably would take some strong bear spray, just to have. Like Steve above, I would give no warning if I thought I had to use it. You should also be telling someone where you are going and when you are due back. As for guns, I am very much a "good old boy" in that respect and am very comfortable with them. You could get a conceal carry permit pretty easily in Florida. I keep an automatic carbine in the trunk of my car with two 30 round clips. However, I rarely carry a gun when I'm just out taking photos. (Exception being night time in the Black Hills where mountain lions prowl.) There are two problems with guns as I see it. The first is you have to practice regularly with a pistol to be able to hit anything. The second is if you have kids around, a loaded gun is a huge risk. I don't know right off how many guns I have around here, but I do know for a fact none are loaded and ammo is stored separately. My thinking is the bear spray would be a great deterrent for anything you might come across. I also carry a razor sharp knife with me, but as a weapon it would be a last resort since it takes skill and strength to use well. I wouldn't recommend you carry a knife because it could be taken away.
Kent in SD
Barabra, it is good that you are willing to take responsibility for your own safety and well-being.
There is no reason for flak over this suggestion. It is (in many places) a legal and (unless you are a pacifist) ethical option, but one that requires the investment I mentioned to do so responsibly.
But in today's social/political climate, it is a decision that carries with it many ramifications. Criminals injured while committing a crime can still - unbelieveably - sue their victims in civil court. If you simply pull a gun to deter the crime, the bad guy can report you to the authorities for "brandishing a weapon" and now the victim becomes the criminal. It's no wonder so many would rather take their chances on being victimized by the criminal rather than by the system. But the system will not change unless the people who it's supposed to serve stand up for their rights.
Like I said, there's a lot to consider.
For 17 years I was a patrol officer for Memphis Police. And believe me, anytime that I am out early in the morning or especially late in the evening I carry. Its amazing what a photo vest can hide. And I understand the argument that the system can work against you in certain situations, But as we say,"Better to be tried by 12, than to be carried by 6.
Whatever you decide, be careful.
I'm well over 6', grew up in the country with brothers and no sisters, and by nature I'm pretty rough and tumble even as I'm on the downhill slide toward the big 60. Had I raised sons or never married, I think my "take" on women would likely be less insightful, but don't expect me to be as thoroughly versed as I should be yet. I'm still learning and reserve the right to make mistakes and say stupid things!!
With that as a preamble, I have to say that these type of discussions quite reasonably verge into safety for women in "social" encounters, but there's a lot more to consider than threats from human subspecies on the trail--- for both men and women. Alice ventured into it in her post, but outside of major urban areas all of us are more likely to get into trouble with injuries and weather changes than with other people.
Certainly do what you can to prepare for people problems, but don't let that concern distract you from what I consider to be more likely problems of getting hurt or lost. It ain't as sexy as talking about guns and pepper spray (and I have a houseful of both), but put a lot more thought into dressing appropriately, leaving a "float plan" (specifying where you are going, when you will be back, and who to call if you're a no show) with someone responsible, and carrying an appropriate choice of rescue communications (cell phone, sat phone, VHF radio, EPIRB/ELT, whatever). Attacks by cretins make the headlines, but accidents and health problems fill the ER's.
As a woman I always go places where there are plenty of people when I'm camping or hiking, usually it's a park of some kind so there are some rangers around...mainly because if something happened I'd know that someone was probably going to pass by. I worry more about getting hurt than the human predator, though as a woman I'm always on alert...I become very aware of surroundings. This Sunday I was in downtown Denver, which is full of the homeless and was very aware of the "looks at the photographer" and was always watching my back. But to put a more positive side to this discussion I feel safer out in the woods than I do in the city. However, here in Colorado a USGS intern was recently killed while doing a study by herself...it does make one pause. It may sound cheesy but I always have a tripod with me and sometimes I just carry it over my shoulder...I always figure that could be used as a club (yes, it does go through my mind) and I also always walk with a purpose...I've even, when nervous about it, have tried to look like a man walking. Pepper spray would be a good idea, but as for a gun...not for me. Just play it safe, and TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS...I think you're already more prepared than most in knowing some martial arts...but my slogan is don't be stupid, but also don't let fear stop you from doing what you enjoy.
Cynthia Spence
www.geolightphoto.com
I'll join the consensus and say, no, you're not being paranoid. As a woman, I always think of these things. I have a concealed weapons permit but have never carried because the laws differ among the states and supposedly, you're not supposed to carry in the national parks. Besides, a firearm that can actually defend you is quite heavy.
Mostly my strategy has been to stay around places that are well traveled, to look for families to camp near or to walk on trail with or near, with their permission. Most have been very obliging. I never go on trails by myself because I'm not a "heavy duty" hiker.
In other words, so far my best defense has been to be aware of who is around me, to REALLY listen to my intuition AT ALL TIMES, to be very careful about what I say and how much I say to strangers, and to trust my poodle service dog, who has warned people away by barking. Dogs have a lot of intuition, too, and can tell you in many ways how and where to pay attention and/or not go.
Thanks to all the men who responded! It's reassuring, in a strange sort of way, to know you guys think about this too. Thanks for your understanding about women being out there alone.
I guess I'm going to be the exception here, but I say you're being paranoid
Lori
No, you're not being paranoid. The most important thing is to know your surroundings, and prepare accordingly. You know your area, and your gut feel is that there is cause for concern. Review your options, and taking into account the excellent info people on here have given you, go with something YOU feel comfortable with.
I live in Alaska. We have crazy weirdos (humans) and wild animals running around, both of whom can do you bodily harm. I do a fair amount of photography while my hubby is working, and I carry a pistol most of the time. I'm a hunter, I used to target shoot pistol, and I feel comfortable with it. But I also use a cell phone to let my hubby know where I am, and I keep a sharp eye and ear on my surroundings no matter where I am. In fact, even when we're out together, we're very, very aware of our surroundings.
Do whatever combination of things you feel comfotable with, but don't let your guard down. That's not being paranoid, that's using common sense.
One of the things I like best about living here in the Great State of Arizona, is our open carry law. As long as the weapon is visible from three sides, no permit is needed. I feel the biggest downside to carrying concealed, is that a criminal doesn't know who has a weapon and who does not. Since most people don't, this could lead to a confrontation, that would cause you to need to pull out the weapon. But if you carry it exposed on your hip, they know at first glance that you are prepared to defend yourself and go looking for an easier victim.
I live, work and do most of my recreation here in one of the worst drug smuggling corridors, But even though I've encountered countless groups of smugglers in remote locations, none have ever approached me after seeing the gun on my hip.
The best advise I could offer to you would be to open carry a large can of mace ( I don't think that Florida allows open carry of handguns ) But if you ever come to visit our Great State, feel free to carry a handgun if so inclined. Just be sure that your shirt or jacket doesn't cover it!
He didn't see me, and I paused a minute to look him and his stuff over before I approached him. I would not have been so hesitant to walk up to him if he wasn't carrying. After I said howdy and introduced myself, it turned out he knew me from my photography. Anyway, plenty of people carry out in the woods. It just serves to illustrate the greater level of care one takes in approaching someone who's carrying a gun in sight. I've carried, myself, and we talked a bit about that. He's an elementary teacher who lives about an hour from Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. He got the tradition from his Dad, who carried his whole life when out in the woods.
As I said earlier in this thread, odds are you'll never need it in a whole lifetime of walking in the wilderness. But that one time you do, you REALLY do! And as others have stated, you have to be familiar with the weapon, trained in its use and also trained to think through whether or not you have what it takes to use deadly force to defend yourself.
Tim, Colorado was the same as Arizona regarding open carry when I lived there. Lots of folks who wandered in the mountains in general (I lived at 10,000 feet), as well as cattle ranchers in particular when out on the range, carried openly. Only problem with moving to AZ is how bloody HOT it is.
Here in California we have our dangerous areas too but they are invariably near urban areas. Every once in awhile one reads about how some woman is attacked while jogging along an urban park trail. Beyond urban areas such is quite rare though always possible. These days I see far more solo women or small groups of only women on trails than ever in the past. And that includes quite a lot of day hikers and backpackers. And I've been an avid outdoors photographer most of three decades. A good reflection of the general morality of most of us folks. Reality is the real outdoors has always had little interest with criminals and perverts.
...David