Sidearm

[FlHunter23]

Does anyone take a sidearm to the woods with them when they go hunting. If so what caliber?

[TrophyTracker]

I myself don't take a sidearm. I do however take an unusually high amount of shotgun shells with me when turkey hunting. I take a couple birdshots for Cottonmouths, and rely on my turkey loads for any and all comers

[tbone]

I like to carry my 44 magnum 8 inch ported barrel, still kicks like a mule though, hoping to put a red dot on it this year.

I like pistol Hunting for Dear, I usually dont pack it Turkey Hunting, Im kinda with chad on that one, I pack a couple of rounds of 2 3/4 " #8's for pesky snakes and such.

[shaman]

I don't carry during deer season. In 28 years, I've probably only needed a sidearm once, and I was able to get it settled without. During rifle season, a handgun is redundant. During bow season? Yeah, I hear you. I don't, but I can see why you would.

We don't have poisonous snakes to deal with, but even then-- I've been backpacking, canoeing,hiking, and caving for 30 years. I've had dozens of snake encounters. I understand the sentiment, but I also know that I've
a) never been bit
b) never had to shoot a snake
I start out trying to give them a wide berth, and if that doesn't work I have a hiking staff that works almost as good as a #2 Iron for anti-snake duty. YMMV

In turkey season, I've got no fears. #4 lead will kill anything out there. It may take a little time, but anything east of the Mississippi I've run into will succumb if it doesn't seek medical attention. It certainly wrecks their day. My buddy, the retired dog control officer, used 2X6 3" Rem Duplex for controlling pit bulls.

[Yotey]

I usually bow hunt so it is not legal to pack a sidearm while in the woods. However is some area's while I am calling coyotes and there are a lot of "buzzworms" I do like to have my Ruger Bearcat .22 on my hip.

David

[palmettoswamp]

S&W .38 special model 10 nickel plated 4 inch barrell..usually carrying it in my shoulder rig (Hoover Heater)

[FlHunter23]

Sweet looking gun, I like shiny stuff.

[palmettoswamp]

Used to be the FBI's issued weapon back in the day....I think mine is over 25 years old or older.

[tyson129]

I always carry a side arm on me, in and out of the woods (Concealed Carry Permit). I carry a Smith and Wesson M&P .45 ACP with RA45T in the Clip.
Good in case any Black Bear come to my distress calls instead of the coyotes, fox, or bobcat that I am trying to call in.

[FlHunter23]

Speaking of black bear, I think I heard something about Florida possibly having a black bear season. Im sure it will all be outragously priced permit hunts that will be almost impossible to get...