Sounds like you've got issues, honestly. I go camping a lot, and there's no reason to bring a firearm into a situation 99 times out of 100. Don't get me wrong, I usually have one on me/in my camp but with the exception of someone who sends the wrong vibes and pegs the danger meter it won't come out. Learn to say "I came out here to be alone, would you mind?"

 

Maybe so.

When I go hunting, I am not that way at all when I bump into other hunters. In fact, I will hang out shooting the bull for hours with another hunter I just met. Or, if I am hiking or backpacking on the trail, I don't, either. Come to think of it, I get way more edgy if my wife is with me and it is just the two of us out camping. Maybe I am being a bit protective?

Otherwise, I am the nicest guy in the world.

 

AF...I kinda agree with ya. When I am out camping I also want to be left alone, but that being said, where I camp most people I encounter are locals who are just being freindly. especially those that havent seen me in a while. THey like to know who is in their back yard also.

Now I do keep a firearm on my hip at all times ..........but I try not to be rude to people either.
Where I camp SE Oklahoma, though its "open" land in the mountains, most of the locals still kinda think they have first rights to it. That make sense? SO I will be polite, tell them who I am and kinda mention who I know that is related to some locals down there. THat always breaks the ice real good

 

Eye my wife in the wrong way, and I will have the muzzle of a firearm up your nostril.

That's a good way to wind up in jail......

(Never draw a weapon unless your life or the life of another is in danger)

 

sounds a bit offensive (rather than defensive), i could see how someone could get their feelings hurt and maybe come back with a pistol of their own if you really make them feel like they lost a bit of their manhood there. Or maybe they would just learn not to enter someone elses campsite lol.

I would think that keeping a low profile would keep you and your wife safer than threatening any would be stranger entering your camp, maybe im wrong tho.

There's the old addage tho, if you pull a gun you better be ready to use it, because after you've pulled it on someone they would likely want to do the same to you, be it right then, or later when they have retreived their gun to come back.

Im Canadian tho we dont really have gun culture up here so im just guessing on what human nature would do.

edit - i was just thinking, if i walked up to someones camp and he said "what do you want?" in a stern voice while moving his hand on top of his sidearm on his belt i would definitely get the message, and i would be on my way.

 

I am not a friendly camper. When I go camping it is to get away from people. If I am camping with my wife, it is to spend time with her.

So, if a guy or guys without women and/or children with them wander into my camp, I give the cold shoulder. If they don't get the hint, I tell them to leave. At the slightest hesitation of following my order, I have my hand on my pistol. Maybe I am breaking the law with this, but I don't care. If it is at night and a stranger approaches my camp, I ask what they want, in abrupt terms, with my hand on my sidearm.

Unless it is an emergency, don't come asking to borrow something. Don't come offering anything. Don't come wanting to socialize.

I do not go looking for trouble but I don't tolerate trouble.

Otherwise, I am a happy, go-lucky guy who love to tell a good joke and to laugh at others' jokes. I enjoy people and have a fun time around people.

Does anyone else get edgy like this out in the wilderness? Do you think that I am out of line or just demanding good manners from others?

Most campers would likely leave if you give it to them straight and say exactly as you typed:

"I am not a friendly camper. When I go camping it is to get away from people. If I am camping with my wife, it is to spend time with her. If it is in a group, it is to spend time with my friends."

But I don't think "giving a cold shoulder" is good enough. Some people are dense and can get that confused with you just being mad, tired or whatever. Add to the fact that some of your friends give off the "come have a beer" vibe that conflicts with your cold-shoulder. It is best to make it clear from the get-go.

And then if they do not listen then take the next step. At night, yes I would be careful with my sidearm at a reachable place also.

But I would not brandish until needed though. The reason is you never know when someone might take that as a cue to draw down on you right back and though you might be in the right, it may cause more problems than solve. As it is still a public campsite correct? If it is a private piece of land, there would be no other "campers".

Now on the flip side, it is bad etiquette on their side for joining another camp without invitation unless there is an emergency.

Just my opinions.

 

Sounds somewhat psycho man. Sound's like your camping in heavily populated area's and you should go camp further out if you want to be completely left alone. Most people go camping to have fun, drink, be outside the norm -- not to be in complete solitude camping in a public area.

Your going to stick a gun in the wrong guy's face and get your ticket punched. It's not like you own that property and they came into your house w/o permission.

 

Sounds somewhat psycho man.

LOL... reading back through my original post, I have to agree. It does sound somewhat psycho.

Sound's like your camping in heavily populated area's and you should go camp further out if you want to be completely left alone. Most people go camping to have fun, drink, be outside the norm -- not to be in complete solitude camping in a public area.

Really? I think just the opposite is true. I mean, when I want to go out to have fun drinking with people, I go out to a drinking establishment. When I go camping, I go out to enjoy the outdoors. In fact, I seldom drink when camping or backpacking anymore.

Thinking about it, it's when I am camping with just my wife that I get prickly. I guess my trust in strangers goes to zero in that situation, especially if it is just guys without women who come around. And the pistol in the nostril is clearly an exaggeration. But not by much. I guess I get pretty protective.

Like I said, normally, I am the easiest guy in the world to be around.

After reading through my original OP, I am going to go back and make some changes.

 

Maybe the laws in Texas are similar to Arizona. Here our tent/camp is our castle, and we have a castle doctrine. I'm not going to question your decision to snatch your gun, but I will agree with your frustration at some pilgrims who walk into my camp unannounced and without permission. They have seen the rude side of me, very quickly.

Best Regards......Eagle Six

 

Does anyone else get edgy like this out in the wilderness? Do you think that I am out of line or just demanding good manners from others?

I don't blame you for feeling that way. There is nothing worse than having some bozos wandering into your space like it's an outdoor mall. That's what I hate about public land, anyone can wander anywhere. The worst offenders are those tree hugger, earth muffin types who assume anyone who is out in the woods where they happen to be is there for the same reason they are, sing kumbaya chants, commune with nature, kiss the earth and have an orgasm with a pine tree.

 

ha ha ha orgasm with a pine tree, great line



I have found there are several kinds of folks out there but the "earth muffins" are the least offensive (except the potential smell! )

I live in Colorado. We have LOTS of open land. That breaks into several types of camping.
1) private campgrounds
2) national forest campgrounds
3) first-come first-serve campgrounds
4) true wilderness camping

I keep a sidearm under all conditions. Open carry is legal in Colorado. Private campgrounds may not like it, but we are discreet, yet armed, no problems.

Now, the kinds of folks camping is varied as well.

1) moater boaters and recreational vehicle folks
2) fishermen and hunters (sportsmen)
3) kayakers/boaters
4) wilderness hikers
5) average families

I've found that hippies ("earth muffins") usually fall into categories 3, 4 and 5. They tend to be very friendly, even OVERLY friendly. But they are HARMLESS even when annoying. They tend to be good stewards of the campgrounds and wilderness. I've NEVER had any aggressive problem with them. The worst I've experienced is the smell of marijuana wafting over to us, and sometimes some late-night drinking, laughing and music. That has usually only happened in campground types 2 and 3. Private campgrounds control noise very nicely. Folks in true wilderness are almost always quiet and respectful.

The worst offenders are almost ALWAYS motor vehicle users. Not all are bad people. But they are camping not because they want to "get back to nature" but because they are close to the lake or trails they want to ride on. They tend to bring booze. They tend to party until late. Noise is no problem for them, and their machines are loud and obnoxious. But you'll rarely find them in wilderness, usually in designated areas. If you go camping in an area where motorcycles, ATVs and PWCs are common, you have NO RIGHT to complain about the noise. Go somewhere else and leave those folks to enjoy the lakes and trails.

It's the first-come first-serve spots that are neither "wilderness" nor a "controlled" camp area that offer the greatest possibility of conflict. Why? Because they draw campers of very diverse personalities. Some are there to enjoy quiet. Others are there to cut up and party. Patience and mutual respect is advised.

The hunters and fishermen tend to be easy to get along with. The fishermen in our area break into two groups: fly fishermen, who respect nature and don't pollute. And then the city folks who throw their trash everywhere and infuriate me. Sometimes I wish we could shoot polluters.

 

It depends on where im at.

If im deep in the back country, im not too worried about rif raf since only a seasoned hiker/fisherman would be in the places I go.

If im at a car camping location, in close proximity to other camp sites, im more on guard. That being said, I dont freak out if someone comes by and says hi or asks if I have any spare salt :

 

Does anyone else get edgy like this out in the wilderness? Do you think that I am out of line or just demanding good manners from others?

My sense of awareness goes up in the wilderness, but I actually feel a lot calmer. I don't think you are out of line demanding manners, just setting your sights a little high on publicly used land.

 

hahahah What was that line from Stripes " Lighten up Frances " anyone is welcome in my camp for a cup of coffee or a glass of whatever , why just last year some real nice folks from Missouri stopped by our camp , They were intrested in the Flintlock guns. We had a great visit and I have hopes they went home thinking that Wyoming people were sure nice . ,,,,,, Best you stay in texas

 

If folks are walking up on ya, you ain't camping in a good spot. When the wife and I go for alone time, we will hike deep in, AWAY from folks or the beaten path. We have spent a FULL day, naked as a jaybird without one worry.
Seriously, your being an jerk. A simple "We want to be alone" will work. If I came by your camp to offer some chow, and your being very short and hand on weapon, I am going to reach for mine...not a good situation, I DEF. will be calling the popo/ranger on your arse.
Campers are like that, friendly....maybe offer a beer or chow, or a simple conversation...if you can't handle that, get off the path, find a hidden spot and be an angry miserable person to your heart's desire.

 

Actually, now that you bring up that scenario, if I walked over to your camp to offer you lets say, some extra trout I had caught and wouldn't be able to eat that night. You then reach for your weapon because you perceive some sort of irrational percieved threat, im going to draw down on you without hesitation.

If you dont like people that much, stay inside.

 

Around here most people keep to their camp sites, and don't bother others with asking questions or what not. The biggest problem I have when I camp in a "group" camping area is the da** kids that make all kinds of racket and scream after the sun goes down. It usually is that camp next to mine (go figure), and the only camp in the whole park that has the kids.
As far as how you handle things; You need to understand that most people are just being friendly, and mean no harm. So as far as "putting you hand on your weapon" I would advise against that, as you just don't need to go that far. Just be nice and when people come around bothering you, kill them with kindness and they will get the hint without all the drama. Just my opinion on this.... If someone asked for some help and you went for your gun, you could be in serious trouble (most parks around here are run by the Forest and or Park Service, and they are armed), or they might have a gun also and freak-out on you.

 

good point: loud kids



I have two kids. I am strict as hell about their noise level. There are few things I dislike more than having someone let their kids yell and scream after dark. Before dark, that's fine. Let them have fun. But everyone should teach their kids to respect their neighbors, and understand that MANY (if not MOST) folks who are camping want to enjoy the peace and quiet. It is RUDE to make lots of noise at night, especially after about 7 or 8 PM.

But this also means that parents need to plan on bringing some sort of quiet entertainment for children for after dark. Board games are perfect.

I usually do not allow electronic devices when camping, but have eased up slightly. If the kids are not sleepy and are a bit rambunctious, I'll let them use a portable DVD to watch a movie, or have them read a book or play a board game. That way they are entertained but are also learning to respect neighbors when camping. It's a win-win.

 

I'm guessing your camping in premade campgounds from the sounds of it. I've noticed that in a few states the state parks (and private campgrounds) have these designated spots where you can park and "camp" that are pretty close to the rest.
State forests a lot of times will have designated spots where you can't camp but will allow it nearly anywhere else although others are just like campgrounds but unattended. Have to do a lot od research finding places.
Unfortunately a lot of people seem to equate camping with drinking and getting drunk. Even get togethers on various forums similar to this one will result in a lot of beer being drank. I'm with the OP on that one, if you want to get drunk go to a bar where you can take a taxi home, don't spoil the outdoors for the rest of us.

 

First off, I would consider it very impolite for anyone to enter my camp site without standing well outside and YELLING

"HELLO IN THE CAMP, MAY I (WE) ENTER THE CAMP"

My camp site is my home for the weekend, simply walking into my camp site unannounced is rude and I would have the same reaction, hand on gun and a stern "can I help you, what do you want"

I'm a very friendly guy, but don't surprise me. It may not end well

The etiquette is on the outsiders, not the people IN CAMP

 

First off, I would consider it very impolite for anyone to enter my camp site without standing well outside and YELLING

"HELLO IN THE CAMP, MAY I (WE) ENTER THE CAMP"

The etiquette is on the outsiders, not the people IN CAMP

I couldn't agree more and have done this very same thing by announcing my arrival/request to enter on a couple of occasions I needed to and have had very good results.

 

I value my privacy as well, but if you are not on private property and are instead on public land then you have no right to threaten someone with a firearm merely because they happened to wander into your camp but weren't behaving in a threatening manner. Is it impolite of them to do so? Absolutely. Is it ILLEGAL for you to respond by threatening them with a firearm? Yes. You are the type of hot-head that anti-gunners were afraid of when the Federal government made it legal to carry firearms in federal parks. Personally I think you need therapy, and you need to leave your gun at home.

 

So your only a psycho when your wife is around and the dude don't have a girl. You got some trust issues with her? On one hand your a drinkin joker then your with the girl and you turn into "stay away from my girl mf'er" that seams a bit odd, you might want to work on that AF

 

Oh, I trust my wife completely. I just don't trust men out in the wilderness that I don't know.

 

~snip~So, if a guy or guys without women and/or children with them wander into my camp, I give the cold shoulder. If they don't get the hint, I tell them to leave. At the slightest hesitation of following my order, I have my hand on my pistol. Maybe I am breaking the law with this, but I don't care. If it is at night and a stranger approaches my camp, I ask what they want, in abrupt terms, with my hand on my sidearm.~snip~

....lets see....what did he say exactly?

He said he would give fair warning with the cold shoulder, he would then verbally tell them to leave. They weren't there offering tidings from good men, they were not there with their families! Then when they refused to leave he would then posture himself in defense. He didn't draw his gun, he didn't shoot anyone, he didn't fire any warning shots!

Nope, I could be wrong about this, but no law broken here, if there was no posting restricting guns at his camp site, public land or not, he has a right to protect himself and wife against those who are trespassing in his camp......at least that's the law in my part of the country!

You may think he is the rude camper, but I think some of you are over reacting to what he OP'ed. Course he did ask for your opinion and I appreciate hearing all of the post whether I agree or not.

Best Regards.....Eagle Six

 

From 1991:

http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20115243,00.html

Eight days after the bodies were found, National Park rangers in Harper's Ferry, W. Va., arrested a bearded backwoodsman who matched the description of a man spotted by a dozen witnesses near the murder scene. He was wearing Hood's well-worn hiking boots and carrying his distinctive green backpack with purple side panels. Both had been stolen from the shelter. Found with the backpack were other items of Hood's—a watch, a book, a foam sleeping pad—plus a .22 caliber revolver and an 8¾-inch knife. (Tests by the Pennsylvania State Police later indicated that the gun was used to kill Geoff and that blood traces on the knife were the same AB type as Molly's.)

uuum this guy even HAD a gun and he stilled up dead.


http://barryyeoman.com/articles/murderonmountain.html

http://www2.wsls.com/news/2008/may/08/appalachian_trail_killer_may_be_suspect_in_double_-ar-405993/



There is record of trouble on the trail, good luck out there

 

From 1991:

http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20115243,00.html



uuum this guy even HAD a gun and he stilled up dead.


http://barryyeoman.com/articles/murderonmountain.html

http://www2.wsls.com/news/2008/may/08/appalachian_trail_killer_may_be_suspect_in_double_-ar-405993/



There is record of trouble on the trail, good luck out there

wow thats the most horrible thing ive ever heard happen to someone camping.. no wonder people are so paranoid about being away from society. But people get hit by cars everyday, doesnt mean i dont cross the street, i just look both ways first, twice.

 

I just happen to point to the sign with a pistol. They do not come back. Too much some would say but I really don't like my dinner time interupted.[/B]

Lol, you guys are too "macho" with your guns. I don't know about your state, but you could have the black boot's kicking in your door over something like that in MOST states. Someone that is just trying to make a living, and prob. hates his/her job anyway knocks on your door, you point to your sign with your pistol, COULD be mistaken as you pointing it at them, and trust me, 90% of the sheeple WILL take it as just that.
Why are you and OP doing the "I am man" show of force thing? I have answered my door ONE time in my life with my weapon, because of a person of diff. color was knocking on doors/casing houses in my area a few yrs ago. In 43 yrs of my life, I have NEVER "flashed" my weapon to show someone I "have the power" I have pulled it ONCE in a attempted car jacking

 

Lol, you guys are too "macho" with your guns. I don't know about your state, but you could have the black boot's kicking in your door over something like that in MOST states. Someone that is just trying to make a living, and prob. hates his/her job anyway knocks on your door, you point to your sign with your pistol, COULD be mistaken as you pointing it at them, and trust me, 90% of the sheeple WILL take it as just that.
Why are you and OP doing the "I am man" show of force thing? I have answered my door ONE time in my life with my weapon, because of a person of diff. color was knocking on doors/casing houses in my area a few yrs ago. In 43 yrs of my life, I have NEVER "flashed" my weapon to show someone I "have the power" I have pulled it ONCE in a attempted car jacking

It is my house and I hang the sign to prevent people from bothering me.
I am sick and tired of people trying to convert me or sell me something. I can answer the door however I want; naked even, though somebody will put a slant on that too. All I can say is too bad you live in a liberal state, go change it.

 

I think one of those portable electric Bear fence would work, put it around your campsite, the first goof that stumbles into it will get a *shock* :

 

Take a chill pill and tell them these are not the droids you're looking for.

It also helps to play the theme song from deliverance as background music.

 

I did see an episode of "I Survived" where some dude shot 2 guys at a campsite after he was invited to have dinner with them. So, I get your point with being a bit cautious with people coming into your camp. Just camp a bit farther from anyone else. It is hard in a campground, but pretty easy when backpacking.

 

If your camping and people can drive into your camp, I'm sorry, but you are not in the wilderness. Maybe the woods, or the back of a state park, but not the wilderness.

But I do understand the 'feeling crowded' feeling.
I don't like it when people come into my camp area.

This fall, on my caribou hunt on the Denali, was set up nice and secluded. And I'll be dog gone, came in one evening there was 2 trucks, two horse trailers, a motor home. 4 kids, 8 horses, 3 dogs, 2 men, and 2 women. A million empty camping spots over 135 miles of gravel road on the Denali Highway and they pull into, and set up camp where they can plainly see my tent, my fire pit, my wood pile, my trailer. And then they run their generator all-night-long!

Plus, later, I had hiked a ridge to set up in position to wait on a small herd of caribou slowly feeding my way. At the rate they were moving, I figured an hour and they'd be in my shooting range, give or take.

Got comfortable, was leaning there against a spruce tree, glassing. Picking out the 'lucky' one I hoped to grace my freezer with.

My truck was parked in a small pull out off the road. I was a good 1/4 mile up the mountain face. Low and behold here come a Hummer 2 ripping in there, barely out of the road. Out jumps a man and woman. They start talking as loud as they can. Slamming their doors. Shouting and pointing. They can see the herd up the mountain heading this way.

They decide they're gonna run up the mountain, through alders, and catch the herd. I keep glassing. As soon as they start all this nonsense, the herd stops and looks at them then turned up the mountain headed back and above the way they were coming.
Now that makes me mad.

I get up and head back down, and when they finally see me, they're like. "Oh! Did you see those caribou? Did you see them!" excited like a school kid on a field trip.

I just kept my mouth shut and went to my truck and left. They were still commenting on why I was ignoring them.

It happens everywhere you can drive to.

 

yep I'll bet your the life of the party.