Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Concealed Carry while Wearing Waders

Anyone not fishing in grizzly bear/mountain lion country carry while wearing chest waders? If so, which handgun and method of carry works for you? No offense to those in bear or lion country, but I'm not looking to strap a large caliber revolver across my chest if I can help it.

How about a small, lightweight auto or revolver simply placed in the outside zippered chest pocket of my waders?

Thanks.

El Paso Saddlery Tanker holster

Even in bear country I often carry some smallish pistol in an accessible pocket or inside the top of the wader in a clip-on holster.

That looks like a fine holster, but I would most likely leave it at home. I usually wear a vest loaded with fly boxes, tippet spools, leader wallet, etc., and having a gun and holster of that size under all of that other stuff seems like a recipe for me not wearing it and going without.

Can you put it in your underwear, so you can shoot your nut like the white trash guy managed to do??

I've just threaded the holster onto my wader belt. I wear the Simms waist highs most of the time and it works out fine. My days of deep wading are over.

Hill People Gear Kit Bag. Good for a gun and other assorted stuff you want handy.

https://hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1

What I found was the most popular amongst the guides I worked with in Alaska's coastal brown bear country was a short barreled, pistol gripped 12 gauge slung over their back.

Seemed handier and much quicker than dickin' with a handgun, less need for accuracy to boot.

The bears we'd see that were at a distance or didn't come upon you as a complete surprise were never the issue.

What is your worry while fly fishing...two-legged varmints? Figure it out yet?

Thanks. I would prefer not to open carry, if possible. It's not uncommon for me to be fishing in places like state parks, along hiking and biking trails, in sight of residential areas, etc. Regardless of how adamant we are about our right to bear arms, there is no question that open carry can make other folks uneasy. I would rather just go about my business without drawing attention to myself.

Several years ago I hiked to a popular scenic spot along the Appalachian Trail in PA. I had been carrying a .357 revolver on my belt for two days prior on the hike, but decided to leave it in the vehicle that day. I'm glad I did. The overlook was crowded with Plain Sect folk, including many women and small children. I would've felt very out of place walking around with a firearm on my hip in plain view that day - like open carrying at Disney World. Some people who carry aren't bothered by such things, and that's great, but it's not for me.

I'm not really worried much, but I do occasionally come across some sketchy-looking people while fishing. I've been fishing my entire life without carrying a weapon, and usually don't give it a second thought. Just considering options....

Art's advice seems to be what I'm leaning toward.

Sounds like you figgered it out already. Minus the big carnivores, a pocket gun is fine I think. Nobody wants to get shot, even a little bit.

Here, thankfully, our constitutional carry allows open carry of defensive handguns while hiking, hunting or fishing. Hunting handguns must always be carried openly, however.

All kinds of characters walk the trails of my local WMA, due to its proximity to a former vacation community that now has mostly full-time residents, some of them pretty rough. I never go there without at least one firearm, two during hunting season.

I don't think a pistol on a cop's hip or a fisherman is going to scare anyone with a brain. I never open carry in town, but always in the forest or fishing. Never ever had any issues. I have goofy labs, so they incite bears, racoon, etc. I think people should see guns have a place literally.

Funny you mention that. Once, about 25 years ago or so, I saw a raccoon awkwardly bumbling through the forest in broad daylight. Luckily, he was on the opposite side of the stream and didn't seem to notice me. There were no smartphones or Internet back then. Otherwise, I would've created a post here on the Campfire - "How to Dispatch a Rabid Raccoon while Wearing Waders without a Weapon."

+1 on this. Works great and easy access....

It looks to be just a bit too much extra going on while wearing the waders and fishing vest. The waders already have suspenders, and the vest has all sorts of tools and tippet spools hanging from it. Adding another harness and bag in the same area seems like a PIA.

When I am fishing familiar waters, I can get away with a minimal amount of gear, and the HPG bag would probably work. However, I don't fish nearly often enough to get "dialed in", so I end up carrying too much stuff "just in case". Dry fly collection, nymph collection, streamers, terrestrials, sink tips, etc.

This is what I use. https://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/products/guides-choice-chest-holster

I just wear pants under my waders and carry iwb per usual. Not the fastest to get to but it’s there and secure.

Buy an LCR in 22LR or .38 Special.

Put in the available pocket.