Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Sidearm for Elk Hunting

OK macwabbit-if the pistol is of shorter stature, in other words a 2-4" I would get a hold of El Paso Saddlery and have them make me a tortilla holster. That is what I had made for my 3" 44.

Now if the pistol is a 5" on up I would personally carry it in a shoulder holster.

Mark D

I would as soon carry a brick as a handgun elk hunting. And yes you would look like a greenhorn, but on the positive side you would provide someones elk camp with a humorous story.

Hey I'm not into hurking too much weight either but you all are making it sound like a handgun is a friggin anchor or something. Never would even give the weight a second thought for Elk or Deer. But then again, I'm always within 3-5 miles of base camp too with at least two people to help haul out the critter.

This is legal in Idaho, true. However, if you use the .22LR for a big game kill shot, you're illegal. If I'm hunting elk, though, I'm not about to throw lead at a grouse. A slingshot is a bit quieter and a WHOLE lot lighter to pack.

Dick

First of all thank all of you for your replies. Who knew a simple quesion would lead being callied a greenhorn. Guess what if that is what you western types want to call me go right ahead. This is my first and not last western hunt. Hopefully, after many years I will become supermen like all of you.

I am an east coast hunter, and carry a concealed pistol evey time I go out. There are lots of hunters, and most of them fine. I've met a few that made glad to have a pistol. I guess you guys out west don't have these problems. The arguments about weight make the most sense, and that is why I clearly stated that I didn't think it was neccesary to take a handgun. I'm not changing guides just because the guy told me I could bring it if I want to. What are you guys smoking??? Again I asked him about it because of the way I hunt in the east, and he said bring it if you want to. He was just trying to make a client comfortable. Please keep the disccusion going. I am learning from all the experience on the board.

The Greenhorn

When I asked what for you stated "good question thats what I asked him" Then you stated your guide said"it might be neccesary for wounded game" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Thats what he said. and your point is....? I don't think it will be worth taking for wounded game. I'm an out of shape computer geek so the weight is a big consideration. If there is a wounded animal I'll use the rifle. The real question for this discussion was if I were to carry a pistol on horseback what would the best way be. Just taking the opportunity to learn from others. Do what you will with the he said she said stuff.

(I'll grant that dutch686 allowed some of the digressions by dribbling out bits of info.)

Trust me it aint no different out here in the west in terms of the reasons you cited for carrying the sidearm. I have run into wayyyy scary toothless, criminal types out here with stories that would make your skin crawl. Almost been killed twice by criminals-old and young. Yeah-theres more wildlife out here than just the four legged type thats for certain. And personally I would rather deal with the bears or other predators anyday. Don't hesitate to carry your sidearm.

You asked for advise your get'in it.Many answered your ? on type of holster,I'm just saying I'd be leary of a guide telling me I need a side piece to finish off an animal.He should be telling you you don't need it but if you want you can bring it anyway and to practice with your rifle.I only reply on what you posted,Best of luck on your hunt

You're right. Sorry. Bad habit of not getting complete thoughts to the keyboard. Sorry for any confusion I caused.

Excellent, Mark.
(What's a tortilla holster? A border version of a pancake holster?)


LostHighway, you just as good as said that our sainted Elmer Keith looked like a greenhorn. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />
He was fershur a goofy-looking bantam, what with the seegar and Elmer hat, but I'm guessing he'd take exception to being laughed at as a greenhorn.
NTM, my mommy always told me not to judge a book by its cover.

mac-yep you pretty got it.

Mark D

Macrabbit very good points made in that long speech.
Dutch don't worry about being called a greenhorn, pretty much takes one to notice one.
Rockchuck yes indeed a sling shot works, but when you're packing elk down the mtn and stop to rest abit, and the grouse are hanging around I'm reaching for the 44, or 45, or 41, or 357 or 22 or which ever other handgun I'm packing at the moment.
About half the comments I've seen here about why you shouldn't carry one sound a hell of alot like the same crap Chucky boy Shumer (D New York) always spouts off about why folks shouldn't be allowed to own a handgun.

You need a 22 for grouse if the season is open.

Other than that my handguns stay in camp or in the truck if I am on foot hunting in elk country.

[quote] Macrabbit very good points made in that long speech.
Dutch don't worry about being called a greenhorn, pretty much takes one to notice one.
Rockchuck yes indeed a sling shot works, but when you're packing elk down the mtn and stop to rest abit, and the grouse are hanging around I'm reaching for the 44, or 45, or 41, or 357 or 22 or which ever other handgun I'm packing at the moment.
About half the comments I've seen here about why you shouldn't carry one sound a hell of alot like the same crap Chucky boy Shumer (D New York) always spouts off about why folks shouldn't be allowed to own a handgun. [quote]

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> +10

I have to jump in on this. I carry a concealed Glock for the two legged creatures I might come accross when hunting. And I too have met a few creepy creatures out there.
On a lighter note, a female deer hunter I know here in California layed her rifle against a tree before answering the call of nature, when a four point buck caught her with her pants down. She dropped it with a lung shot with the four inch 357 she had holstered in those pants . <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I say hunting is all for fun. If it makes you happy to have a handgun with you, by all means Do it. If the weight wears you out to the point you wish you hadn't brought it along, well you will know better next season!

My two cents are not worth throwing more wood on the fire but my impression and a loooong time in the Idaho woods when I see a guy packing a side arm out elk hunting is....'This is a bit much'. Even hunting dangerous game I wouldn't carry a pistol. Just get in the way all the time. If I can't get 'em with a rifle how am I going to do it with a pistol ???? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Mac
If I were hunting with a 7-08, I"d carry a pistol. too.










Just kidding.

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