My buddy killed 3 coyotes that were trying to gang up on him while I was hunting with him about 4 years ago. I was on one side of the ridge and he was on the other with his back up against a high wall. We were there for only about an hour and a half and right at daylight I heard about 5-6 shots ring out. I couldnt get him to answer me on our radio so I went over to see him. He was ghostly white, and still shacking a little bit when I got there..... He said that he kept hearing rattling in the leaves and then all of a sudden there stood the 3 coyotes and they were definately not scared of him..... I had never heard of coyotes acting like that to people. Had my buddy just told me this story I wouldnt have believed him, but I was there and seen the three dead ones....

 

I keep saying that I will take my pistol out with me for protection when I'm bow hunting but I never do. (even though it's illegal)

I usually just don't think it's worth the trouble with all the other crap I have to haul out with me. And I think the odds are VERY low of anything attacking me in the woods. But a bow wouldn't be a very good defensive weapon.

 

I have considered the same thing, but the whole legal issue...
I do know that after multiple timber wolf sightings where I rifle hunt up north, I will definitely be carrying the .357 this year.

 

I have seen about 6 different coyote on my farm/hunting land. I saw one the other day with 3 pups following the mother. I have a lot of killing to do.

 

Screw the legality of it. I don't think the conservation department would have much of a leg to stand on. I have a conceal and carry license. I don't think they should be able to tell me that I can't carry protection when the State of MO says it's legal for me to carry one almost any other time.

On another note. I was reading this months MO Conservationist and found an article about black bears humorous.

I don't have a direct quote but it said something like "if confronted with a bear at your camp ground the best thing to do is, don't make eye contact, back away, and get in a vehicle and lock the doors. Killing a bear will most likely just bring you hefty fines."

However MO also has the Castle doctrine that allows us to kill home intruders on the spot with no questions asked.

I guess we love our bears here more than criminals.... Come to think of it.......it sounds pretty logical to me!

 

Georgia also has the castle law "Shoot first ask questions later" We also passed a law last jan that says if you feel threatened any time any place you can pull a weapon on the person and shoot.

 

I agree with you. Although I personally don't have a conceal carry license, I don't think that should be an issue in an area where a person is legally allowed to carry a firearm at any time other than bow season.
I guess the bottom line is that self preservation should trump questionable laws. And, hopefully any DNR official that you come come across will be of the same mindset.