Shots fired, what would you have done?

[GaryS]

I'd have built up the fire and left my companion to sit in front of it while I hid in the woods with the camp site in view. Then, when the guy came in, I'd have shot him.

Worked for John Wayne in The Searchers!

 

[rwsmith]

Glad they let off

Horn first, gun last. I think whatever you did under the circumstances would be the right thing.

Were they just marching in and shooting their guns? It sure doesn't sound like raccoon or possum hunters.

The camping area is beautiful.

 

[Hack]

Don't know what I would've done. Too many variables.

If in addition to the gunshots, I also heard bullets whizzing through the branches.... Well, I probably would've gotten small and taken cover.

I probably would have flagged down the dude in the car and asked him what he knew about the gunfire.

 

[Pete99004]

Nice doggie bed - good that you take care of your buddy!!

FWIW I don't think I would have fired myself, but then, I don't think what you did was out of line. You don't know why he was firing, or where - so letting them know there are people over this way is a good idea, but letting them know you are armed? Don't think I would have done that unless I really felt I was in some danger.

Pete

 

[joeintexas]

You had a fire going, fire makes smoke, they had to know someone was nearby. Sounds to me like they were trying to be funny, I think you drew their feet to the fire...so to speak. Beautiful area by the way!

 

[venomballistics]

I think I'd have done similar.
His intentions, being entirely unknown, could range from hunting / poaching, to distress, to screwing around, to a genuine threat.
in all situations, you being armed and ready send the right message to one having the will to do you harm, and alerts to those who mean no harm.
It's not exactly the most elegant solution as it betrays your position, but it does cover most bases.

 

[Lost Lake]

I would have had another beer.

That's what I do, make the campfire, crack open the peanuts for myself and my Lab, Abby, and drink the beer.

.

 

[feralmerril]

I wouldnt have shot. 250 to 500 yards is almost close enough to holler? Especialy with a short stroll to recon. Reminds me of the time two hunters got lost. One sez I always heard if you get lost, shoot three times so he did. No answering fire so he tried again then again. Finaly one told the other, shoot again! The partner said, I cant. I am out of arrows!
There is some chance they could be pot farmers trying to scare you off, however I doubt they would choose a area that close to a campground.
I have spent a lot of time in the boonies and seen normal people go nuts out there. They have read too many comic books and seen too many movies.

 

[Arik]

You had a fire going, fire makes smoke, they had to know someone was nearby. Sounds to me like they were trying to be funny, I think you drew their feet to the fire...so to speak. Beautiful area by the way!

If you are in the same area and its a forest theres a good chance you wont see the smoke. If trees are tall or if you are at a lower elevation.

Heres where I go camping. This pic was taken by me as I was headed to the campsite. There is a camp fire right down that road and up a slight hill. Can you see it or the smoke?

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[Kanewpadle]

I would not have fired. And I would have had a long gun. I would be carrying it. If they saw it, good.

 

[Donn]

I would not have fired my weapon.

+1^^^. Any discharge can be a **** shoot.

 

[shouldazagged]

I think I would have preferred to keep the fact that I was armed my little secret, but that's my approach to carrying a gun anyway. A honk of the horn or a whistle, yes. And careful watching for further developments.

If this was some drunk idiot just being a horse's hindquarters the firing of shots could have been considered an invitation to fun and games.

Too much unknown, in my opinion, to tip my hand by shooting.

But as somebody famous said, all's well that ends well.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Any discharge can be a **** shoot.

Maybe not:

I fired two rounds 5 seconds apart, into the creek bank just outside of our site.

 

[K1500]

I would have grabbed the 5.56 that lives in the truck when I camp and either kept it close at hand or retreated into the woods to observe camp without being see. You really need a rifle in a situation like that.

 

[rwsmith]

Somehow I think......

Somehow I think alcohol may have been a factor here. My experience is that when some people go 'hunting', what they really do is raise hell and shoot their guns a lot. My wife and I were walking a trail in NC at the opening of 'hunting season' and we heard a lot of shots and bullets were cracking tree branches over our heads. We got out of there. Must've been an awful lot of deer in that vicinity.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I would have sent my wife to investigate.

 

[G.T. Smith]

Amen!

I would have sent my wife to investigate.

Now that is absolutely excellent advice.
Gordon

 

[Rugskipper]

Honking horn translated to criminalese:
"Go away, please. I'm unarmed and you are making me nervous. If I had any bars on my cell I'd call 911."

Two shots translated to criminalese:
"Go elsewhere, and don't make me tell you twice."

The only thing I would have done different would be to douse the fire to enhance night vision and slink back aways into the dark.

 

[Arik]

Two shots translated to criminalese:
"Go elsewhere, and don't make me tell you twice.".

Or it translates to "opportunity". Not everyone thinks gun = better leave or else. If that is the case there would be no shootouts with cops. Lots of people think they'll be sneaky and get the upper hand. Criminals are opportunists but what is the "opportunity" that suddenly pops into their head? "Oooo free gun?!?! I can sneak up and kill him!" Never underestimate the bad guy. How do you know he's not itching for a firefight? North Hollywood bank robbers were clearly ready and willing to get into a fire fight.

Im not saying it was wrong to fire warning shots im saying dont just assume a bad guy will run and hide at the sight or sound of your gun. Most will but some wont

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[Rugskipper]

Im not saying it was wrong to fire warning shots im saying dont just assume a bad guy will run and hide at the sight or sound of your gun. Most will but some wont.

I'll go with the odds, especially if I'M the one in the shadows, and he doesn't know where I am.