Great Gun Debate

[Dawn Packard <packardd@ci.boulder.co.us>]

As an armed Park Ranger here in Colorado, I have to put in my .02. 
Firearms are illegal on most of the public lands around here.  If a ranger
sees you with a gun be aware that we take all firearms violations quite
seriously.  It is hard to tell armed friendly ridecampers from armed
backwoods psychos in a glance.  If you carry one in case of accident,
needing to put down your horse, keep it tucked away and law
enforcement will have no reason to contact you about it, generally.  
All of our ranger patrol horses are gun-trained.  Don't underestimate your
horse's potential reaction to discharging your weapon on or near
him/her.  I learned this the hard way at mounted patrol training....
My advice (unless you are truly trained and comfortable with your
firearm):  For nasty people and charging wildlife, if you must confront
them, use a big can of pepper spray or foam like Counter Assault.  For
dogs, the quirt is a good idea. 
These are my personal opinions and not in any way reflective of policies
of the agency at which I work...   :) 
I personally do not carry off-duty on rides, I only bring the off-duty
weapon along in the truck for extended road trips.  
I suppose we should end this debate.  I do believe we are frightening our
gentle Canadian and European friends....