[at-l] Self defense on the trail.

[shane@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Shane Steinkamp)]

> Some recommend pepper spray.  Pepper spray is similar,
> at least in one aspect, to fire extinguishers; it takes
> a lot more of it to do the job than you would at first
> believe.  People don't like to lug around a canister of
> pepper spray of sufficient volume to be effective.

I have seen professional soldiers go down after being hit with a half second
burst from an 11 gram Fox Labs canister.  Used properly, it takes very
little to do the job.

> I can't imagine many distance hikers going to the police
> department in every state through which they'll meander
> along the AT requesting a permit.

So far it's only Mass, and there may be a way to get the permit in advance.

> 2C)  If you have a knife, use it.  You need to know what
> you are trying to sever to be really effective with a
> knife.  Slashing the surface hurts, penetration
> disables.

Also be perfectly aware that a knife is considered, in the eyes of the law,
as a purely offensive weapon.  It is a lethal weapon, no different than a
firearm - and if you cut someone for any purpose, that is considered lethal
force, just as if you had fired a gun at them.

> 6)  Don't deploy a weapon far away from someone just
> because you THINK they might have ill intentions.
> Deploy a weapon just before you intend to use
> it.

Agreed, but sometimes it doesn't hurt to have it ready.

> The eyes are prime targets. Don't just poke at his eyes
> - - plunge your finger as deeply into an eye socket as
> it will go, curl your finger, and remove.  If he is
> still coming after you, repeat with the other eye.

Any strike to the head or neck is also, in the eyes of the law, considered
lethal force - just like shooting someone.  Be very sure that you need to
use such techniques before you use them.

> Leave the area.

And report the incident to local law enforcement as soon as possible.

Shane