i won't be going any higher than VA... i have no interest in venturing into the freedom hating North East at all.
My concern for snakes are my dogs finding one on the trail and not leaving it alone. Not necessarily me stepping on one (though that's a concern as well). Especially around Springer...
I have decided on a snubby .357 mag (or my blackhawk .357 for REAL deep woods/REAL bear country), 1-2 rds of snake shots (snakes are mostly what I'm worried about... and people) and then 3-4 personal defense rounds. I have a rottweiler and pitbull hiking with me so they should ward off most...
(Sorry if there is already a thread on this, i did a search on here and couldn't find any threads on carrying while hiking or anything on the Appalachian Trail.)
Thanks again
I've read alot online about carrying (open and conceal) while on a thru-hike on the AT (and hiking in general). You can in parts of it, you can't in others... no firearms can be discharged on federal lands,etc.
If i was to start @ Springer Mtn (where the AT starts in GA & i have a GA ccw) and...