Cowboy Tales

Staying Safe While Working And Living In Remote Areas

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

While my life looks a little different now, I have had the pleasure and excitement of living and working in some of the most remote parts of the West. Between ranching in the junipers of northern Arizona and training horses in the hills of central Wyoming, I know a thing or two about selfpreservation while being out on your own. Living and working on a remote ranch can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The wide-open spaces, the connection to nature, and the sense of independence are just a few of the perks of this lifestyle. However, like any other occupation, ranching has its own set of challenges and risks. Some of these risks include potential encounters with dangerous animals or intruders which is why it’s important to consider having a plan for self-defense depending on your area. For example, if you are in Southern Arizona or Southwest Texas, your chances of running into immigrants are more of a threat than the animals you might encounter there. Then if you’re ranching in the mountains of Colorado, Wyoming, or Montana then you’re much more likely to encounter wild animals that either want to harm you or your animals.

In a remote and isolated environment like a ranch, help may not always be readily available. It could take law enforcement or emergency services a significant amount of time to reach your location. In such situations, having the means to protect yourself becomes crucial. There are multiple ways that you can do that but the first thing in order to best equip yourself is to know your area and see what the folks you’re working with are comfortable with you carrying. Chances are, in most remote places, you are able to carry a gun, whether it be a pistol or a rifle, but once again, it really does depend on what kind of operation you’re working on.

One of the primary reasons why having a gun is important on a ranch is the presence of wildlife. While most encounters with animals on a ranch are harmless, there is always a possibility of encountering a dangerous or aggressive animal. Predatory animals, such as cougars, bears, or even feral dogs, can significantly threaten your livestock and your personal safety. A gun can act as a deterrent and, if necessary, provide you with the means to defend yourself and your animals against such threats.

In addition to wildlife encounters, ranches can also attract unwanted intruders. Whether it’s trespassers, thieves, or even individuals with ill intentions, the rural nature of ranches can make them vulnerable to criminal activity. Having a gun can help ensure that you are prepared to protect yourself, your family, and your property against potential threats. It serves as a last line of defense when all other options have been exhausted.

However, it’s important to note that owning a gun comes with a great deal of responsibility. Familiarizing yourself with local laws and regulations regarding gun ownership, as well as obtaining proper training and education, is essential. Safety should always be a top priority, and responsible gun ownership includes securing firearms, practicing safe handling, and regularly maintaining them.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that any type of gun should be seen as a tool of last resort. It should only be used when there is an immediate and credible threat to your life or the lives of others. Being able to assess a situation, de-escalate if possible, and use non-lethal means of self-defense when appropriate are skills that should be developed alongside gun ownership. In conclusion, self-defense while working on the ranch is a vital consideration for anyone in this line of work. The presence of wildlife and the potential for intruders make it essential to have a self-defense gun as part of your overall safety plan. However, responsible ownership, proper training, and an understanding of firearms laws and regulations are equally important.

In my experience, it’s crucial to find something you are comfortable with using, so make sure you set aside time to find the right gun for you. Whether you keep it handy in your vehicle, off road vehicle, or horse, it needs to be lightweight and easily accessible. Thankfully in all of my years of travel, I’ve never had to use my firearm, but I have been in plenty of situations where I felt safer because I had one.