onlurker
Regular Member
I know how we all love scenarios, but I feel that this is a good one for any hiker or back country enthusiast out there.
On my way out to the middle of nowhere on Mountain Loop I had a random thought that I simply couldn't answer. The biggest reason for carrying is personal protection, but what say if you have to protect yourself from another person when you're out in the middle of nowhere? You're easily an hour away from cell-phone range by car and perhaps a few hours or even a day's hike out from your car, so there is little chance that you'll be able to call 911 right after the shooting. Also, leaving the scene means that there is a chance that another hiker could come across a dead body, but staying in the area could mean no other human encounter for hours or a day or more.
If the self-defense situation causes the death of a person, I figure one should head back to civilization immediately and get a hold of a lawyer first and follow his/her instructions. Would this be ideal? Can you legally leave the scene of a homicide should the circumstances mean you need to in order to report it to the proper authorities? How do you think one should handle such an encounter?
On my way out to the middle of nowhere on Mountain Loop I had a random thought that I simply couldn't answer. The biggest reason for carrying is personal protection, but what say if you have to protect yourself from another person when you're out in the middle of nowhere? You're easily an hour away from cell-phone range by car and perhaps a few hours or even a day's hike out from your car, so there is little chance that you'll be able to call 911 right after the shooting. Also, leaving the scene means that there is a chance that another hiker could come across a dead body, but staying in the area could mean no other human encounter for hours or a day or more.
If the self-defense situation causes the death of a person, I figure one should head back to civilization immediately and get a hold of a lawyer first and follow his/her instructions. Would this be ideal? Can you legally leave the scene of a homicide should the circumstances mean you need to in order to report it to the proper authorities? How do you think one should handle such an encounter?