Guns aren't essential.
However - we (not me) have horses, cattle and god knows what nearby - our neighbors with the horses - if they have an animal that is to be put down - have to wait at least 2 hours for the vet to come in the night time.
a 12 gauge deals with that.
I have also had many injured small animals over the years ------------------ sure, I could have killed them with a hammer - but, a 22 does a better job IMO.
Of course - many people just don't notice things - until they trip over a body.
I saw 4 adults walk away from a wallaby that was floundering in the middle of a dam- about 18 months ago -
well, I can't stand cruelty or slow dying if one can do anything about it.
It took me one shot ----- after getting a gun out of the safe - and the poor thing just sunk immediately.
No - guns aren't necessary.
But, I consider that it is my responsibility to own one (more than one actually) - because I am good with one and I don't like seeing things in pain.
Also- we have a plague of wallabies here - and, sometimes - they just try and overrun us -------- a shot or two gives them a strong signal.
Sometimes I kill one - and then, the others get the message very fast and give us some peace for a couple of months.
I would never suggest a gun for protection from humans in this society - that is why I talk about torches.
But, for me - I will have guns as well.
Pinto
