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Post by Psycho on Mar 9, 2018 23:24:11 GMT -5
These little gems almost cost me my life! All rockhounds PLEASE read on. I was on my way to Arizona when I decided to follow the New Mexico gem trails book and make a pit stop in Bernardo ( south of Albuquerque) and try to find some Agates and Jasper. I found the location and pulled off the road near a well used cattle gate and cattle crossing area. I parked my van geared up and only walked by the road and no place into private property. After a short search, I was walking down the pavement toward my van when I heard a vehicle pull into the same situation as I was. As I came up the hill I saw the rear end of a truck parked so close to my van that I was pinned in. I slowly came around my van and saw a man fumbling near the front of the bench seat in the truck. I quietly got within six feet of the gentleman when I said" can I help you?" At that moment I noticed the butt of a rifle he was trying to grab, he was startled and the gun barrel got snagged on the steering wheel. When he finally turned with the gun, I had already dropped my pack and he was looking down the barrel of my 45 semi auto pistol. I ordered him to freeze or I would defend myself. He stopped and started shaking. I told him to slowly put the weapon back or I would blow his f#@&ing brains out. He turned and put his hand on his head. I asked him why would he pull a gun and he stated that people were trespassing and stealing cattle. I laughed and said " do I look like I could put a cow in my f#@&ing van. He shook his head No. I said " all I was doing was looking for rocks on the road and not on his property. He apologized at that point. I said " well we both live today, get in your truck, drive away, and don't look back or I will finish what he tried to start" He thanked me jumped in the truck slowly and drove away fast. I jumped in the van and took off the other direction to head out of New Mexico. ALL ROCKHOUND PLEASE REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE. I made three mistakes today that could have cost me the ultimate sacrifice. #1. I went alone #2 I didn't know the area #3 no cell service. NO ROCKS ARE WORTH DIEING OVER!!!!!!! Much love to you all Frank Lodholtz Aka The American Psycho
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Post by fernwood on Mar 10, 2018 4:21:51 GMT -5
What a scary experience. Glad nothing major happened.
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Post by adam on Mar 10, 2018 7:04:21 GMT -5
These little gems almost cost me my life! All rockhounds PLEASE read on. I was on my way to Arizona when I decided to follow the New Mexico gem trails book and make a pit stop in Bernardo ( south of Albuquerque) and try to find some Agates and Jasper. I found the location and pulled off the road near a well used cattle gate and cattle crossing area. I parked my van geared up and only walked by the road and no place into private property. After a short search, I was walking down the pavement toward my van when I heard a vehicle pull into the same situation as I was. As I came up the hill I saw the rear end of a truck parked so close to my van that I was pinned in. I slowly came around my van and saw a man fumbling near the front of the bench seat in the truck. I quietly got within six feet of the gentleman when I said" can I help you?" At that moment I noticed the butt of a rifle he was trying to grab, he was startled and the gun barrel got snagged on the steering wheel. When he finally turned with the gun, I had already dropped my pack and he was looking down the barrel of my 45 semi auto pistol. I ordered him to freeze or I would defend myself. He stopped and started shaking. I told him to slowly put the weapon back or I would blow his f#@&ing brains out. He turned and put his hand on his head. I asked him why would he pull a gun and he stated that people were trespassing and stealing cattle. I laughed and said " do I look like I could put a cow in my f#@&ing van. He shook his head No. I said " all I was doing was looking for rocks on the road and not on his property. He apologized at that point. I said " well we both live today, get in your truck, drive away, and don't look back or I will finish what he tried to start" He thanked me jumped in the truck slowly and drove away fast. I jumped in the van and took off the other direction to head out of New Mexico. ALL ROCKHOUND PLEASE REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE. I made three mistakes today that could have cost me the ultimate sacrifice. #1. I went alone #2 I didn't know the area #3 no cell service. NO ROCKS ARE WORTH DIEING OVER!!!!!!! Much love to you all Frank Lodholtz Aka The American Psycho I'm just glad you had a gun, in case the other guy thought about shooting.
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Post by Psycho on Mar 10, 2018 7:11:45 GMT -5
I honestly never thought in a million years,that I would ever need to draw my gun, while I'm just minding my own business, but it happened and common sense prevailed and we both walked away.
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Post by Peruano on Mar 10, 2018 8:01:13 GMT -5
I collect in the Bernardo area frequently and find it hard to believe the incident occurred for you. Its certainly believable in today's world but not something to be expected in your neighborhood. My standard line is: "If I'm somewhere I shouldn't be, I'll be glad to leave." I've also been known to ask the rancher for his phone number so that I can call him if I see any wild shooting or rustling going on. A lot of those guys are as friendly as anyone but think that the BLM land they graze is theirs to protect, and it is as far as their cattle go. I know one rancher who claims to have lost 6 cattle in one year to gunshot wounds. That is real money at $1000 per head. (Hey the guy needed something to shoot, and there were no deer around.) I use a gps chip called Hunt and Fish that allows me to tell whether a site is private, state. federal, or indian land. It helps to be able to say, I'm trying to stay off of private land and to do things that respect ownership. I guess I'm counting on my conversation for protection .
BTW: If you want pet wood from Bernardo area, I've got plenty that I can share.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,466
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Post by Sabre52 on Mar 10, 2018 12:39:49 GMT -5
I didn't use to carry a gun down George West way when hunting wood until I heard the story about one wood hunter being threatened by a machete wielding drunken weirdo while hunting public roadsides like we all do down there ( county roads). Now I always carry. Only ever had to draw down on a fellow twice, once in the Cadys and once in Fort Rock Valley, Oregon. Both times I was glad it was me had the pistol and I never had to fire a shot.
Only problem I see in the scenario described in the above post was leaving the rancher with his rifle. That would make me a bit nervous. Rifle shoots way further than a pistol and if he was a real ahole or a nut he could've drove off a hundred yards and shot you easily. I'da gotten his name, taken his gun and phoned in a 911 call to the nearest sheriff to get him on scene. If no phone service, Id'a taken the guys gun and gone to where I had service or into town to the cops. If he was not basically a decent human being he could have shot you or turned around, grabbed his cell and called the sheriff on you and who's the local cop gonna believe? Either way, how the cop is gonna jump is a risk and usually they listen to the first person who phones in. All such encounters are hairy, that's for darn sure. Especially difficult here in Texas because Texas has rather liberal laws on who can be shot and under what circumstances. For darn sure you do not trespass....Mel
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Post by drocknut on Mar 10, 2018 18:41:14 GMT -5
Hearing your experience is a bit scary and troubling to me. Glad things turned out ok and nobody got shot. I have rockhounded a lot by myself but don't carry a gun (various reasons). I have a dog but she isn't exactly an intimidating animal so don't know if she would be any good to me if I had a problem. I'm not sure I would have been as calm as you in that situation.
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Post by tims on Mar 11, 2018 4:16:30 GMT -5
I'm always alone, usually lost, and don't pack. No armed asshat or NRA spiel is gonna change that.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
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Post by Fossilman on Mar 11, 2018 9:18:21 GMT -5
Glad it came out ok......I usually carry in Montana, for snake and wild dog reasons....I'm always with another hounder around here, in Oregon....
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Post by nowyo on Mar 11, 2018 18:35:51 GMT -5
Never had problem with ranchers. Have run into some strange people. Larger concern was grizzer bears and cougars.
Russ
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Post by tims on Mar 11, 2018 21:06:07 GMT -5
Psycho i don't mean to lash out at you specifically, that entire situation just offends me. A self-perpetuating gun culture and the implied necessity for guns that it creates offends me. People that opt for armed confrontation before conversation offend me. But that's me, and it's unrealistic to blame you for reacting in kind to a bad situation.
If i wasn't so bullheaded i would carry at least a plinker to ward off animals ... cats and coyotes aren't big on conversation either.
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Post by Psycho on Mar 12, 2018 1:35:01 GMT -5
Psycho i don't mean to lash out at you specifically, that entire situation just offends me. A self-perpetuating gun culture and the implied necessity for guns that it creates offends me. People that opt for armed confrontation before conversation offend me. But that's me, and it's unrealistic to blame you for reacting in kind to a bad situation. If i wasn't so bullheaded i would carry at least a plinker to ward off animals ... cats and coyotes aren't big on conversation either. Tim's I completely understand the anger , you are right society in general has become anamalistic at best. I do not belong to the NRA or any gun club. I am a lifelong Hunter and yes I have a few guns, whoops check that I own A gun ( divorce killed me). But in all hindsight the situation could have went South, very quickly by the sheer grace of God it didn't. But people should be constantly aware of their surroundings. Yes I had to use a gun to defend myself and it sickens me that this is what we have become as a society. Ok enough political garbage, I made it to Kingman Arizona, anyone wanna take me around to I can play with some rocks lol. Tim's your opinion was valid and it truly warranted for that situation. And btw once I got to Holbrook Arizona I got a bucket of the rainbow petrified wood, now to just find some chrysocolla lol Be safe everyone! Frank
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Post by Psycho on Mar 12, 2018 1:39:36 GMT -5
I collect in the Bernardo area frequently and find it hard to believe the incident occurred for you. Its certainly believable in today's world but not something to be expected in your neighborhood. My standard line is: "If I'm somewhere I shouldn't be, I'll be glad to leave." I've also been known to ask the rancher for his phone number so that I can call him if I see any wild shooting or rustling going on. A lot of those guys are as friendly as anyone but think that the BLM land they graze is theirs to protect, and it is as far as their cattle go. I know one rancher who claims to have lost 6 cattle in one year to gunshot wounds. That is real money at $1000 per head. (Hey the guy needed something to shoot, and there were no deer around.) I use a gps chip called Hunt and Fish that allows me to tell whether a site is private, state. federal, or indian land. It helps to be able to say, I'm trying to stay off of private land and to do things that respect ownership. I guess I'm counting on my conversation for protection . BTW: If you want pet wood from Bernardo area, I've got plenty that I can share. I was way outta my comfort zone, and I knew better, but about that petrified wood lol I would love some but I am staying at a hotel until. Find a rental and job, but if you pm me your info. Will be in touch any maybe we can trade. My x has to mail me 25 lfrb's of my material. But no tools, the judge hated me apparently lol
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Post by Psycho on Mar 12, 2018 1:42:09 GMT -5
I also wanted to say that I will be polishing up the small pet wood and having it set in a square Sterling silver ring. The ring will have a simple inscription " Remember who you are". It will be my constant reminder. Good hunting!
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Post by vegasjames on Mar 12, 2018 2:09:33 GMT -5
I go out alone almost all the time. Never had any problems with people, although the places I go I rarely see people to begin with. I don't carry a gun although a lot of my friends say I should. May get one some day just to keep coyotes at bay if they come around to protect Jax. They can all outrun me if I had to chase after her.
The situation could have been worse, but I do agree with your actions. The rancher was illegally in your vehicle. Regardless of what he thought he should have never entered your vehicle. He could have sat there and waited for you to return if he wanted to know what was going on. Furthermore, he should not have blocked you in the way he did. He does not own the area and he was not law enforcement. Both of his actions already escalated the situation.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,466
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Post by Sabre52 on Mar 12, 2018 21:58:53 GMT -5
Old saying from a life long NRA member, " An anti gunner is simply a pro gunner who has never been mugged." Not being able to protect yourself from the slew of weirdos out there these days simply makes you and any other defenseless souls with you potential victims. I'd rather not have me or my wife be in that category but Hell, if it works for you, hope y'all stay lucky in all your future encounters. Cause if you spend enough time out hounding and camping, odds are sooner or later you will encounter a bad situation. The world ain't what it was back in the 50's...Mel
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Post by vegasjames on Mar 13, 2018 18:52:51 GMT -5
Old saying from a life long NRA member, " An anti gunner is simply a pro gunner who has never been mugged." Not being able to protect yourself from the slew of weirdos out there these days simply makes you and any other defenseless souls with you potential victims. I'd rather not have me or my wife be in that category but Hell, if it works for you, hope y'all stay lucky in all your future encounters. Cause if you spend enough time out hounding and camping, odds are sooner or later you will encounter a bad situation. The world ain't what it was back in the 50's...Mel I just choose to not worry about all the "what ifs". We can become paranoid doing that. I have always done things alone. Camping, hiking , scuba diving, cross country bicycling, spent 2 1/2 months backpacking Iceland by myself, etc. Even living alone a person can slip in the shower and break their neck. Again if we want to worry about all the "what ifs" we might as wrap ourselves up in bubble wrap with an arsenal around us then encase ourselves in a safe room inside of a fortress surrounded by a moat full of piranha never going out where something may happen. I choose to enjoy what life I can and not worry all the time about what may happen.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,466
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Post by Sabre52 on Mar 13, 2018 19:32:53 GMT -5
Like the old joke goes:
Cop pulls over a little old Texas lady and asks for her license. She hands over her drivers license and concealed carry license. Cop says, " Ma'am, are you carrying a firearm?"
Little old lady replies, " Why yes young man I am. I have a 38 in my purse A 1911 in my glove box, and a little 25 auto on my ankle."
Cop says, "Holy smokes ma'am. What are you afraid of?"
Little old lady winks and says, " Not a damn thing young man. Not a damn thing!"
There's paranoia and there's being smart and careful *L*.....Mel
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Post by Psycho on Mar 27, 2018 15:34:10 GMT -5
All I know, I am always glad to be alive to Rockhound another day, now I was I Arizona fr almost a month and never had any issues, even the border patrol admired my sidearm as we were shooting the shit about slaughter mountain Jasper. Like Mel said world ain't the same, but we gotta live and enjoy what we do. So I am proud to say my name is Frank, I lick rocks and I carry a gun lol
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nchillbilly
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2018
Posts: 212
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Post by nchillbilly on Apr 3, 2018 20:02:28 GMT -5
Old saying from a life long NRA member, " An anti gunner is simply a pro gunner who has never been mugged." Not being able to protect yourself from the slew of weirdos out there these days simply makes you and any other defenseless souls with you potential victims. I'd rather not have me or my wife be in that category but Hell, if it works for you, hope y'all stay lucky in all your future encounters. Cause if you spend enough time out hounding and camping, odds are sooner or later you will encounter a bad situation. The world ain't what it was back in the 50's...Mel I just choose to not worry about all the "what ifs". We can become paranoid doing that. I have always done things alone. Camping, hiking , scuba diving, cross country bicycling, spent 2 1/2 months backpacking Iceland by myself, etc. Even living alone a person can slip in the shower and break their neck. Again if we want to worry about all the "what ifs" we might as wrap ourselves up in bubble wrap with an arsenal around us then encase ourselves in a safe room inside of a fortress surrounded by a moat full of piranha never going out where something may happen. I choose to enjoy what life I can and not worry all the time about what may happen. Some of us that go well armed aren't paranoid, just prepared. I'd at least like to know I have a fighting chance instead of being completely defenseless.
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