When I was at Tech, I always enjoyed hiking around Appalachia with my friends.  There is one thing that comes to mind when you are out that far in the wilderness- for the most part, you are alone, and nobody is within a reasonable distance to help you if you need it.  Out there more than ever, you are responsible for your own safety.

To opponents of this idea claim that there is no specific need for people to lawfully carry in a State forest, I would argue by that same logic that you shouldn't have a spare tire in your car, since you are statistically unlikely to need one.  I don't expect to encounter a two-legged or four-legged predator when I go camping, but I would like to be able to protect myself when I am outside of cell phone range and away from anyone who could hear my cries for help!

Over the span of several decades, permit holders have established an exemplary record of conduct- research on CHP holders in various states has shown that permit holders are far less likely to commit a crime than the average non-permit citizen. www.guncite.com/gun_control_gcdgcon.html  Based on decades of past evidence, there is no reason to believe that CHP holders will be any less responsible while they are camping out in the wilderness.

Opponents to lawful carry also talk about how they wouldn't feel safe if permit holders were allowed to carry in forests (regardless of the fact that we already carry in all of the public places they feel safe in.)  I can tell you firsthand that feeling safe has nothing to do with being safe.  I felt completely safe from attack at Virginia Tech, but that doesn't stop violent crime from happening on the outskirts of campus, nor did it stop a violent shooter who ignored school policies and state law to do what he did.

Please recognize that me and my fellow Virginians want the ability to carry a means to protect ourselves while alone, out in the wilderness, just like we are already able to do lawfully in crowded public places.