While we like to think of our state forests as safe from crime and danger, the simple fact is that one could encounter an injured or protective wild animal at any time.  To deny citizens the right to protect themselves from natural hazards is unconscionable.

In addition, the news media has reported that criminal drug farmers are quickly spreading throughout our nation's largely unattended forests.  Encountering violent criminals intent on protecting their illegal crop is ever more likely.  And again, to deny citizens the right to protect themselves from these violent criminal elements is unconscionable.

Please enact this change.

Thanks for your consideration.