guns and NH....strong part of the culture? (Salem: live, law)

[Tiger Beer]

guns and NH...strong part of the culture?

Seems like NH, particularly in the New England region, seems to have a much stronger interest in guns. Is that part of the culture there?

Much more than other places?

[BF66389]

I'd say its very similar to any other state with plenty of open space- more folks involved in shooting sports and/or hunting. There is a strong focus among both shooting sports enthusiasts, hunters, and defensive gun owners that responsible gun ownership is paramount (I've lived in other states, some with very strict gun laws, some with very lax...and that focus is by far the strongest here). Let good/law-abiding citizens own whatever they want- but come down HARD on criminals. Likewise in regard to hunting the safety class is very extensive, about 16 hours long with 8 hours of book/classroom learning and 8 hours of practical/field instruction/examination; it's not the 2 hour class of some other states that a monkey could pass.

So yes, guns are more prevalent; but so is the attitude of responsible ownership- and that is a winning combination

[steveusaf]

If you're worried about a "Ruby Ridge" kind of militia-type influence, don't. Most of the gun activity in NH is hunting related. Competitive shooting clubs are prevalent also - very community centered. Being a libertarian-minded state, most people don't feel too freaked out about people owning guns responsibly. If you are of the type that think only the police should be allowed to carry guns, maybe rural NH is not the right place for you. Law enforcement can be a long ways away in the country - many people like the reassurance that they can handle a situation themselves until the police eventually show up. Then again, they just might like plinking tin cans out in their back yard also.

Don't worry, were not the "Minutemen" protecting the Canadian border against illegal immigrants and we're not the Branch Davidians of Waco Texas. If you want my gun, however, you'll have to pry it from my cold, dead hands

[Old Man Winter]

I was born and raised in Salem, N.H. and yes fire arms are part of the culture imo. We grew up from a very young age learning the safety and responsibilty of fire arms. My brothers and I hunted our way through to adulthood, and to this day all 3 of us still own many types of fire arms for sport and hunting. The motto is "Live Free Or Die", and as another poster stated, you'll have to pry mine from my cold dead hand as well.

[fishnfool]

Yup, they are. Just got in from hunting to coastline in this storm. I love hunting nor'easters

[BriInNH]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

guns and NH...strong part of the culture?

Seems like NH, particularly in the New England region, seems to have a much stronger interest in guns. Is that part of the culture there?

Much more than other places?

My .45 and 9mm agree

[nicolem]

Yes we take our right to bear arms very seriously here in NH, as we do all our other rights and freedoms. My husband and I shoot at the range at least once a month-the more often the better. The members at the range are male and female, old and young.

In the Lakes region on major roads it is very common to see hunters walking with their guns-during hunting season my husband and I see that most days on our way to work.

[BF66389]

Slightly off topic, but oh well: Some good responses here, for those who I wasn't able to rep because I need to "spread it around"...+1

[NHDave]

Where is the New England region of New Hampshire

[GotBackHome]

Originally Posted by NHDave

Where is the New England region of New Hampshire

yes, it is a little odd phrasing, since New England is the region and NH is the state (subset). but I noticed the line under the OP's name that says 'English teacher in Japan' so I'm guessing that explains the syntax