On the northern side of our ranch is an area we call the "big country". Lions tigers and bears, oh my, back there. Even seen coyotes the size of German Shepherds in the big country. There are no roads and the only way of getting there besides a helicopter is horseback. When we go back there to check fence, I often take a rifle, mostly my Guide Gun in .45-70.
And of course a knife, always a knife, as does the wife too:
Sidearm? Heck yeah.
The big country:
The main hazard to our fencing and us back there are lots and lots of pigs. Plus some of the fences are over an hundred years old, mere suggestions really, the wire is old and brittle, tough to fix.
On trips like this we'll often try out new products such as the wife's idea for a Beltess Sheath. Simple concept but it took eight prototypes to get er down right.
Working on a hole there in the fence. Canela the cowdog is supervising, making sure I got it right:
When down and working like that you are very vulnerable. Its handy to have good help to have your back with that big ol .45-70.
Nah, not really, she was just holding it while I adjusted my saddle after a steep climb, but the other........ makes a better story.
Lions tigers and bears, oh my!
Does get your ponies tired going back there though: