Camping Trip in 2 Days, what should i take with me?

Coyotes won't give you that kind of trouble. But, if I'm wrong . . . .

The caliber is fine (they're tough, skinny dogs), but they travel in packs so you'll need more ammo.

Which gun? It won't matter. Which one is more convenient and more accurate for you?

Keep your food contained and you shouldn't have any problems with coyotes. They don't especially like being around people unless they've learned they can get an easy meal.

They'll probably scatter at the first holler, if not then at the first shot, giving you some time. But they're curious -- they'll come back to check it out.

There are exceptions to everything, but coyotes normally do not attack people. They just aggravate you and attack your small pets and take your food. So you're worrying about the exception -- the mad coyote which hasn't learned coyote rules.

Two guys with .38's should easily keep them under control.

But under normal circumstances, you shouldn't have to fire any shots. Don't do that unless necessary, because it would be unusual for coyotes to cause that kind of problem.

Maybe go out and get a Desert Eagle in .44 magnum ... bears can be pretty tough customers.

If bears are not a concern then focus on the Coyote. The lightest revolver you have, with the lightest loads ought work well for them f they get close.

On the Mojave desert and in the California Redwoods at least, coyotes are skittish and spook easily-- I've never had one come into camp with people there.
Had one get at the fish entrails we left down the river bank once, but that was well before dawn and we only heard it. Raccoons and opossums on the other hand will get up close and personal, though we fight them off with the slingshot! Enjoy the trip.

Not trying to preach to the choir, but as there are two of you with guns, you might talk about "what if's" ahead of time. Think about setting up some kind of "rules of engagement".

As others have said, it's very unlikely coyotes are going to cause trouble, and if they do, a shot or two will probably send them running.

The last thing you want is some kind of accident because both of you are shooting at the same animal, and it runs between you.

I know this sounds silly, but I've heard of hunting accidents which were pretty much just like this.

Watch out for mountain lions.

Take all your guns. You have two hands!

Which one has the shorter barrel, which one do you shoot the most? Reason I ask is you need to be carrying it not leaving it in the tent or in backpack. I have a 629, heavy as hell but believe me I carried it everywhere when I was camping in Alaska. Made a handy toliet paper holder!! (Don't ask how I figured that out).

One favorite carry gun 38 SW 2inch
XTP rnds

Since there will be two of you going on the trip, and you were wondering about being able to re-load quick enough, take both of them. Grabbing the second gun should be faster than re-loading.

Also, you may need to check into the legalities of carrying firearms, depending on where you will be camping. Where I camp in Virginia, it is legal to carry with a CWP in state parks. I do most of my camping in Corp of Engineering campgrounds, which is federal property. No firearms allowed. Just make sure that you know the laws beforehand.

Oakville Shooter

Either gun is fine. When traveling in bear country I always make sure that each person in the hiking party has the Bear Spray. That stuff is as effective as a 458 winchester... Seriously. Also would work on two legged perps. My #1 advice is keep your eyes open and when in the woods, trust your guts and make as little trail as possible.

I suppose that you are taking a first aid kit (augmented with stuff from your medicine cabinet), a radio and other gear? One other thing to think about this time of year is ticks... I don't know if you are in a place that ticks are a real problem, but it is something to keep in mind.

Sackett has it right,

the most bold and digitally manipulative pests to bother our camping trip were the racoons. The ranger suggested " Use a metal cooler to hold all your food and put it in your car, roll up the windows, lock the doors and swallow the key!" I had modern plastic coolers and rubbermaid "Tuff Totes" with locking handles and we locked the handles with stout sticks. The learning came in the morning when my son found the s'mores crackers out of the cooler and on lifting the lid found the racoon trapped inside, having eaten the marshmallows and chocolate. I can's say for sure who was more surprised, the boy or the critter. Both moved fast, the critter climbing out and the boy slamming the lid on it's head. The blow stunned the critter and gave the boy time to beat feet. I was laughing so hard, I missed getting the camera or the slingshot. The coon took off for the woods, Matthew wore the sling shot for the rest of the trip. He had a great time sitting at the fire and watching the glowing eyes approach into firing range. He discouraged them only as long as he stayed up. They still made forays well after sun up. I was concerned that other critters like coyotes might pattern this critter behavior and target the coons at the campsites. I loaded my Security Six with shot shells in the event of snake interactions. I never have had to shoot but felt better having been prepared.

M240b

You're fine with which ever one you shoot best. No big thing. I'd take a 22 myself.

Stop worrying about coyotes

Raccoons, ticks and mosquito's are your problem, that and realizing you are 40 miles away from the nearest roll of toilet paper when you really need it. Keep your camp clean and make plenty of noise when you are walking around and bears won't be a problem, I doubt you see a coyote except at a distance. I'm perfectly happy with a 22 pistol or revolver for a camp gun but if you need one it will be for human predators not packs of ravenous wolverines intent on gnawing your bones for breakfast. If you do a lot of hiking the lightest gun, otherwise the one you shoot best. I would personally worry more about making sure my first aid kit is well stocked and I had enough fresh water. A compass, whistle and a 'good' knife, (I always bring a whetstone if I am camping overnight). Use a walking stick and watch where you put your feet and hands. If you see a snake the stick will be of more use than shot shells. I have yet to have a need to shoot a snake and I have seen more rattlesnakes in a single days walk than most people have seen in a lifetime. I don't know where you are camping but you said up north so I think snakes will be as much of a problem as coyotes, none. Didn't mean to ramble but when I hear people wanting to prepare for trouble by packing the heaviest gun they can, I have a feeling they are hoping for adventure/trouble. In the woods I want to see squirrels, hear birds and catch fish, not engage in life and death gunfights.

I wouldn't worry about the coyotes, but you really need to think about what you will do if you meet Bigfoot

For coyotes?

EARPLUGS. And a large aperture telephoto lens

Coyotes are afraid of you even if you are unarmed. If you see a coyote approaching you he probably has rabies. You could honestly kill a coyote with a solid punch. Any firearm will do the job easier. We are not talking Jack Londen novel material.

Here's my rec's for ya:

Build a nice fire and keep it burning whilst you are in camp. Most animals wont go near a fire.

Bring your .38, but make sure you're comfortable shooting it, and you check it daily (dirt/dust/grime/etc).

Lock up all your food, and your trash. Not only is this good etiquette, but it will keep other pests away besides bears and coyotes (racoons for example. while not exactly dangerous, I wouldn't want one eating my food)

Pending where you're going, bring a LOT of bug spray. This is an unusually bad mosquito year in certain western states, due to the above average yearly precipitation.

Have fun!

A few years ago, there was a guy camping out in Arizona - sleeping out on a cot without a tent.

He woke up to a black bear chewing on his head. He grabbed a .38 revolver that was under his pillow and started pumping bullets into the bear at contact distance.

The bear retreated and was later found dead.