They are something I grew up with. I was taught to shoot when I was old enough and taught to handle them responsibly. They are also stored safely. I live in Rural America. My part of Kentucky others refer to us as either rednecks or hillbillies. Sometimes in a derogatory term. It is ok, those comments roll right off the back. We are raised to hunt and fish. We work in the gardens with our parents and or grandparents to raise our own food. If it came to it, who needs a grocery store. Besides hunting, a shotgun comes in real handy when you have a huge possum that even the possum killing dog is afraid to mess with. Along with Coyotes, raccoons, snakes, black bears, bobcats.But can you shoot a hawk.
What on earth do you need a gun for? I wouldn't have one even if we could here
I love the mountains, spring is spent in the swamp or on the hill mushroom hunting. I carry a pistol with me. Coyote's are the worst and we are overrun with them. I do not want to come across a pack by myself unarmed. I'm not afraid of the bears. They are here, one ran through my yard this spring. I have never ran up on a bear ever while out and about. Coyotes are another story. Oh and snakes, more importantly the copperheads and rattlesnakes.