I don’t live in the southern states, but it is rural. All the 'old timers' around here routinely carry a handgun into the woods (and have for years). The first shell loaded in the gun is a snake shot load. (bullets designed to spray little shot pellets) to kill poisonous snakes. I'm told the other shells are for the "2 legged snakes".
Personally, I’ve carried on hikes, but haven't carried on the bike (except for mace).
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It's better to cycle through life than to drive by it.