Everytime I go herping/hiking I bring my 9mm. Every single time. I also like to drag someone with me. I hike on state game lands, not private property, so there's no telling who I may run in to. The Pa Game Commission enforces laws for hunters hunting out of season. The reason these laws exsist... because hunters hunt out of season. I sometimes cross paths with people out in the middle of no where. The bad reality is not everyone has good intentions. I atleast like to level the playing field. Give myself a chance God forbid anything bad goes down...

HOWEVER - a 9mm wont protect your knuckles/hands or calves from a rattlesnake defending itself. Walk carefully. When I flip rocks I like to double check where I place my vulnerable hands.