Another Iditarod Question

[smoke-eater]

I've been following the "Last Great Race" for years, read everything I can find on it.  Here's a question I've been wanting to ask, but didn't know who to ask :  I know some mushers carry a firearm for protection on the trail, and were once used to stop an enraged moose that was trampling Susan Butchers dog team.  What do they carry?I appreciate any info you can provide.  God bless you Alaskans!

[Dand]

I'm just guessing but I'd bet the .44 mag is the most popular round and most likely a Ruger Super Black Hawk, maybe some Smiths.  Probably a few carry a 357 but aren't planning on slowing down moose very quickly.

Since you pose the question, it occurred to me that part of the race runs thru the Farewell area where there are bison.  But I've never heard that bison were a problem.

I think the official Iditarod site might have a place you could ask such questions and get a more informed answer than mine.

I don't know if mushers are required to carry a gun.

HTH

[Daveinthebush]

I have met quite a few of the mushers and many carry handguns.  They may choose whatever they want but light weight and easy to pack is going to be the key requirements in their selection.  Probably the most feared animal on the trail is the moose.