Should You Carry a Gun? A Hunter’s Concealed Carry Journey

I’ve been thinking a lot about whether or not I should carry a gun. I can’t explain exactly why, but it has been weighing on my heart for some time. Something just kept pulling at me.

I’ve been a hunter most of my life, using shotguns and rifles for deer, ducks and other game. Growing up around firearms, guns were tools, not symbols. For years, the idea of carrying a firearm every day didn’t feel like something I was ready for.

I wasn’t afraid of guns. What gave me pause was the responsibility that comes with carrying concealed. Life already feels full of responsibilities.

I remember asking myself hard questions: Should I own a handgun for personal protection? Am I ready for what that means? Would carrying a concealed handgun protect my family or just add more stress? And what if something goes wrong — not because of malice, but because of a bad decision?

Those questions lingered. That hesitation, I’ve learned, is where many people start. But in my late 50s now, I’ve learned to trust my gut. That feeling told me to start the process of getting a concealed carry permit.

The Question Isn’t ‘Can I?’ but ‘Should I?’

Though some of my family members have permits, the topic of personal protection doesn’t often come up. Some carry, some don’t. Some go to the gun range regularly — mostly for recreation.

For me, the decision wasn’t about whether concealed carry was legal or popular. It was about whether it fit my life, my mindset and my family.

I didn’t have much experience with handguns. To be honest, I was nervous about them. I knew owning and carrying a handgun meant accepting responsibility beyond myself. It meant understanding the law, committing to training and being honest about my limitations.

Carrying a firearm doesn’t guarantee safety. It increases your responsibility to act wisely. The initial question, I realized, wasn’t “How do I get a permit?” It was “Is concealed carry the right choice for me?” That’s a question everyone has to answer on their own.

Training to Increase My Confidence with Handguns

Though hunting skills, interestingly, share some overlap with self-defense and concealed carry, I had limited hands-on experience with pistols. I knew I needed gun-safety training to feel confident, as my biggest concern was safely owning and storing a handgun in my home.

The place to start, I realized, was a concealed carry class. What did I have to lose? Worst case, I would learn something.

Training forced me to confront uncomfortable realities: stress affects judgment, mistakes have consequences and safe gun handling must become second nature. The more I learned, the more confident I became — not just in my shooting ability, but in my understanding of when not to act.

Taking My First Concealed Carry Class

I searched online for a concealed carry class near me and found a USCCA Certified Instructor. Having met some of the USCCA leadership through Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) conferences, I was impressed with their expertise, the depth of self-defense education and the scope of what the organization covers.

A quick look at reviews and testimonials of Minnesota-based instructor Mike Gustafson told me he was the right choice. So I enrolled.

When I arrived at the indoor range on a Wednesday afternoon, Gustafson welcomed me into a nearly full classroom of about 25 students. Most were there for permit renewals. A few, like me, were just starting out.

The classroom instruction was exactly what I needed. We covered concealed carry laws, responsibilities and essential gun-safety protocols. Gustafson also explained the mechanics of a pistol — helpful for someone new to handguns.

When we moved to the live-fire portion at the range, Gustafson walked me through each step: loading the magazine, inserting it securely, understanding the safety mechanism and establishing a proper grip. His clear, hands-on instruction quickly built my confidence.

I was surprised at how quickly I became comfortable with handgun handling and operation after just 15 minutes of live-fire practice. Gustafson even let me try out a couple of different handgun models, which gave me valuable perspective on how various concealed carry pistols feel and function.

The more I learned about concealed carry and firearms safety, the more eager I became to keep learning.

Licensed to Carry

I earned my Proof of Training Certificate, showing I had completed a certified firearms training course covering basic pistol use and the legal aspects of concealed carry. It also included the required live-fire qualification.

A couple of weeks later, I took the next step by filling out the required paperwork in Minnesota for a permit to carry — forms that Gustafson had provided with my training certificate. I brought my Proof of Training Certificate, completed application and a check for $100 to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department. After a successful background check, my Minnesota Permit to Carry a Pistol arrived in the mail in just under two weeks.

I am now legally able to carry concealed.

Understanding Concealed Carry

At the beginning of this journey, I thought being prepared meant being armed. But now I realize preparedness in self-defense is so much more.

It’s about having a pistol accessible yet secure. It’s about doing everything possible to avoid conflict. It’s knowing when deadly force is justified, and when it’s not. It’s about what to say — or not say — if you’re involved in an incident, and understanding the value of concealed carry insurance as part of that protection.

Concealed carry isn’t a one-time decision. It’s an ongoing commitment.

It requires:

• Staying current on the law
• Practicing safe storage
• Maintaining situational awareness
• Accepting that carrying a firearm changes how you move through the world

There’s a lot more to carrying concealed than simply holstering a firearm every day. Should I own a handgun? I believe so. But concealed carry isn’t for everyone. Choosing not to carry can be just as responsible as choosing to do so.

Confidence in the concealed carry lifestyle grows with experience.

I don’t have all the answers, but I’m learning what it means to be prepared and have the ability to protect the people I love. This journey is personal. It’s not about fear, it’s about being prepared, informed and responsible. And I know it’s just the beginning.

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Is Concealed Carry Right for Everyone?

Carrying concealed is a personal decision, not a universal solution. Some people decide the responsibility is worth it. Others decide it isn’t. Both conclusions can be made thoughtfully and responsibly.

If you’re considering concealed carry, ask yourself:

• Are you willing to commit to ongoing training?
• Are you prepared to learn and follow the law closely?
• Are you comfortable with the mental weight that comes with carrying a firearm?
• Are you willing to walk away from situations rather than escalate them?

There’s no rush to answer these questions. Taking your time may be the most responsible choice you can make.

What Concealed Carry Means for Everyday Life

One of the biggest surprises for some is how much concealed carry affects ordinary routines. Clothing choices change. You’ll need to think about where you can and can’t go with a gun and what other gear you may need to carry.

These may not be deal-breakers, but they will be adjustments. These details may not show up in the beginner guides. Concealed carry doesn’t simplify life. It requires you to be more deliberate.

If you’re new to the idea, hesitation is normal. Questions are healthy. And deciding that concealed carry isn’t right for you is not a failure.

For those who do decide to carry, the path forward should always include education, training and humility.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is concealed carry right for everyone?
Concealed carry is a personal decision that depends on mindset, lifestyle and willingness to accept responsibility. Choosing not to carry can be just as responsible as choosing to do so.

How do I know if I’m ready to carry a concealed firearm?
Readiness isn’t about confidence alone. It involves a willingness to train, learn the law, practice safe handling and think carefully about how carrying a firearm changes daily decisions.

Is it normal to feel hesitant about concealed carry?
Absolutely. Hesitation often reflects an understanding of the responsibility involved. Taking time to ask hard questions is a healthy part of the decision-making process.

Does carrying a gun make you safer?
Carrying a firearm doesn’t guarantee safety. It adds a tool to an overall approach that should still prioritize awareness, avoidance and good judgment.

What kind of commitment does concealed carry require?
Concealed carry requires ongoing effort, including continued education, training, legal awareness and safe storage practices. It’s not a one-time decision or a piece of gear you can forget about.

Can my decision about concealed carry change over time?
Personal safety is not one-size-fits-all, and deciding not to carry does not have to mean you are unprepared. Life circumstances, training, experience and personal comfort levels change. Many people revisit the decision as their understanding and situation evolve.

What essentials should I consider as a new gun owner preparing for concealed carry?
Start with a reliable handgun that fits your lifestyle, and enroll in training that covers both safe handling and legal use of force. Consider investing in a quality holster and understanding your state’s carry laws before stepping into the concealed carry lifestyle.
For a practical, step-by-step resource, check out this beginner’s checklist for new gun owners.

How does hunting experience translate to concealed carry and self-defense?
Hunters already understand firearms safety, precision shooting and situational awareness — all valuable traits in personal defense. However, concealed carry introduces new elements: legal accountability, conflict avoidance and the need to carry daily in varied environments. Understanding the difference between hunting readiness and self-defense readiness is key when making the transition.