pacific northwest happens to be northern california n further up north for those who dnt know. l needed help on these Q is I am a 21 yr old who did time in juve when l was 15 did a week for battery, case has since been close. Can l purchase a shotgun? If so can anyone ans if in the wilderness can we carry a shotgun for protection? And can we practice fire while out their?
not going to hurt any animal im by far againist hurting any walking creature strictly security purpose! Better to have one than dnt.. sh*t does happen

No, no, no, no, no, no, no. Please, just NO!

There is no concievable reason you'd need a shotgun for protection in California. Bears want only ur food, juvenile mountain lions only attack lone joggers near areas where new development encroaches on their former territory, & there is absolutely nothing to fear from ur fellow hikers & especially backpackers whose efforts to get out there prove their bravery & trustworthiness.

If u want to shoot a shotgun for fun then l suggest u go to a skeet shooting range & have at it. There is nothing for u to shoot in the wilderness. It is strictly leave no trace. You do not leave shells, u do not blast trees, plants, animals, or anything. And by hell u do not shoot a shotgun up in the sky or into the distance without knowing exactly where every one of those shots will land because you're liable to hurt someone.

If u committed a felony u cannot purchase a firearm, if not then u probably can if you're not on parole or wanted.

Dude, you've got to think! You can not have it out, u can not have it anywhere but inside the trunk of ur car, unloaded at all times, unless you're in the woods, & u should not carry it loaded even then unless you're actively hunting game with a license in season. l just can not fathom it. l used to be a hunter but l do not bloody carry a gun backpacking, nor pepper spray, nor anything, backpacking with my wife & kid. There is just no reason.

You should be ok buying a shot gun cause that is under ur juvenile record as long as if it was not a felony do not carry it loaded in ur vehicle, national parks, or state forrest. When it is in ur vehicle do not conceal it. It is good to have protection u might want to go with a small revolver or something like that u need to read up on some safety tips first so u will know the proper way to carry etc. ur firearm just use ur head & do not be drinking while shooting it its just asking for disaster good luck & safe trip.