Anyone who owns a cabin that’s unoccupied most of the year always keeps in the back of their mind the possibilities that someone may have taken up residence during the off-season. It could be a bear, raccoon, or even worse.
A couple in Coffee County, Alabama visiting their hunting cabin recently had a frightening experience when they discovered an escaped inmate and held him at gunpoint until police arrived.
RELATED: Search for Escaped Convicts Turns to Hunters
Clayton Wells, who owns the cabin, was carrying a pistol when he entered the cabin and found the man walking past the door. That’s when he and his both drew guns on the intruder.
He told WSFA in Alabama that he saw the man wearing his hunting gear — cammo, head lamp, fanny pack and holding a knife. That’s when his training in federal and state corrections systems kicked in.
Jeffrey Scott had escaped a nearby correctional facility in June and it’s unclear how long exactly he may have been living in the cabin.
With his gun drawn, Wells told the man to drop the knife. And when he didn’t comply, he fired a warning shot into the wall. At that point Scott threw the knife over by the sink.
Then he tried to reach into the fanny pack, saying he wanted to smoke a cigar, and Wells said no way.
RELATED: 5 of the Best Guns to Carry in the Backcountry
“I tell him to keep your hands away from the pack,” he told the station. “I’m telling you right now I’m going to shoot you if you don’t comply with what I’m telling you.”
Jennifer Wells said the situation could have been much worse and was thankful she was there with backup.
All I could think of was he was fixing to go after and get that gun. We’re talking three feet and all he needed to do was lunge at him,” she said. “If he didn’t have that gun on him, I don’t think the outcome would have been good.”
Hunting cabins seem to be a favorite refuge for escaped inmates, and it makes sense. They are located in rural areas and are often vacant most of the year.
When two inmates escaped from a correctional facility in upstate New York, law enforcement called on hunters to check their cabins. But do so cautiously.
Photo credit: WSFA
Gun Racks
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Big Sky Overhead Rack
For a variation on the rear-window theme, consider an overhead mounted rack. One of the best is produced by Big Sky because it’s equipped with padding at the stock, handle and most importantly the scope. Fastened down with Velcro, a rifle in this rack isn’t going anywhere. It’s also more concealed in the overhead position and can still be easily accessed. MSRP $99.99
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Hunters TackleBack
Now here’s a rack that requires no installation. Simply slip the two components of the Cabela’s Hunter TackleBack behind the seat backs of the two front seats and you’ve got a readymade gun rack, bow holder and supply storage device. The best part is when you’re not using this rack, it can be easily removed. This rack also has the added bonus and making your guns easily accessible and well-padded to avoid any damage. MSRP $29
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Rugged Gear Removable Floor-Mount
This rack puts the guns right at your disposal. With the Rugged Gear Removable Floor Mount 4 Gun Rack, four rifles or shotguns can be mounted right next to the gear shift or at any other convenient place in your vehicle. This setup might get in the way for some drivers and could obscure your view a little, but it puts your guns at an easily accessible position and you’re able to keep tabs on them at all times. This mount can also be removed and assembled on an all-terrain vehicle. MSRP $179.99
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Behind the Seat Rack
Probably the simplest solution to portable gun storage is the DU-HA Underseat Storage for Trucks. Simply a bin that you can put fit a full length rifle or shotgun along with any supplies, this rack is one of the most concealed racks on the market. Able to stow under the back seat or behind the passenger seats, this rack will keep your gun safe and secure even when you’re away from the rig. MSRP $14.99 - $269.99
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Rackbone by Condition Zero
For all you assault weapons enthusiasts, the Rackbone by Condition Zero is just for you. This stout mounting device can be installed overhead, behind or across the seat back. Milled from aluminum and hard-coat anodized black, this rack is as rugged as the weapons it’s meant to hold. The rackbone also comes with accessories depending on what type of gun you pan to mount. MSRP $189
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Pistol Clamp Mount
Since we haven’t covered pistols yet, here is a rack specifically designed for concealed handguns. With the Pistol Camp Mount by Condition Zero you can holster your pistol along the side console of your pickup, on the inside of the door or along a handlebar. Due to the universal clamping system, this device can be mounted just about anywhere. MSRP $89
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Door Mount Pair
Here is a rack specifically designed for an open door setup. This Door Mount Pair rack by Condition Zero looks like something you’d have on an African big game hunt. Created from solid steel and powder-coated, this rack easily slips into the door hinges, putting your weapon right at your fingertips when you need it in a hurry. MSRP $395
