Safety when 4wheeling near the border

[Will_4R]

How do you guys feel being out there off the pavement? People think I am nuts for going into the desert anywhere south of Tucson, especially camping. How do you guys feel when out there, and what precautions do you take?

 

[Pikeman]

It has been several years (12-15) since I last did that. I live in So Cal but was doing a lot of traveling to Tucson for the Army. I was an instructor at the time and was training the Reserve and Guard Units in Tuscon. I would get 3-4 days break and go wheeling and camping between Douglas and Nogalas when they let me bring my own vehicle. I always made sure I had my pistol not just with me but on me at all times. I know the border climate has changed a lot since then but I still wouldnt hesitate to camp there again. Although I will also add that I would take a second vehicle along as well since good practice to never wheel alone no matter the location. I was new to the sport then and didnt realize the importance of not going out alone.