SW-500, also known as the hand held Howitzer. Pit-mix He alerts me when somebody comes with in a quarter mile of my camp. I am very careful,
I don't think that what you dealt with were druggies, they usually are quiet and don't want anybody to know that they are there. Because they live out there while they are growing the pot. Mostly I run across people that are into of HOV's. Late in the season there are hunters out there.
They also have lots of dogs.
I don't think that that area is a good pot growing region, get cold too soon, I've seen snow there as late as the week before Memorial Day and as early as second week of September I have had ice on the water buckets in the morning. Plus there is a lot of helicopter traffic in the area every time I'm there.
One thing you have to watch out for is the cougars, I find tracks in my camp a lot, and bear lots of bear sign.
But you are right the only thing I ever feel uncomfortable with is when there are two legged snakes around.
If you think you need assistance you can always run down to Pi-Pi and get them to call the sheriff.