I haven't read all the posts in the 11 pages, but wanted to weigh in. I'm from Canada, ex-military and worked in protective services for 20 years so fire arms don't bother me. Being from Canada, I find it hard to fathom people just carry fire arms around, we just don't do that. Not saying it's wrong, just not something we are use to.
For me, I'd say unless it's needed, keep it stowed away. The problem you ran into is you had the weapon out. Don't know if there was a need or not, but the need would have to be very high before I would take our a fire arm.
Protection from animals may be a reason, but for all the years I've spend in the woods I've never felt I needed a weapon to protect myself. I do carry bear spray.
Like I said I'm comfortable with weapons and do think our gun laws up here could be eased a bit. I also can't say that if I could carry, I wouldn't. Just a different perspective I guess.