I know i've hiked alot in the pines and i've never had a problem with the rangers searching me although i don't doubt that it happens ,they seem to take the law into there own hands quite a bit any more. years ago all my brothers used to camp at bellplain and we got to know a ranger there ,even he said that to many rangers let the new found authority go way into their heads and abuse it. there really is no advice to be found on how to avoid it, just to stay whistle clean in the pines
If y'all had the easy access to a "right to carry" permit for firearms like we do here in Florida, I'll bet Rangers would show more respect:jeffd: and not nose around into tents in the middle of the night. I recommend pepper spray---but maybe that's illegal too. Hay, when you give up your constitutional rights, the state takes them and loves it. So do the criminals. B_ _ _ _ RDS!