Despite the RCMP urging farmers not to take matters into their own hands, some Saskatchewan producers say they still feel the need to carry rifles for their safety.

A number of farmers have sent CBC photos of the firearms they are now keeping in the cabs of their trucks and farm machinery.

The precautions for some come after a farmhand near Fiske, Sask., was approached Monday on a rural road by three masked men carrying handguns.

Dallas Ostrom said he used to carry a rifle to deal with wildlife like coyotes and skunks. Now he carries it for protection. (Don Somers/CBC )

"If my life was threatened, or if I felt my family's life was in danger – absolutely," said Dallas Ostrom, who farms in the Bents area about 60 kilometres northeast of Fiske, when asked if he'd actually use the rifle he carries against someone.

It isn't anything new for Ostrom to be carrying a firearm. It used to be in case he came across wildlife like coyotes or skunks.

"But now, yeah, it's for personal safety. And that's a little ridiculous," Ostrom said.

RCMP: 'Let us do our jobs'

"We're aware that individuals will carry some firearms out for hunting reasons or even farming reasons," RCMP Sgt. Earl LeBlanc told the media on Wednesday. "But what we don't want people to do is to carry them for their own protection or for what they feel that is to protect others. Let us do our jobs."

LeBlanc told reporters that response time varies across the province, and admitted that the RCMP has some challenges. However, LeBlanc said Mounties deploy resources depending on the needs of the call.

Ostrom said although Mounties are doing their best to respond to calls, it's a big area to cover.

A farmhand near Fiske, Sask. was allegedly approached Monday on a rural road by three masked men carrying handguns. (Jennifer Quesnel/CBC)

Not everyone in the area has gone as far as carrying weapons. Some producers say they're taking new precautions like making sure the doors to their homes and shops are locked.

No matter what, LeBlanc said the RCMP doesn't want people taking matters into their own hands.

"Don't confront them. Call the police, immediately."