[jbusta]

Hi guys,

I haven't yet got my hunting license(going to Hunters Ed on the 30th) and i was thinking about heading out to Angeles National Forest to do some scouting. Will it be legal for me to carry my shotgun(for self-protection) on a sling or in my hand will im on foot?

Angeles National Forest is in Southern California

[Leanwolf]

It depends. It was legal in most of the Angeles N.F. when I lived in L.A., but that was ten years ago.

If I were you, I'd call the Ranger Station that services the area in which you want to hike, and ask the Rangers there.

Also, if I were in your shoes, I'd buy a Calif. Hunting License before you go so you can always say, "I'm after varmints," in case a Game Warden or Forest Ranger were to question you. Read the Calif. Fish & Game laws in their Regulations booklet, before going. You'll get a copy either in your class or at the store where you buy your license.

Good luck.

L.W.

[Zoogster]

If using the excuse of hunting, then you will also need to adhere to the restrictions on ammo capacity. For hunting big game, small game, birds, or fur bearers it must have a total capacity (including chamber) of not more than 3 rounds (2 round magazine).
That essentialy means you have to carry with a loaded chamber (no drop safety on most shotguns) just to have a 3 round capacity.
If you are hunting certain varmints you can legaly have up to 6 (5 round magazine) shots total capacity in a shotgun, which for many defensive shotguns will still require a plug.
You need a hunting license to legaly take even varmints, so that makes a bad excuse without a license.

If you are carrying buckshot or slugs and you claim to be after some tiny pest you may get hassled and accused of attempting to poach a deer sized animal. If you have more than a 2 (3 total) round magazine capacity and you really are after a larger animal it is also illegal as a 5 (6 total) round magazine is only legal for certain things. Of course being after such an animal without the appropriate tags would be illegal anyways.
Be sure whatever you claim to be after is also not restricted to any particular season you are not in, and does not require tags you do not have. Be sure what you claim to be after matches the ammo capacity restrictions on the shotgun you are carrying.