Carrying a gun while camping in NC

[Alex45ACP]

Does anyone know the laws pertaining to this? I would like to carry a pistol and a shotgun if possible.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Where you camp will have a lot to do with it, assuming you have a CCW permit... see the NC section at packing.org for more details.

lpl/nc

 

[fletcher]

This is the response I received from an email concerning that:

Good morning,

Gun Regulations on National Forest Land

During closed seasons on game birds and game animals, it is unlawful to
possess any firearm or bow and arrow readily available for use. During
that time in which fox season is the only open season for a game animal, it
is also unlawful to possess these weapons. The following exceptions,
however, should be noted:
· Possession is allowed on field trial and target shooting areas and in
camping areas for defense of person or property.
· 22-caliber pistols with barrels not greater than 7.5 inches in length
and shooting only short, long or long rifle ammunition may be carried as
side arms on game lands at any time except by hunters during the special
bow-and-arrow and muzzle loading firearms deer hunting season.


More technical or in depth questions can be answered by The N.C. Wildlife
Resources Commission at 919 733-3391.




Subject: Information - Firearms Regulations in National Forests

07/06/2005 03:09PM




Dear Sir/Madam,
Many gun owners and Concealed Handgun Permit holders (myself included)
are confused on the laws/regulations concerning firearms in National
Forests in North Carolina. To clear up any confusion, and to avoid any
problems, can you please answer the following questions I have concerning
these laws?


1) If an individual possesses a North Carolina Concealed Weapon Permit, is
it legal to carry a concealed handgun in a National Forest in NC?
2) If so, are there any restrictions as to what kind of handguns may be
carried, or when they may be carried concealed?

3) Is it legal to open carry (not concealed) a handgun in a National Forest
in NC?
4) If so, are there any restrictions as to what kind of handguns may be
carried, or when they may be carried open?

5) Is it legal to carry a rifle in a National Forest in NC?
6) If so, are there any restrictions as to what kind of rifles may be
carried, or when they may be carried?


Thank you for your assistance.

--
fletcher

 

[benEzra]

That's just wrong.

I, who have no interest in hunting even during the regular season, can't CCW my 3913LS while camping or stargazing in a remote area because I might be somehow overcome with Buck Fever and go deer poaching with a 3" barreled 9mm pistol.

I guess it's time for a "what .22 pistol is best for self-defense in an NC National Forest" thread...

 

[fletcher]

Larger caliber firearms are allowed to be carried (the email was specifically pertained to Uwharrie) per this "exception":

Possession is allowed on field trial and target shooting areas and in
camping areas for defense of person or property.

 

[benEzra]

The NF closest to me (Croatan) has a few designated camping areas, but most of it is "game lands" set aside for hunters. I wonder how the boundaries between the two are designated...guess I'll have to check some more.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

NC gamelands are designated with a diamond shaped sign that proclaims it such. Lacking that, where gamelands meet with private land are boundary markers such as 2 stripes on trees, 2 orange tape pieces tied to trees, or two macheted spots in the bark of a tree, all left by survey crews.

Gamelands boundaries are usually very well marked.

 

[Thefabulousfink]

Living up here in the Free Nothwest, I never go backpacking without my .40 S&W. My best friend and camping buddy carries a Glock in .45 ACP. A .22, while a great plinking gun would barely get the attention of the mountain lions, bears, bobcats, wolves, moose, and various other dangerous animals around these parts. If a park ranger told me all I could carry was a .22 I'd look at him like he was insane.

I'd also suggest that the ranger due his job with a pair of flip-flops of his feet rather than boot (they're better for the enviroment, and less offensive).

 

[Alex45ACP]

Thanks for the information.