D-Day
Member
Howdy. Great forum here. I've lurked in the past so to speak, because when I Google something for firearms-related answer, I'm often directed to the archives of this forum and find lots of information, so thought I'd sign up.
I'm gonna be doing a bit of camping/hiking in White Mountain National Forest with friends in about a week (the 9th), for a week, and wanted to hike with my rifle and/or pistol. No need to mention the distinction between parks and forests to me, I've exhausted that avenue of research. Parks always off limits (at least for now), forests sometimes okay.
I've got in contact with a couple people in the government related to this, one being NH Fish & Game, the law enforcement division. They say as long as I'm not hunting and abide by state laws, they don't care.
I don't want to hunt, or target shoot; mainly just to backpack with my rifle and get more of an outdoor experience and to become more familiar with my rifle; you know what I mean. I'd also like protection in the rare event anything happens. I feel an obligation to protect myself and my friends.
Open carry is allowed in New Hampshire, and of course I would carry open. No concealment of my pistol, and concealing my rifle, well, is just impossible even if I wanted to.
On the White Mountain website, it states this in regards to firearms:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain/law_enforcement/general_rules.php
So, if they weren't allowed, wouldn't they exclusively say that? I'm just wanting to confirm here. My friend is a little paranoid and thinks that I'll frighten some hiker and they'll tell the rangers and get us kicked out.
What I'm looking for, I guess, is confirmation that what I want to do is okay, if it is. If it isn't, tell me. I'm looking to do the legal thing and don't want any trouble. But as far as I've researched, there's nothing illegal.
Positive stories about hiking/camping while carrying rifle and/or pistol would be good too; especially encounters with rangers, or even friendly hikers. Negative stories are good too, so I know what to expect. I'm looking for a little guidance and judgement here. If anybody has done this in White Mountain National Forest, that'd be a jackpot bonus.
I hope I put this in the right forum, since it regards a legal issue. Thanks again, I appreciate it.
I'm gonna be doing a bit of camping/hiking in White Mountain National Forest with friends in about a week (the 9th), for a week, and wanted to hike with my rifle and/or pistol. No need to mention the distinction between parks and forests to me, I've exhausted that avenue of research. Parks always off limits (at least for now), forests sometimes okay.
I've got in contact with a couple people in the government related to this, one being NH Fish & Game, the law enforcement division. They say as long as I'm not hunting and abide by state laws, they don't care.
I don't want to hunt, or target shoot; mainly just to backpack with my rifle and get more of an outdoor experience and to become more familiar with my rifle; you know what I mean. I'd also like protection in the rare event anything happens. I feel an obligation to protect myself and my friends.
Open carry is allowed in New Hampshire, and of course I would carry open. No concealment of my pistol, and concealing my rifle, well, is just impossible even if I wanted to.
On the White Mountain website, it states this in regards to firearms:
Fireworks and Firearms:
- Use of fireworks or other explosives is prohibited within campgrounds and other recreation sites.
- Firing a gun is not allowed: (1) in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area; (2) across or on a road or body of water; or (3) in any circumstance whereby any person may be injured or property damaged.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain/law_enforcement/general_rules.php
So, if they weren't allowed, wouldn't they exclusively say that? I'm just wanting to confirm here. My friend is a little paranoid and thinks that I'll frighten some hiker and they'll tell the rangers and get us kicked out.
What I'm looking for, I guess, is confirmation that what I want to do is okay, if it is. If it isn't, tell me. I'm looking to do the legal thing and don't want any trouble. But as far as I've researched, there's nothing illegal.
Positive stories about hiking/camping while carrying rifle and/or pistol would be good too; especially encounters with rangers, or even friendly hikers. Negative stories are good too, so I know what to expect. I'm looking for a little guidance and judgement here. If anybody has done this in White Mountain National Forest, that'd be a jackpot bonus.
I hope I put this in the right forum, since it regards a legal issue. Thanks again, I appreciate it.