Carrying in Nat'l Forests?

[BBA]

Can you carry in a Nat'l Forest area ? I know the Gov. doesn't permit carry in Nat'l Parks, and State Parks. I noticed in another thread, someone stated concealed carry was not permitted in Cherokee Nat'l Forest in Tn. There are open hunting seasons, just curious.

 

[bhk]

I believe that, in general, national forest carry is fine. Some states, though, have made their own rules concerning carry in the forests (CA may be an example). In most states, hunting seasons within the national forest are the same as on private land.

As with most gun laws, these are state issues and questions need to be phrased so you get the information specific to the state you are interested in.

 

[jcramin]

National Forest and other National areas fallow the States rule that the forst is in. BUT, I will add, If you go to a National Forest or a USDA Forest Service park email them and ask because even if the state says it is NOT legel. Some National Park Rangers will tell you that they use their own judgement. If you haev a carry permit and are not acting stupid and you keep it concealed some ranger dont have a problem.

J

 

[BigSoundRacing]

I was reading the NRA legal section last night - National Park is NO WAY, National Forest follows the state rules. Very good information regarding Federal Laws, State Laws governing carry and transport.

http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/

Be safe, BSR

 

[wdlsguy]

According to the following documents, Michigan allows carry in Wildlife Management Areas, State Forests, National Forests and State Parks.

http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USOffLimitsA-M.pdf
http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USOffLimitsN-W.pdf

 

[The Deer Hunter]

I heard like on the Discovery channel that Nst'l forests are a hotspot for gunpoint robbers and such.

 

[Yosemite**Sam]

Even here in the peoples republic of California you can carry in a national forest. That's where we do most of our hunting. City Deer just aren't around like they use to be.

 

[MrDig]

National Forest Areas are different from National Parks. Hunting is allowed in many NFA's while firearms are Verbotten in National Parks. Odd since many National Parks are wildeness area's where Dangerous Game exists and occaisionaly feeds on those of us visiting.

 

[JJE]

You can't carry in a National Park, but you can possess an unloaded weapon in your vehicle and you can have a loaded weapon in your tent, cabin, etc:

CFR, Title 36 - PARKS, FORESTS, AND PUBLIC PROPERTY
CHAPTER I - NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
PART 2 - RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION

Section 2.4 Weapons, traps and nets.

(a)(1) [...]
(2) Weapons, traps or nets may be carried, possessed or used:
(i) At designated times and locations in park areas where:
(A) The taking of wildlife is authorized by law in accordance with
Sec. 2.2 of this chapter;
(B) The taking of fish is authorized by law in accordance
with Sec. 2.3 of this part.
(ii) When used for target practice at designated times and at
facilities or locations designed and constructed specifically
for this purpose and designated pursuant to special regulations.
(iii) Within a residential dwelling. For purposes of this
subparagraph only, the term ``residential dwelling'' means a
fixed housing structure which is either the principal residence of
its occupants, or is occupied on a regular and recurring basis by
its occupants as an alternate residence or vacation home.
(3) Traps, nets and unloaded weapons may be possessed within a
Temporary lodging or mechanical mode of conveyance when such
implements are rendered temporarily inoperable or are packed,
cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.
(b) Carrying or possessing a loaded weapon in a motor vehicle,
vessel or other mode of transportation is prohibited, except that
carrying or possessing a loaded weapon in a vessel is allowed when
such vessel is not being propelled by machinery and is used as a
shooting platform in accordance with Federal and State law.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

I have read that section before. It annoys me...

Does that mean that, when you have a loaded gun in your tent, and the bear rips your tent apart, the gun is now loaded and outside the tent, so you are illegal?
You can have the gun in your car and your "lodging", but how do you get it from one place to the other? "Mechanical mode of conveyance" does not sound to me like "carrying it as you walk".

It irritates me that so many of these laws sound like a way for the politicians to jump out and yell "Gotchya!". Look at Florida's car-carry law. It is illegal to have a gun on your person while in a car, if you don't have a CC license. Even if the gun is in your center console (legally), good luck in a car-jacking!! You are screwed whether you use the gun or not.

 

[wdlsguy]

You can't carry in a National Park, but you can possess an unloaded weapon in your vehicle and you can have a loaded weapon in your tent, cabin, etc

Look again:

(3) Traps, nets and unloaded weapons may be possessed within a Temporary lodging or mechanical mode of conveyance when such implements are rendered temporarily inoperable or are packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.

 

[stevelyn]

Carry is allowed on National Forest land, wildlife refuges, BLM lands, Wild and Scenic Rivers.

The Nazi Park Circus pretty much forbids carry.