Carrying in woods without a permit? (TN)

[S&W620]

Here's the deal.

A few of my friends and I are planning to head to Tennessee next weekend to do some white water rafting and camping. I am the only one of my friends with a firearm and they asked me to bring it along just in case (bears, people). The problem is that I don't have a concealed carry permit?

The question I have is whether or not it is legal for me to take my gun along and keep it with us while we camp. I was hoping you fellas could help me out here as I want to be safe but I'd rather not break any laws that could land my rear end in jail.

 

[GunTech]

Check http://packing.org

 

[gunsmith]

packing org is out of date!

many parks in TN prohibit firearms!!
A bear (last year, we talked about it here)
Killed a little girl in a "gun free" park.

Plenty of TN folks here, you should edit the title so they will look at the thread.
(you know put TN in the title?)

 

[Im283]

Do not carry that thing here. TN has laws concerning carrying a weapon and the key one in your case would be that you have no carry permit.

You can get arrested here for wearing a holster, the gun does not need be in it.

If you feel you cannot leave home without it seperate it from the ammo and carry it in your locked trunk.

Also keep in mind firearms are illegal in the national park.

 

[wdlsguy]

The problem is that I don't have a concealed carry permit?

You need to fix that problem.

 

[gunsmith]

ok TN folks, speak up and help a guy out!?

where will you camp? nat park? nat forest? state park?
lots of those places are off limits!
it is worse then CA in many respects!

 

[UKTN]

If you are rafting in the Cherokee National Forest it doesn't matter if you have a permit or not you are NOT allowed to carry. Last year when the bear killed the child the first responder who found the child and the bear, fired his hand gun to scare the bear away and was, at one time, going to be prosecuted.

 

[UKTN]

IM283 Arrested for wearing a holster without a gun in it!!! Please can you give the TN code for that statement?

 

[Beatnik]

You can help fix the problem!

 

[OK-gobbler]

Not familier with TN. Is small game hunting permitted in area you will be in? Do you have a hunting license? Just a thought, not encouraging illegal carry.

 

[TallPine]

I love Montana

 

[S&W620]

Thanks for all the replies fellas.

In the end, I don't think I'm going to chance it. I believe I will purchase some bear mace and take the proper precautions while camping.

wdlsguy, I believe you are right. I will be looking into CCW classes asap.

Thanks fellas.

 

[kellyj00]

get a permit. It's the answer to not only this, but all of your problems.

 

[magmeister]

You have to decide which is worse, getting a gun charge for carrying or getting eaten or murdered by some crazy physco.
A while back I went to a national park.[wont say which one]When you get to the gate and pay your fee, the ranger gives you a info sheet about the rules, history etc.. about the park.
I open it up and there is a whole page warning about the dangers of mountain lions and what to do if confronted by one! Keep in mind this is a National Park so no firearms allowed!
I must of missed the no guns sign on the way in!
But I sure slept good at night!

 

[Carl N. Brown]

In TN the people have the right to keep and bear arms BUT
the state reserves the power to regulate the wearing of
arms in public, but solely with a view to reduce crime.

Carrying and using guns for all ordinary purposes is an
absolute right on your own property.

Carrying any weapon for offense or defense in public open
or concealed is an offense of "going armed."
You can get a Handgun Carry Permit to carry a handgun
for defense; it is HCP not CCW but concealed is preferred.
And there are limits on where the gun can be carried.
Parks are one of the "gun free zones."

There is always the legal defense of necessity if you like
to play court roulette. Not always recommended.