Concealed Carry in Ouachita National Forest?

[dbo]

I know Bush recently repealed the concealed carry ban in National Parks but does anyone know if one can legally conceal carry (or otherwise) in the Ouachita National Forest?

I'm not sure how a National Park differs from a National Forest in legal terms but I've googled it and searched the forum and haven't found much. Any ideas?

Thanks -Dan

 

[WNC Seabee]

CCW in National Forest has been allowable for years and was clarified/affirmed in the recent regulation changes.

 

[TexasRifleman]

National Forests are currently off limits for carry in DE,HI,IA,NC,OR,RI and TN,and questionably in at least 7 other states.Those are AR,CT,KY,LA,MS,NE and NM.
And of course the twins,IL and WI are OL.

Those may be state rules, but it is perfectly legal from a Federal Law standpoint. Direct from the Forest Service:

http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:-KpGmPRnN9EJ:www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/general_info/Laws_%2520Regarding_%2520Firearms_%2520NF_Lands.pdf+firearms+in+national+forest&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=firefox-a

The second exception to this law allows people with a concealed weapon permit
to carry a loaded, concealed, handgun either on their person or in their vehicle
while on National Forest. This does not apply if the person is engaged in a
primitive weapons season or chase only season.

And, I'm not sure where you are looking on the website you link above, but that website specifically shows AR as allowing concealed carry in State and National forests.

From the Arkansas link:

State/National Forests: YES 14 CCR s 1413

And for Oklahoma it states:

State/National Forests: YES §21-1277. But not in buildings.

So, it appears from this documentation at least that concealed carry in Ouachita National Forest would be completely legal, in both states.

(not a lawyer blah blah)

 

[QuietEarp]

It is also important to note that the National Park system is part of the Department of the Interior. The National Forests are controlled by the Department of Agriculture.

 

[QuietEarp]

Mr.Earp,does that mean you agree with handgunlaw.us reasoning,sir?

It is too early in the morning to try to understand the law, but having had a run in or two with the Forest Service LE and generally loving America's public lands I needed to point out that National Forests and Parks are two totally different things. Don't even get me started on National Forest fee areas! I believe that the public lands of this great country are ours as citizens to enjoy.

BLM is also Dept. of the Interior.

 

[TexasRifleman]

And Oklahoma was never mentioned by me in post #3

Yes I know but the Ouachita National Forest is in OK and AR both and the OP asked about that particular National Forest. The state laws in BOTH of these states appear to allow CCW in National Forests.

It clearly states unknown for National Forest.I can't make up this stuff,TR.I'm just going by Gary and Steve's site.

Then the site is unsafe to trust and conflicting because this link does NOT use the word unknown, and it cites the Arkansas statute that applies. This is why you should read the state statute directly rather than trust all these websites, and why I included the statute number in my first post.

http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/arkansas.pdf

On page 5 of the PDF document from the site YOU linked it very clearly says at the top of the page:

State/National Forests: YES 14 CCR s 1413

As you say, I can't make this stuff up.

Which is why you should never take legal advice from a website, since the one you posted gives 2 different answers.

The website DOES however show the relevant statute, which is a bit more trustworthy. Don't know who Gary and Steve are, but their website could use some work it seems.

But since their document shows the relevant statutes for both states it is easy enough to read the actual law.

 

[22-rimfire]

I used to do a fair amount of camping and hiking in the Ouachita National Forest. Closest thing to "mountains" from DFW area.

If I have a specific question about a state or area, I first look at handgunlaw and then read the actual state statute if I'm really interested in a credible answer. Often I am left just scratching my head with another question.

I have called the TN folks in regard to national forests and firearm carry. In TN they have been made into wildlife management areas and the state does not allow any firearm carry outside of hunting season. The state folks don't necessarily agree with it, but they have to tell you the rule. The fact is that many carry concealed in National Forests. You just have to be discrete; no plinking. Recent black bear attacks have sort of raised the bar in those areas in terms of personal protection. But the law is still the law and if you are caught, you may be prosecuted.