Hiking in White Mountain National Forest with rifle/pistol

[D-Day]

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:

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.

 

[RancidSumo]

Seems like your fine to take it along as long as you don't shoot near campsites

 

[George C Morrison]

Carrying in New Hampshire State Parks,State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas are all A-OK.See this site.
http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USOffLimitsN-W.pdf

I've carried openly in New Hampshire but not in White Moutain.Don't worry.It's pretty well accepted in NH specially the more northern part of the state.
I've also OC'ed in Vermont with no problem.Here's another site that will help and will make you feel more relaxed.They have a state by state forum.Check it out and ask questions there if you wish:

http://www.opencarry.org

 

[Art Eatman]

"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. "

I think this is a logical re-wite:

Use of fireworks or other explosives is allowed if not in campgrounds or other recreation sites.

Firing a gun is allowed (1) when more than 150 yards from a residence, etc.,etc; (2) when not shooting across a road or a body of water; or (3) when there is no danger of injury to a person or of damage to property."

Have fun,

Art

 

[brickeyee]

National Forests follow local/state law.
National PARKS are completely different.

 

[coat4gun]

I agree with everything stated above.

You probably already know this, but don't carry your firearm into a ranger station or any other federal building as they are off limits.

While not exactly related, I open carried on National Forest Land on a Colorado backpacking trip several years ago. Didn't even get a second glance from any other hikers that we came across. Had my 41 mag revolver in holster on my waste belt right in plain view. Did make me feel better since there had been a black bear mauling in the area just before our trip.

 

[Devonai]

Expect funny looks from the flat-landers, but as the others have stated, you are in the clear.

Next time get yourself a NH non-resident permit ($20 fee, two week processing time) and you'll have the option to conceal, too.

 

[AntiqueCollector]

One thing: be sure your guns are unloaded while in your vehicle (state law, not federal BTW).

 

[D-Day]

Thank you all for the replies, please keep them coming if you have anything whatsoever to add; any tidbit helps. This makes me feel a lot better.

Devonai, I fully intend to after I get my Ohio CCW. Got the certification, just gotta apply now.

Antique, indeed. They'll be unloaded, actions open, locked in a case, and locked in my truck toolbox. I may consider putting zipties through the actions and getting a separate cheap case just to lock the ammo in, as well. Separate from magazines too, of course.

 

[AntiqueCollector]

You won't have to go that far while in NH locking up the guns and such, just being unloaded will be enough as far as I'm aware, but if you have to drive through a real anti-gun state before that I'd just follow the FOPA to the letter...

 

[D-Day]

Good to know. Still might take extra precautions, though.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

You won't have to go that far while in NH locking up the guns and such, just being unloaded will be enough as far as I'm aware, but if you have to drive through a real anti-gun state before that I'd just follow the FOPA to the letter...

Good point. Two or three anti-gun states, possibly, depending on the route chosen from Ohio to NH. PA isn't a problem, as long as you follow the law. But from there you have to traverse NY state (and possibly NY city). It is possible to swing north and cross directly from NY into VT, but other (shorter) routes to NH would lead through CT and MA. Neither is especially friendly to out-of-staters with GUNS!, but MA is far worse.

Do follow the FOPA carefully, and seriously consider the northern route that keeps you away from NY city, CT and MA.

 

[D-Day]

Definitely. We have to swing by and pick up a friend in Vermont on the way, so we'll be traveling in mostly gun friendly states.

 

[AntiqueCollector]

VT does have a law, just so you know, that rifles and shotguns while in cars must be unloaded (not handguns though). You could have the ammo out and sitting right next to the guns in the backseat though and you'd be all legal as long as the long guns are not loaded. Silly anti-poaching laws...

 

[D-Day]

Of course. My weapons will remain cased and locked up until we get to the forest and get ready to head out and set up camp.

Unless I encounter zombies along the way or something.

 

[D-Day]

Well, I carried in the forest and had no problems. I only encountered 2 hikers while carrying both my M1A and 1911. The second time was just with my 1911, passing an older couple. No problems.