Hiking Question

[CrashInBlack]

Right, so I'm going to be doing some hiking in Pa, and I need to know if I can open carry on the trail or if I have to Conceal (I have a CC permit). Searched, didn't find.

Also, I'm going to be visiting a friend in Washington and we're going to be doing some backwoods camping while we're there. Can I carry there as is, or will I need to get a Washington carry permit. I know Wa and Pa don't have reciprocity for Concealed Carry, so I'm asking if I can open carry there too.

I have camped in Washington before (Olympic National Park to be specific) and I'd rather not repeat spending several nights certain that a mountain lion is gonna eat me.

Thanks!

 

[kanook]

www.handgunlaw.us should help with some of those questions

 

[Sam1911]

I assume you're mostly interested in trails that pass through the PA State Parks.

This pamphlet (http://paopencarry.org/pdfs/Pennsylvania_Gun_Rights.pdf) from PAopencarry.org indicates that you may carry concealed in State Parks, otherwise carry is prohibited there.

On a related note, when the ban on carrying in National Parks is lifted in February, the same rules will apply in Gettysburg Battlefield National Park and such places.

Trails on private land or public land other than State Parks would be o.k. for Open Carry or concealed with a permit, though you could be hassled by landowners on private land (and would have to leave if told to). Trails that happen to pass through Philadelphia (but not on State or National Parks land) will be o.k. for Open Carry -- IF you do have your PA LTCF.

-Sam

 

[Oro]

One website to check:

Opencarry.org. Interactive maps, up-to-date laws and citations.

In WA, open carry is permissible, no permit needed. You can check on PA at that site above. Looks like it is pretty similar to WA. National Park carry is not legal anywhere yet, but will be starting next month.

Be aware both states have anomalies about open carry in vehicles, so you need to also be careful to follow the law when you aren't out hiking.

 

[CrashInBlack]

Thanks for the help.

 

[Mainsail]

Backwoods camping? Do you mean backpacking?
Camping = drive someplace, open trunk, plunk down tent. -or- drive RV somewhere and spend the night. In other words, pretend to be homeless for a few nights.
Backpacking = hike through the forest for several miles carrying on you back everything you'll need to spend the night or nights.

In WA you may open carry anywhere without a license, except the common places you cannot carry in any manner like courts, schools, or taverns. Open carry is lawful in the National Forests, Wilderness Areas, and State Parks. Not yet lawful in the Nation Parks. There is no such thing as open carry in a car or truck however. Once you get in, you're carrying concealed even if your pistol is strapped to your forehead. There is supposed to be an exemption to the concealed carry laws for certain outdoor activities, like hiking or fishing, but I'm no expert on those.

 

[CrashInBlack]

Backpacking would be a more accurate description of what I want to do.

 

[Oro]

Car Camping = drive someplace, open trunk, plunk down tent. -or- drive RV somewhere and spend the night. In other words, pretend to be homeless for a few nights.

There, fixed it for 'ya! "Camping" means to set up a camp for a night or longer - an impromptu place to eat/sleep outside of normal habitation. How you get there is up to you - foot, horse, car, or skis. I've done them all - it's still "camping."

CrashInBlack is indeed backpacking, but he can also call it hiking or camping, no need to chastise him.

 

[Mainsail]

No chastisement, just trying to clarify. If he's 'camping' he can carry a shotgun. If he's backpacking maybe not so practical.

In this world, camping may be camping. In the hiking and backpacking world, it is as I've written. Backpackers do not camp, except at the trail head to facilitate a long hike. In this world, a clip is a clip and a magazine is a magazine, yet we have no problem ridiculing someone for misusing the term. So like I said; trying to clarify.

In WA you may open carry anywhere without a license, except the common places you cannot carry in any manner like courts, schools, or taverns. Open carry is lawful in the National Forests, Wilderness Areas, and State Parks. Not yet lawful in the Nation Parks. There is no such thing as open carry in a car or truck however. Once you get in, you're carrying concealed even if your pistol is strapped to your forehead. There is supposed to be an exemption to the concealed carry laws for certain outdoor activities, like hiking or fishing, but I'm no expert on those.

That's my advice.

 

[Oro]

No chastisement, just trying to clarify. If he's 'camping' he can carry a shotgun. If he's backpacking maybe not so practical.

Ah, ok, different lingo. If it involved a car, to the lingo I'm used to, it's always "car camping." But I'm originally from the South/East and WA does have a few different words for things. RV'ing and such is way more popular here than I am used to, for example. I did previously look up the definition of "camping" and it was just "tenting" or "sleeping in tents." So I guess even kids in the back yard in the summer are indeed "camping!"

 

[Mainsail]

I have a number of hobbies besides the firearms sports, so I try to make sure the vernacular is correct before offering advice. In other words, if the question is unclear, the answer may not be useful.

The downside of all these hobbies is that:
- I’m not a “real” hiker because I often carry a gun, am not anal about lightweight backpacking, and feel no compulsion to stay on the trail.
- I’m not a “real” ham radio enthusiast because I have no desire to obtain a General or Extra license (perfectly content with Tech).
- I’m not a “real” photographer because I don’t have a $5,000 DSLR and a bag full of lenses and filters.
- I’m not a “real” mountain biker because I don’t have a $12,000 bike and wear the ‘proper’ clothes.
- I’m not a “real” firearms enthusiast because I have other hobbies, prefer open carry, and tend to make my gun purchases for solely utilitarian reasons (not a collector etc.).

 

[CrashInBlack]

Jack of all trades, master of none.

Me too...