OC on BLM land in CA.

[CoalTrain49]

I'm planning on camping on BLM land (Imperial LTVA) in CA. near Imperial Dam north of Yuma.

Can I open carry here on BLM land without running afoul of CA law. I can't find anything other than I can have a handgun in my RV.

I'm pretty sure BLM doesn't restrict it.

My residence is WA and I have a WA CPL. I know CA doesn't honor it but just stating that I'm not a restricted person.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[splithoof]

^^^Thats a very good question. Say for example, you and a group of friends were going to participate in some shooting exercises wherein you open carried rifles or sidearms beyond the confines of a "campsite" in order to reach different firing points (up on hills, down in washes, etc.) in order to engage pre-placed targets of some type. I would think that this situation could be seen as OK or NOT OK by different BLM enforcers, depending on who was asking. Or would it be prudent to have a valid hunting license in possession, and appropriate tag, so you might be able to claim that you were legally hunting? This may all sound overboard, but when dealing with agents of the government I believe one should be prepared for any type of response.
In all the years I have undertook target shooting on BLM lands I have never had a negative contact; but that could easily change.

 

[Field Tester]

I believe you can since you can shoot on BLM land. I do this when I go to Ocotillo Wells. It's very important to know where State Park and BLM land starts and stops there because of how close they are.
I'll try and search for a definite citeable answer for you.

 

[Field Tester]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=186457

From what I gather, you're good to go for open carry. See #2. Links are also provided within the text.

 

[CoalTrain49]

Thanks all, that helps. I wasn't planning on doing any shooting while there. I just usually OC while hiking and wasn't sure about CA. I will mostly be in AZ and NM but may spend a few weeks in CA on BLM land.

 

[Stony]

Rangers on BLM land in Ca. can be strange to deal with. Some areas they have developed designated shooting areas only.....some as small as a bank of dirt with maybe 20 yards of distance from it. I have seen it happen in California and had discussions with the rangers before and it was not a pleasant experience. I and some friends once were told we could not shoot over any canyons, as there was the possibility of a motorcycle trail in the bottom. They can rationalize all sorts of restrictions. If there are any type of campgrounds, the rules can really get silly as well.
I would say be careful and wary...

 

[Quiet]

Under CA laws...

Restricted items...
It is not legal to bring a prohibited firearm into CA (assault weapon, DD, MG, SBR, SBS). Depending on their features/caliber, some handguns are considered assault weapons or SBS.
It is not legal to bring any large capacity (11+ round) magazines to CA.

Firearms in RV...
While traveling or on a road, firearm need to be unloaded and in a locked container.
While parked and set-up, firearm can be loaded and accessible inside the RV.

Open carry...
It is legal to open carry in areas where it is legal to discharge a firearm.
It is illegal to open carry in prohibited areas on unincorporated territory and on any highway/road/trail.

There are portions of BLM lands in CA that are considered prohibited areas (no firearm discharge), so you will need to contact the BLM field office for the area you wish to carry in.

BLM Yuma Field Office
2555 East Gila Ridge Road
Yuma, AZ 85365-2240
Phone: (928) 317-3200

BLM El Centro Field Office
1661 S. 4th Street
El Centro CA 92243
Phone: (760) 337-4400

 

[RustyShackelford]

Printed messages; point of contact(s).....

If you are going camping or plan to carry weapons in these BLM/DoI areas, Id request who ever you deal with send you a email or link to the federal regulations/SOPs. Ask for a point of contact or supervisor too.
To laminate the printed copies or bring a few extras would be smart.

As a former federal employee, I can tell you having the right documents & being able to contact the right person can avoid a lot of hassles.

 

[316SS]

Per the supplemental rules linked from the AZ BLM website:

Section 23. Firearms
Do not discharge or otherwise usefirearms or weapons inside or within 1/2 mile of LTVAs.

That would seem to prohibit open carry to and from the LTVA.