Open Carry in Texas

[synoptic]

Ok, i realize open carry in Texas is illegal, but what about while Hiking in a state park or National Forest?

The penal code has this in it as an exception to the possesing weapons rule:

(4) is engaging in lawful hunting, fishing, or other sporting activity on the immediate premises where the activity is conducted, or is directly en route between the premises and the actor's residence, if the weapon is a type commonly used in the activity;

But it doesn't actually specify Hiking, leaves it all kind of gray. I am looking at doing some daytime/evening/nighttime hikes this summer with some friends. Coyoties are a concern, as well as gators in some of the areas we will be in. What do y'all think?

 

[Smoke]

1. Coyotes are not a concern.
2. Carrying in most state parks is illegal.
3. Get a CHL and carry concealed.

 

[CleverNickname]

2. Carrying in most state parks is illegal.

Where do you get that from? National Parks are illegal, but I'm pretty sure it's legal to carry in TX state parks.

 

[samualt]

I wouldn't carry openly in Texas. Even if you find a technicality that would allow you to carry openly you would still get arrested by some newbie cop or park ranger. Their job is not to determine the law but to inforce it. If they "THINK" you are breaking the law they will arrest you and let the courts sort it out. Even though you may win the case in court it will cost several thousand dollars in lawyers fees and you'll just get arrested again by the next newbie cop. It isn't worth it! Don't even think about it!

Get a CHL and carry concealed. It's legal. It's perfect for what your are talking about. It has the added benifit of being able to carry elsewhere. You won't scare other hikers!!! You won't freak out some newbie cop or park ranger. You won't end up in court with expensive lawyers. And everyone lived happily ever after! The end.

P.S. Getting the CHL is a little bit of a hassel but well worth it. And the tests were very easy! I could have walked in off the street and passed them. Besides, the classes were kinda fun!

 

[DRC]

Hello there.

synoptic,

I'm a Texas CHL instructor and would recommend what's already been stated. Get a CHL and carry concealed and all will be well with the world and with you.

The one thing you haven't considered is that if you are in a state park using the idea of open carry during hunting season you had better be carrying a hunting permit, there better be a season as well and be in a location where hunting is allowed and even then there is no guarantee you won't be stopped, questioned or arrested for doing so.

Plus for hiking purposes carrying concealed is the way to go anyway because it won't get in your way or snagged on anything. State park or not you better have a CHL if you're gonna carry concealed too or you will be arrested if found out and carted off to the big house (or at least a court room)

Trust me, do a little research on different types of concealed carrying rigs and you'll find that you can get to concealed firearms sometimes faster and easier than you could a sidearm holster. Concealed is legal with a license and the license is not that hard for law abiding citizens to aquire so do that and cover all your bases.

Take care,

DRC