Reservation concealed carry

[Bob Thompson]

While taking the ol' Sunday ride I had a thought I'd like to share and a question. We took a ride which eventually found us going through quite a bit of Indian reservation land and I always carry anytime on a trip in my home state or one which recognizes my CC permit. Heres the question: Being "I believe most reservations only have to obey federal laws", would they recognize a state permit to carry concealed? If stopped by reservation police would I have any trouble? Many state towns on the res. have local police which I'm sure would recognize my permit but I'm concerned about rural res. police. Has anybody actually experienced this or can shed some light on this circumstance? Thanks much, Bob T.

 

[EOD Guy]

I don't know about Utah, but in Arizona, if the Indian Police find a firearm in your car it will be confiscated and you will never get it back. At least, that was what I was informed by my CCW instructor. You have to be careful when traveling on interstate highways that pass through reservations. The highway is state property but once you exit, you are on the reservation.

 

[labgrade]

I dunno. From all I can gather, it's perfectly legal.

US Code - after digging through a bunch of stuff, you'll see that you can legally carry in a post office, etc. if "licensed by your state." (sorry not to provide the exact paragraph, etc., but para (c) (IIRC) is never quoted in the published PO flier, but specifically allows it. I'll dig & give source, if warranted/needed.)

Since a reservation is fed property, can't see why it'd be any different than a PO.

 

[EOD Guy]

Since a reservation is fed property, can't see why it'd be any different than a PO.

Reservations are not Federal property. The land is owned by the tribe or by members of the tribe and is treated as a sovereign nation, although there are Federal laws and treaties involved limiting what is covered. For instance, in Arizona, CCW permits are not valid on the reservation unless the tribal authorities choose to recognize them. Most, if not all, do not choose to do so.

 

[labgrade]

Point taken & something I was not aware of.

 

[Standing Wolf]

For instance, in Arizona, CCW permits are not valid on the reservation unless the tribal authorities choose to recognize them. Most, if not all, do not choose to do so.

I guess they don't want me to stop and spend any dollars.

 

[Powderman]

As noted by other posters, it depends on the reservation area, and the tribal government.

In some States, you will have a reservation that is primarily rural, with well defined boundaries. I would suggest giving a quick call to the Tribal Police to determine their Tribal ordinances on the subject.

In other States, the situation is quite different.

The reservation on which I work consists of primarily urban or suburban area, with very little rural setting. Its boundaries take a good chunk out of the City of Tacoma, completely encompass the City of Fife, part of Milton and Edgewood, a small slice of Federal Way, a good portion of the Port of Tacoma, up to the City of Puyallup city limits. We enforce our Tribal Code ( both Criminal and Traffic), along with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Uniform Crime Docket of Tacoma, Pierce County Statutes, and applicable Federal laws with regard to Customs activity. Quite a few non-Natives live within the boundaries of the reservation; thus, our approach to the question is within the limitations set forth by RCW 9.41. In short, as long as you have a valid CCW, you're good.

Again, check with the Tribal Goverment of the reservation you'll be traveling through.

Sincerely,
Your friendly neighborhood Powderman,
Patrol Officer (Reserve)
Puyallup Indian Nation Law Enforcement