Firearms in Forests and Parks

[MudCamper]

Originally Posted by bbbppc

Can you uoc in land #2 while driving on an unpaved road? Or have unloaded rifles pistols on the seat non-cased?

I assume you mean an unpaved road on BLM land.

While practically you are probably fine, technically, if shooting is prohibited from the road (which it probably is) then that triggers the "prohibited area" language of the "unloaded open carry" ban so handguns are supposed to be cased (but long guns do not need to be). If you have a hunting license, and are traveling to/from hunting, then you could UOC or UCC your handguns (no case needed).

[bbbppc]

Well I will just say a "friend" of mine would roll out to Barstow area BLM land and as soon as he hit the dirt road, well a little bit in, it was guns out and loaded mags in. He figures he's out in the desert miles from any help so naturally it's for protection against crazies that may be out there. So basically you cannot protect yourself until you park and get off the road. WoW sounds great.

[WieDonE]

Bbbppc your friend is right. My "friend" does that out there at least 8 times a year. Greatest place in the desert but you have to be careful out there!

[bbbppc]

Since I doubt he will change his ways, I think I will recommend to my friend that he keep a locking box on his front seat, so he can quickly unload and place in the box if stopped.

[Raidernation 247]

So are handguns and/or shotguns allowed in California state parks and national parks?

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[Jason95357]

Originally Posted by Raidernation 247

So are handguns and/or shotguns allowed in California state parks and national parks?

Read the top post.

[shortround13]

Just wanna make sure I don't get myself into trouble….going to be on some BLM land in the yosemite/mariposa area….as long as we abide by the 150 yard rule and roadway/body of water/cave rule… I can set up and shoot in a safe spot, and loaded, open carry my handgun and/or shotgun while in my shooting area?

[Shasta Frog]

Can't you just call the BLM field office for that area and ask them?

[shortround13]

I suppose...I asked some rangers in the carson-iceberg area and they had no idea. Theres just so many exemptions and exceptions its harsd to keep straight

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[MudCamper]

Originally Posted by shortround13

Just wanna make sure I don't get myself into trouble….going to be on some BLM land in the yosemite/mariposa area….as long as we abide by the 150 yard rule and roadway/body of water/cave rule… I can set up and shoot in a safe spot, and loaded, open carry my handgun and/or shotgun while in my shooting area?

Yes. Unless they post a closure.

Originally Posted by Shasta Frog

Can't you just call the BLM field office for that area and ask them?

Maybe. Sometimes you get good information, but often times you get incorrect information.

[MudCamper]

UPDATE

You can now possess functional firearms for self-defense on Army Corp lands. Details here.

Thanks Boulderlaw for posting.

Of course, all California laws still apply here in CA...

[The Geologist]

Originally Posted by MudCamper

UPDATE

You can now possess functional firearms for self-defense on Army Corp lands. Details here.

Thanks Boulderlaw for posting.

Of course, all California laws still apply here in CA...

Nice and Tank You for the info

[renardsubtil]

Hi all,

I plan on backpacking in a National Park in the next few months and I was checking on how I can carry a firearm (handgun) in the National park. I checked the particular NP I'm going to and it says firearms are allowed (except near federal buildings).

I see from below that I can't openly carry a firearm either loaded or unloaded.

But am I allowed to carry said firearm UNLOADED in my pack or concealed on my person in a belly holster or something?

I figured that I could keep the magazines separated from the firearm with the holster and mate them when I've stopped for camp.

*1 - National Parks Details:

*1 - The firearms prohibition in NPs and NWRs was lifted on 2/22/10. See the "Important Notes" about HR 267 in the second post for more details.
*1 - UOC of handguns is not legal in NPs effective 1/1/12 as a result of AB144 (PC 26350) and the NP's blanket "no shooting anywhere" policy
*1 - LOC, UOC, UCC, and LCC are all legal in one's campsite. (PC 26055, 26383, & 25605)
*1 - Since NPs can be near/within urban areas, school zones can be an issue. Unlocked/operable firearms are not allowed within 1000 feet of a K-12 school.
*1 - CA CCW/LTC permit holders may LCC anywhere in NPs except in federal facilities (buildings with federal employees and no-firearms signs posted).

[Jason95357]

Originally Posted by renardsubtil

Hi all,

I plan on backpacking in a National Park in the next few months and I was checking on how I can carry a firearm (handgun) in the National park. I checked the particular NP I'm going to and it says firearms are allowed (except near federal buildings).

I see from below that I can't openly carry a firearm either loaded or unloaded.

But am I allowed to carry said firearm UNLOADED in my pack or concealed on my person in a belly holster or something?

I figured that I could keep the magazines separated from the firearm with the holster and mate them when I've stopped for camp.

I think you need to transport unloaded in a locked container as California's severe restrictions apply for transporting a weapon. If so, get a Nano 100/200/300.

I would wait for Mudcamper or Librarian to comment.

Long term strategy: get your CCW if possible.

[Shasta Frog]

Originally Posted by Jason95357

I think you need to transport unloaded in a locked container as California's severe restrictions apply for transporting a weapon. If so, get a Nano 100/200/300.

I would wait for Mudcamper or Librarian to comment.

Long term strategy: get you CCW if possible.

This, or ccw

[renardsubtil]

CCW is out of the question as I live in Alameda County.

I guess a locked container would be somewhat doable but with a 30+ pound backpack, it will be interesting...(I wonder if a cable lock would count?)

[Jason95357]

Originally Posted by renardsubtil

CCW is out of the question as I live in Alameda County.

I guess a locked container would be somewhat doable but with a 30+ pound backpack, it will be interesting...(I wonder if a cable lock would count?)

See California transport laws. Cable lock isn't a container.

[Shasta Frog]

Get one of those Allen triangle gun pouch thingies with the lockable zippers. Lol I have one but don't really know what they are called. Cheap only few bucks.

[Armed Citizen]

Originally Posted by renardsubtil

CCW is out of the question as I live in Alameda County...

I would move to a county that does issue. Yeah, I know, easy to say.

[Jimi Jah]

I put the 9mm into a Nano Vault and toss that into the backpack. All steel, lightweight and legal to carry.

[Webologist]

Originally Posted by Jimi Jah

I put the 9mm into a Nano Vault and toss that into the backpack. All steel, lightweight and legal to carry.

Anyone else struck by the absurdity of having to fish a safe out of a backpack, open the safe, insert a magazine and rack the slide to defend against a wild animal (or any other) attack in the wilderness???

The fact that this is a serious discussion is no doubt causing our founding fathers to roll over in their graves in agony over what the left has done to this country.

[Crom]

Originally Posted by Webologist

Anyone else struck by the absurdity of having to fish a safe out of a backpack, open the safe, insert a magazine and rack the slide to defend against a wild animal (or any other) attack in the wilderness???

The fact that this is a serious discussion is no doubt causing our founding fathers to roll over in their graves in agony over what the left has done to this country.

Yes. It's ridiculous. I gave up a few years ago and just carry concealed, loaded like everybody else.

[Jason95357]

Originally Posted by Crom

Yes. It's ridiculous. I gave up a few years ago and just carry concealed, loaded like everybody else.

With a hunting license, you can do that practically everywhere (see exclusions). We all hunt vermin, right?

[Jimi Jah]

Personally, I'm far more afraid of LEO's than any critters I may come across.

[flexo]

Some clarification needed on: LUCC in National Forests....where "shooting prohibited" (as in a blanket statement such as is the case in Angeles National and others).

In another post you stated (emphasis added): "The sad truth is it looks like many of the SoCal NFs are starting to ban shooting almost entirely within those Forests. This has always been within their authority to do, but they have only recently started actually doing it. But what does shooting have to do with carrying? Shooting prohibitions trigger the "prohibited area" language of a couple of California laws, specifically, PC25850 (no loading) and PC 26350 (no unloaded open carry).

So in these particular forests, you cannot UOC or LOC (nor LCC without an LTC). But you can. And you can UOC, LOC, and LCC in your campsite. These exemptions are unimpeded by the "prohibited area" language in the laws."

So.....just for confirmation, it would be legal, in "shooting prohibited" National Forests (such as Angeles, et al)....to LUCC ? I guess that makes sense, otherwise, how would you get your gun to a campground, where it is legal for protection.

[MudCamper]

Originally Posted by flexo

So.....just for confirmation, it would be legal, in "shooting prohibited" National Forests (such as Angeles, et al)....to LUCC ? I guess that makes sense, otherwise, how would you get your gun to a campground, where it is legal for protection.

Yes. Correct.

[norcalcook]

I apologize in advance if this has been covered already (I promise I used the search prior to posting), but I'm planning on visiting Cow Mountain and Boggs Mountain Area (CalFire). Based on the first page, it looks like LOC is ok for Cow Mountain once I'm off the road, in a non-prohibited area? Where would a place like Boggs fall though since it isn't NP, NF, BLM or State? Its Demostration Wilderness. I know they have a shooting range, but the plan was to hike and possibly do some hunting as well (in both Boggs and Cow). Thanks for the help and this has been a very useful thread.

[skilletboy]

Question: if I wore this: http://www.itstactical.com/gearcom/p...e-backcountry/

AND I padlocked the zippers with unloaded firearm inside (loaded mag next to it), would that be legal transport of unloaded firearm in a secured container to and from fishing or campsite?

Not being cheeky here serious Q.

[skilletboy]

Question: if I wore this: http://www.itstactical.com/gearcom/p...e-backcountry/

AND I padlocked the zippers with unloaded firearm inside (loaded mag next to it), would that be legal transport of unloaded firearm in a secured container to and from fishing or campsite?

Not being cheeky here serious Q.

[krypto99]

Maybe im late to the party. Anyone notice the Los Padres National Forest is closed for target practice?

http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/lpnf...0902&actid=106

[MudCamper]

Originally Posted by norcalcook

I apologize in advance if this has been covered already (I promise I used the search prior to posting), but I'm planning on visiting Cow Mountain and Boggs Mountain Area (CalFire). Based on the first page, it looks like LOC is ok for Cow Mountain once I'm off the road, in a non-prohibited area? Where would a place like Boggs fall though since it isn't NP, NF, BLM or State? Its Demostration Wilderness. I know they have a shooting range, but the plan was to hike and possibly do some hunting as well (in both Boggs and Cow). Thanks for the help and this has been a very useful thread.

This is all I know about Demonstration State Forests. This post is also linked to in the first post, down near the bottom of the post. And the Deputy Chief did eventually forget about me. I never heard back from him again, and never got back to it.

Originally Posted by skilletboy

Question: if I wore this: http://www.itstactical.com/gearcom/p...e-backcountry/

AND I padlocked the zippers with unloaded firearm inside (loaded mag next to it), would that be legal transport of unloaded firearm in a secured container to and from fishing or campsite?

Not being cheeky here serious Q.

A locked container is defined in the PC as "a secure container which is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device". Is a soft case OK? It's been discussed in many threads here on CalGuns. I have used a similar soft container as that before. I would say you are good to go, but that's just my opinion. It's always possible that you could encounter an anti-gun LEO with a chip on his shoulder and get into trouble as well. It's your call. As for the ammo in the case, you are also fine there.

Originally Posted by krypto99

Maybe im late to the party. Anyone notice the Los Padres National Forest is closed for target practice?

http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/lpnf...0902&actid=106

Yes. It seems many of the SoCal NFs are banning all shooting these days. Detailed in this post, which is linked in the first post.

[Edgy01]

Originally Posted by krypto99

Maybe im late to the party. Anyone notice the Los Padres National Forest is closed for target practice?

http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/lpnf...0902&actid=106

Target shooting has been opened to Los Padres National Forest. Read it again.

dan

[6789boat]

What suggestions do you guys have for the caliber of pistol/revolver that serves some practical purpose while fishing in California. I assume 22l4 is fine for snakes. Is there a good reason to carry 22WMR or some other larger caliber instead please? Many thanks.

[Catalyst81]

I've been shooting blm land recently and had a question come up. What actually constitutes a road? I avoid shooting from or across roads, but driving out there I often come across dirt trails (or possibly roads?) and I was wondering how you tell which of these trail like paths are considered roads and which are not for the purposes of the laws/regulations we must follow.

[Shasta Frog]

Originally Posted by Catalyst81

I've been shooting blm land recently and had a question come up. What actually constitutes a road? I avoid shooting from or across roads, but driving out there I often come across dirt trails (or possibly roads?) and I was wondering how you tell which of these trail like paths are considered roads and which are not for the purposes of the laws/regulations we must follow.

I would like to know also. And if you are out hunting(I'm not a hunter yet) and see a deer while on the road do you have to get off the road and wait for the deer to get off the road also before you can shoot?

[Jason95357]

Originally Posted by Shasta Frog

I would like to know also. And if you are out hunting(I'm not a hunter yet) and see a deer while on the road do you have to get off the road and wait for the deer to get off the road also before you can shoot?

Yes. Shooting on or across a road is prohibited.

[MudCamper]

Originally Posted by Catalyst81

What actually constitutes a road?

I don't know of any codified definition.

I would assume that if it is built for 4-wheeled highway-licensed vehicles, that it is a road.

While common sense would dictate that some of the rutted out billy goat trails in some National Forests are not roads, you never know what kind of young, scared, urban, anti-gun, over-enthusiastic, rookie LEO you may encounter who thinks differently.

[Jason95357]

Originally Posted by Kalifornian

Any suggestions on who to contact to bring them up to speed with the new law? We are planning on a camping trip in the near future and would want to be sure that I stay within the law.

Thanks.

Print out the PDFs in the first post, send it to their field office (fax or snail mail) and keep a copy with you. Follow the law and carry on.

[jcjt]

Anyone have any experienced hiking with firearms in the Inyo national forest? I'm looking into exploring the Areas around June lake.

[WellArmedSurfer]

Originally Posted by jcjt

Anyone have any experienced hiking with firearms in the Inyo national forest? I'm looking into exploring the Areas around June lake.

Im wondering the same thing, headed to Inyo this weekend.

from op:

*2 - National Forest and BLM Details:

*2 - LOC and UOC are legal everywhere except "prohibited areas" (areas where shooting is prohibited)
*2 - LOC, UOC, UCC, and LCC are all legal in one's campsite. (PC 26055, 26383, & 25605)
*2 - Shooting is prohibited within 150 yards of any residence, building, campsite, or developed site ("prohibited areas")
*2 - Shooting is prohibited on or across roads or bodies of water ("prohibited areas")
*2 - consensus opinion is that UOC of handguns is now illegal in "prohibited areas" of NF/BLM (AB144 / PC 26350) not all agree (PC 26388)
*2 - Forest administrators have the authority to prohibit shooting in other areas of the NF but must clearly post this information ("prohibited areas")
*2 - IMPORTANT NOTICE - some NFs are now banning shooting almost entirely - see this post
*2 - BLM administrators may post closures and restrictions regarding firearms use ("prohibited areas")

*2 - LCC is legal for licensed hunters/fishermen, while hunting/fishing, but only where shooting is not prohibited (PC 25640)
*2 - UCC is legal for licensed hunters/fishermen while hunting/fishing and while traveling to/from hunting/fishing expeditions (PC 25640)
*2 - UOC is legal for licensed hunters while hunting and while traveling to/from hunting expeditions (PC 26366)
*2 - CA CCW permit holders may LCC in NF/BLM

So if Im hiking in non prohibited areas I can LOC or LCC right?

But if Im "on or across roads or bodies of water" that qualifies as prohibited so I cant LOC there. But what about LCC? It says while hunting/fishing but only where shooting is not prohibited. Well if Im fishing that means Im on a body of water, so wouldnt that make it not okay to LCC or LOC? Im confused on this.

I just want to know how to carry when Im fishing, and when Im not fishing but near water?