Firearms on FS Land/WMA's?

[onemangang]

Is it legal to carry a sidearm on you while fishing on Forest Service land? How about WMA? How about in your car while traveling through FS land or a WMA?

I just got bounced around from one governmental agency to the next and still got no solid answer.

Did the new bill get passed that would allow carry on public lands? If so when does it go into effect?

It's very frustrating. As unsure as most "office" folks are with these agencies, I bet a strong ranger would tell you the law is clear-cut and have a case against you in a heartbeat!

[Wiskey_33]

Not legal to have a sidearm, loaded, in a WMA. You can have one in your vehicle, unloaded, in a locked case. The bill is still in limbo at the Governors office, if not signed, it will go into effect on July 1st. I could get Veto'd and thrown in the trash.

[dawg2]

.... The bill is still in limbo at the Governors office, if not signed, it will go into effect on July 1st. I could get Veto'd and thrown in the trash.

I've been calling!!!:banana: I really hope it gets passed:banginghe

[Wiskey_33]

I've been calling!!!:banana: I really hope it gets passed:banginghe

Me too. I wouldn't be surprised if he just let's it sit, and then it goes into law so he doesn't tick off the restaurant people.

If he vetos the bill, it's going to be a riot on the front steps of the Capitol.

[Luke0927]

not yet...I think he is going to just sit on it and it will just go into law....

[Twenty five ought six]

You can have a firearm on Forest Service land outside a WMA.

You can't be carrying a firearm on a WMA.

[doublebarrel]

I will not go anywhere walking in the woods without at least a pistol. Never know what you will run up on!

[Redbow]

I live very near the Croatan National Forest in eastern NC. I was up on the White Oak River a few weeks ago walking with my bow and arrows and came across one of the forest rangers that works the area.

He looked at my bow and asked if I had a firearm on me. I did not at the time. The ranger informed me that he would not go anywhere in that forest without a firearm for safety's sake! He told me that I could legally carry a handgun while in the National Forest as long as it was not bigger than a .22 caliber! Well, a .22 is better than nothing I suppose!

This info is straight from the rangers mouth as of the spring of 2008! The ranger informed me its just dangerous to go into any remote area now days with all the crime that is going on in our society and he said the National Forest is often used by many criminals! A bow and arrow might be good but what use would that be against anyone with firearms?

Well, now when my wife goes with me to the forest I carry a .22 revolver just to make her happy. I got my bow and arrows too! I am sure there are many people that go into the forest every day with larger caliber handguns in their possession.

[balvarik]

US Forest Service protocol dictates that firearms regulation are set by said state of the National Forest.

Up here in Minnesota I can tote a AR-15,Mac-90,shotgun or any sidearm exposed without violating any regulation.

Some states are just much more restrictive on their firearm laws with their states residents.

Mike

[Twenty five ought six]

Up here in Minnesota I can tote a AR-15,Mac-90,shotgun or any sidearm exposed without violating any regulation.

A few years ago, some of the locals in Greene County, Georgia, decided that they would go "roll some ------" who were camping out in Oconee National Forest. What the locals didn't know know is that the "------" (and they probably weren't), had spent the day shooting their class 3 weapons. A couple of the locals were DRT, and the others others were shot up so bad, the sheriff wouldn't arrest them, because they didn't want the county to be responsible for the medical bills.

That was the last reported "rolling" incident in that area.

[balvarik]

A few years ago, some of the locals in Greene County, Georgia, decided that they would go "roll some ------" who were camping out in Oconee National Forest. What the locals didn't know know is that the "------" (and they probably weren't), had spent the day shooting their class 3 weapons. A couple of the locals were DRT, and the others others were shot up so bad, the sheriff wouldn't arrest them, because they didn't want the county to be responsible for the medical bills.

That was the last reported "rolling" incident in that area.

+1

My carry on my shoulder is a M590A1.
The wife has a H&K 94A3 that she loves to carry.
Mike

[308]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I need to bring up the question again...

Can you carry any firearm in the National Forest at any time... not just during hunting season...?

I'd like to see it in writing... and I can't find a clear answer...

Up in the Georgia mountains, there's a sign that says no shooting... it's outside the Blue Ridge WMA...

I don't want to have to listen to an authority figure in the woods give me their interpretation...

I'd like to have the rules on my side before I get there...

The reason I ask... I intentionally left my pistol yesterday as Duke and I went for a long walk in the woods...

About half way in... Duke was attacked by a pack of coyotes...

I'll give the details later... but I was put in the position of having to use my walking stick to protect myself and Duke...

It wasn't a good feeling...

So... can you lead me to the "rules" page?

308...

[BoxerLuvr]

.....From HB89Any person having been issued a license to carry a concealed weapon pursuant to Code Section 16-11-129 shall be permitted to carry such weapon, subject to the limitations of this part, in all parks, historic sites, or recreational areas as defined by Code Section 12-3-10 and in all wildlife management areas.

http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2007_08/fulltext/hb89.htm

[Slingblade]

If you have a Georgia Firearms License you may carry on National Forest land, WMAs, Ga State Parks and historic sites. Georgia has no provisions for unlicensed carry in the places you listed, however, you may carry while hunting or fishing; except on COE. I suggest you go to www.georgiapacking.org , your question will be answered and they also have a link to the Georgia code section relating to firearms.

[Vernon Holt]

So... State rules trump federal rules?

[SWbowhunter]

You could carry on National Forest prior to hb89.. Just not WMAs on Forest Service land. State does not trump federal. Try to carry concealed on USACE land!
http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=210011&c=1

It seems it would be legal now to carry on WMA's and State Parks.

Here are some exerts from the 08-09 regs

ARCHERY SEASON
Archers may not possess any centerfire, rimfire,
or muzzleloading firearm while hunting during
the archery deer season , except that any person
possessing a license to carry a concealed
firearm that is valid in this state pursuant to
O.C.G.A. §§16-11-126(f) or 16-11-129 may
carry such firearm subject to the limitations of
O.C.G.A. §§16-11-126 and 16-11-127 except
where prohibited by federal law. Archery hunting
is allowed during firearms deer seasons and
deer of either sex may be taken except as
otherwise specified on WMAs. Archery hunters
must wear hunter orange during primitive
weapons and firearms deer seasons.
Either Sex: Statewide- Sept.13-Oct. 10;
Archery Only Cos.- Sept. 13-Jan. 1 in
accordance with statewide bag limits, countywide
antler restrictions and other regulations.
Extended Archery Season: Clayton, Cobb,
Dekalb, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, and
Rockdale Cos. Only; Jan. 2-31 in accordance
with statewide bag limits.


Primitive weapons hunters may not possess
any centerfire or rimfire firearm while hunting
during the primitive weapons season for deer,
except that any person possessing a license
to carry a concealed firearm that is valid in this
state pursuant to O.C.G.A. §§16-11-126(f) or
16-11-129 may carry such firearm subject to
the limitations of O.C.G.A. §§16-11-126 and16-11-127 except where prohibited by federal
law. Scopes may be used.
Either Sex: Oct. 11-17; Statewide, except
in archery only counties and in accordance
with bag limits, county-wide antler restrictions
and other regulations.

CAMPING: All camps must be in designated
campgrounds, unless otherwise indicated
or posted at the WMA check station.
Camping is allowed anywhere on WMAs
on National Forest Lands, except where
posted otherwise. Forest Service regulations
govern outdoor recreation on WMAs located
on National Forest Lands. Camping or
driving motor vehicles on wildlife openings
is prohibited. Carving, cutting, chopping or
damaging of live trees is prohibited. Camping
or establishment of a campsite shall be
limited to a period of time not to exceed 14
consecutive days unless the campsite is
vacated and all personally owned property
is removed for a period of not less than 7
days. A new campsite may not be established
within 1 mile of the vacated campsite. Loaded
firearms are prohibited in camping areas,
except that any person possessing a license
to carry a concealed firearm that is valid in this
state pursuant to O.C.G.A.§§ 16-11-126(f) or
16-11-129 may carry such firearm subject to
the limitations of O.C.G. A. §§ 16-11-126 and
16-11-127, except where prohibited by federal
law. Campers are responsible for their own
trash. No person shall unreasonably disturb

[Twenty five ought six]

So... State rules trump federal rules?

What is important is distinguish what federal lands that you are on.

National Forest Lands are controlled by the USDA, and among the controlling regulations, it states that the firearms policy will follow state law. This applies nationwide. So federal law specifically incorporates state law.

National Parks are controlled by the Department of the Interior. It does not permit the carrying of firearms at all. I'm not sure about the the vehicle question. The Chattahochee below Buford Dam is national park, and so fishermen there cannot have pistols (nor can joggers or other visitors). Other national parks would be the battlefields at Kennesaw and Chickamauga.

A third category of land is that controlled by the Corps of Engineers. They do not permit carrying pistols (or other firearms) on their lands, outside the appropriate hunting season. Those lands of course in Georgia are the large lakes, Lanier, Clarkes Hill, Russell, Hartwell, West Point, and Walter F. George. Carrying a pistol on these lakes while fishing is a no-no.

The real potential pitfall here is that carrying pistols (when not appropriate for the hunting season) on WMA's leased from the Corps of Engineers is not permitted either. There recently was a press release with the affected WMA's. So this is a case of federal law clearly trumping state law. I really foresee that during bow season, someone is going to run afoul a federal ranger on this technicality.

Finally, Georgia Power, although not a government agency, does not permit the carry of firearms on its lakes when not appropriate for hunting. As with other private property owners, violation of this rule would only be a trespassing violation.

So the answer to the original poster is that "yes, it is legal to carry a sidearm on National Forest land while fishing if you are really, really, really sure that it is National Forest land."

[Slingblade]

That was a mighty fine job of 'splainin' there 25-06; a couple of side notes:

The NPS is trying to decide whether to abide by the laws of the state they are in regarding firearms carry in National Parks and is taking comments now through 08-08-08. Here is the link for comments:
http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=4074
Please go to the site and urge the NPS to change the regulation to follow state laws in regards to firearms carry within National Parks.

If you are carrying while fishing or hunting without a GFL (legal to do), you MUST NOT CONCEAL your sidearm.

[Twenty five ought six]

Thanks for the link. I've submitted my comment.

If anyone else would like to do so, here's the link that goes directly to the comments page.

Note: It is pretty ticky. Originally it wouldn't accept my comment because I put a period after my middle initial.

http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocumentDetail&o=090000648053d497

When you get to this page, click on the little yellow "add comment" icon.

[308]

We're continuing to read on this... We also have a couple of State Reps responding and having their counsel respond...

I ran across this and will be looking into it from the Federal point of view as today their office in Gainesville was closed...

http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/05/visitors_to_crater_lake_nation.html

If this article is true... There may be something brewing in D.C. to correct this problem... as it appears... One can't wear a sidearm on National Forest lands as of now...

I assumed as much since they only make reference to it during a hunting season... and even then has stipulations...

Now for my situation that brought my question in the first place...

Me'n'Duke went for a stroll on Saturday and about got coyote caught! And I mean... 'BOUT GOT CAUGHT!

I didn't have my gun since I thought it to be against the rules...

Here's a recap of the event...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Mshlv57upe8

http://youtube.com/watch?v=NjpE8pUbvpA&feature=related

[Twenty five ought six]

One can't wear a sidearm on National Forest lands as of now...


That simply is not true. Not only is it not true now, it has not been true as long as I can remember.

Not only can you wear a sidearm (in conformity with state law), you can take it out and shoot to your heart's content.

National Forests and National Parks are owned and managed by two entirely different departments of the federal government and each agency has entirely different rules. National Forests and National Parks are not synonymous.

[Slingblade]

If you don't have your GFL you can always sling a rifle over your shoulder and have your coyote equalizer that way.

[308]

Thanks guys... I've found my answer...

308