• We are now running on a new, and hopefully much-improved, server. In addition we are also on new forum software. Any move entails a lot of technical details and I suspect we will encounter a few issues as the new server goes live. Please be patient with us. It will be worth it! :) Please help by posting all issues here.
  • The forum will be down for about an hour this weekend for maintenance. I apologize for the inconvenience.
  • If you are having trouble seeing the forum then you may need to clear your browser's DNS cache. Click here for instructions on how to do that
  • Please review the Forum Rules frequently as we are constantly trying to improve the forum for our members and visitors.

Are rifles allowed for open carry such as in a public state forest or hand guns only?

coopaloop

New member
Joined
May 4, 2012
Messages
2
Location
ohio
I hear lots of discussion's on open hand guns but do long guns fall under the same rules? Say i was going on a camping trip deep into the woods, would i be legal to have a long gun on me although i would not be hunting and only for personal protection in the case of a ravage animal.
 

ManInBlack

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 2, 2006
Messages
1,551
Location
SW Idaho
It's not a problem out here in Idaho, but I would check your state's hunting regulations. That is normally where you will find prohibitions on carrying long guns into the field. I know that in some Eastern states there is a presumption that you are hunting if in the field with a long gun. You may be able to solve the problem by getting a hunting license, but I'm not sure how it would be looked at if you had, say, a high-power rifle when all big game seasons are closed?

Silly rules, but unfortunately they do have the potential to get you tangled up.

ETA: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Default.aspx?tabid=20829
It is unlawful for any person to use a rifle, pistol, or revolver at any time on any land or water area, controlled or administered by the Division of Wildlife, except while lawfully trapping, or hunting wild animals, or target practicing on a designated Division of Wildlife target range.
^I assume by "use," they mean "fire," but I would do further checking to ensure that there is no ban on mere possession.

http://ohiodnr.com/Home/publications/EducationalDownloads/tabid/5320/Default.aspx
A quick check didn't yield any firearms regulations on state forests, but I did notice that many of them seem to have rifle ranges on them. Not sure what that means, if anything, for possession while camping in the forest.

http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/1533.29
1533.29 Prima-facie evidence of guilt.

The finding of a gun, net, seine, boat, trap, or other device that is set, maintained, used, or had in possession in violation of the Revised Code or division rule is prima-facie evidence of the guilt of the person setting, maintaining, using, or possessing that property.

This seems to indicate to me that if you are legal to have the weapon under normal circumstances, you are legal to have it in the field, in plain sight, with or without a permit:
1501:31-15-02 [Effective until 1/1/2012] General hunting and trapping provisions.

(J) It shall be unlawful to carry any firearm or weapon unless displayed and visible on the outermost garment, and only when carried in accordance with the Revised Code. Persons possessing a valid Ohio concealed carry license issued pursuant to sections 2923.125 and 2923.123 of the Revised Code or a valid conceal carry license from a state with a reciprocity agreement with Ohio to carry concealed handguns, or who comply with federal legislation HR218, “The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004” are exempted.


And then I found this: http://www.ohioopencarry.org/legality-open-carry-ohio
Legality of Open Carry in Ohio


There is no "Open Carry Law" in Ohio... the Ohio Revised Code does not authorize, prohibit, or otherwise regulate the open carry of firearms on foot. Open Carry of a handgun or long gun is protected across Ohio by virtue of ORC 9.68 which preempts any municipal laws prohibiting the act. There is no requirement of residency or license to carry openly in Ohio - however, you must be legally in possession of the firearm that you intend to carry. It is recommended that you be at least 18 to carry a long gun, and 21 for handguns.
Important! You may not carry a "loaded" handgun in a motor vehicle in Ohio without a recognized Concealed Handgun License. The definition of "loaded" in Ohio means you must have no ammunition in the gun, and no ammunition in a compatible magazine or speedloader anywhere in the vehicle.
You may not carry a "loaded" (same definition) long arm in a vehicle, even with a recognized Concealed Handgun License.
Other exceptions - not a comprehensive list:

  • You may not carry in a room or open area covered by a Class D liquor license (bars and restaurants that serve alcohol for consumption on the premises) http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/2923.121
  • "No Guns" signs DO carry legal weight other than trespassing
Here is a great introductory video by Don (rottman43055): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-PN9M6AbUI
Here's a memo from the Greene county Prosecutor in response to a request by the Beavercreek Police Department (after this incident): http://www.scribd.com/doc/49957246/Greene-County-Prosecutor-Memo-to-Police-Departments

So it seems to me that you can carry your rifle into the field while camping. I wouldn't point it at any animal except in the act of self defense, lest a game warden thinks you are hunting. IANAL

Just out of curiosity, what dangerous animals are there in Ohio? I'm sure you have black bear, but is there anything else you are worried about?

For me, there is no finer weapon for bear defense than a .44 mag revolver.
 
Last edited:

MyWifeSaidYes

Regular Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
1,028
Location
Logan, OH
In Ohio, you may legally open carry a long gun (rifle or shotgun) anywhere you may legally open carry a handgun. Adults aged 18-20 can not carry handguns, so long guns are their only legal form of open carry.

You will attract WAY more attention...most of it negative...but it's legal.

If you wanted to walk down Main Street in any town in Ohio with a .338 Lapua sniper rifle slung over your shoulder, it's legal, as long as you are not in any statutory GFZ's (such as near a school). This does not mean you won't be illegally stopped and questioned by the police.

An interesting twist, while in the act of hunting during deer gun season, without a CHL, you can not carry a handgun, only a shotgun.
 
Last edited:

MyWifeSaidYes

Regular Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
1,028
Location
Logan, OH
Ohio has bear and bobcats and coyote (oh, my). Coyote and groundhogs (woodchuck) are considered nuisance animals and are in season all year 'round (except during deer season).

The main reason to carry in Ohio is for protection from the two-legged critters.
 

coopaloop

New member
Joined
May 4, 2012
Messages
2
Location
ohio
I agree.

Ohio has bear and bobcats and coyote (oh, my). Coyote and groundhogs (woodchuck) are considered nuisance animals and are in season all year 'round (except during deer season).

The main reason to carry in Ohio is for protection from the two-legged critters.

I agree that there is not a great threat when it comes to wild animals attacking me here in the wild but it never hurts to be be prepared and as far as two legged types go, i probably dont need ro worry too much unless you came across someone doing something they shouldn't be and they were to get belligerent . However it's always good to know with absolute certainty whether your in your rights.
 
Top