OCing while hunting

imported post

A work discussion revolving aroung hunting and open carring a firearm came up today and I was unable to back up my arguement, mainly that I should be able to OC my defensive handgun while also carrying a rifle/shotgun for hunting.

Does anyone know the rules/regulations concerning this matter?

1) Can I carry a holstered handun while hunting?

2) Can localities have different laws? It seems in some locations I can have a handgun but it must be a revolver only (magnum). In other locations I may not carry with a round in the chamber. And in other locations I cannot even hunt with a sidearm.

I'd like to hear any knowledgable input on this subject.

imported post

Do you have your CHL? You must have one to carry while hunting in a national forest or in the VA wildlife management areas. But I believe you must conceal while you are there.

The different localities shouldn't have the power to regulate you carrying your sidearm because of state preemption. But they can regulate what you are "hunting with." So perhaps those local laws about revolvers etc are about hunting with your handgun instead of a rifle/shotgun.

I had a debate about it for hunting during bow/muzzleloader season - because you aren't allowed to have a firearm with you, unless you have a CHP.

http://www.dgif.state.va.us/hunting/regulations/general.asp#firearmsarchery

"Concealed handguns may be in the possession of hunters during the archery and muzzleloading seasons when they also possess a valid concealed handgun permit. Such handguns may not be used to shoot wild animals during these seasons."

So I may not have answered your question and possibly confused you more. In general, if you have a CHP and conceal then there's nothing stopping you. As far as OC, in my Unprofessional opinion, it seems to be legal during non-archery/muzzleloading seasons and when not in the restricted/concealed-only areas. But you have to be careful because a picky game warden could accuse you of hunting with your handgun that may be against local laws..

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VCDL is trying to get the various gun carry restrictions in state parks and national forests lifted thru AG & GA action both.

DGIF regulations are now in conflict with severalstatutes. It's complicated.

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So if the state agency preemption bill passes - does that mean that the dgif regulations are out?

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The bill is dead now, but had it passed, yes, the regulations would presumably soon be stricken - now they will take longer to clean out.