robmt
New member
A few of us will be going on a backpacking adventure in the wild of a national park here. It is my desire to bring my 18.5inch Remington 500 shotgun in my pack with only the buttstock showing. 4 rounds on the shoulder strap only.
I wish to get clarification on what my research and get feedback from other carrying hikers.
Can you provide feedback?
My current understanding:
• Shotguns 18inch or longer can be concealed as long as they are unloaded (anywhere in California and the law used in national parks in California)
• Ammo on the shoulder strap is not loaded (People vs. Clark)
• Weapons not allowed in federal buildings, loaded or otherwise
• A loaded weapon in a tent or on a camp site is allowed as it is considered ‘temporary dwelling’
• Firing upon a bear is legal when attacked IE charging you & you feel your life is threatened
• The carrying of a loaded shotgun concealed or exposed is only allowed in the period leading up to a threatening movement and shortly after. Once rangers come on the scene the weapon should be unloaded.
• No permit is required to carry a shotgun into a national park for the purpose of self defense.
Just so we’re all clear I’m not going hunt, I wish to bring my gun because I think it’s foolish to go into the wild unprotected – I know some will disagree. To my point however there has been a slight uptick in the number of bears in our area eating people food and breaking into bear proof food containers. I wish to lower the risk of personal harm while in this remote area.
Furthermore rangers have told me I’m allowed yet fail to provide the specifics of the laws they will be enforcing. The few calls I’ve had suggest they allow it, but discourage it while similarly all down playing bear danger.
How best to carry my shotgun?
What am I legally allowed in a California National Park?
I’ve done a fair bit of reading, have some printouts to carry but wish to be well within the law and speak clearly to fellow hikers and law enforcement.
Cliff notes anyone?
Thanks,
Rob
I wish to get clarification on what my research and get feedback from other carrying hikers.
Can you provide feedback?
My current understanding:
• Shotguns 18inch or longer can be concealed as long as they are unloaded (anywhere in California and the law used in national parks in California)
• Ammo on the shoulder strap is not loaded (People vs. Clark)
• Weapons not allowed in federal buildings, loaded or otherwise
• A loaded weapon in a tent or on a camp site is allowed as it is considered ‘temporary dwelling’
• Firing upon a bear is legal when attacked IE charging you & you feel your life is threatened
• The carrying of a loaded shotgun concealed or exposed is only allowed in the period leading up to a threatening movement and shortly after. Once rangers come on the scene the weapon should be unloaded.
• No permit is required to carry a shotgun into a national park for the purpose of self defense.
Just so we’re all clear I’m not going hunt, I wish to bring my gun because I think it’s foolish to go into the wild unprotected – I know some will disagree. To my point however there has been a slight uptick in the number of bears in our area eating people food and breaking into bear proof food containers. I wish to lower the risk of personal harm while in this remote area.
Furthermore rangers have told me I’m allowed yet fail to provide the specifics of the laws they will be enforcing. The few calls I’ve had suggest they allow it, but discourage it while similarly all down playing bear danger.
How best to carry my shotgun?
What am I legally allowed in a California National Park?
I’ve done a fair bit of reading, have some printouts to carry but wish to be well within the law and speak clearly to fellow hikers and law enforcement.
Cliff notes anyone?
Thanks,
Rob
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