Has any one been OC-ing in the NF or on the AT?

Regulations Specific to National Forest and Game Department Lands

It shall be unlawful to have in possession a bow, crossbow, or any firearm which is not unloaded and cased or dismantled on all National Forest lands statewide, or on Department-owned lands and on lands managed by the Department under cooperative agreement in counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains except during the period when it is lawful to take bear, deer, grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, turkey or waterfowl on these lands; and on Department-owned lands and on lands managed by the Department under cooperative agreement in counties east of the Blue Ridge Mountains except during the period when it is lawful to take bear, deer, grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, turkey, waterfowl or migratory game birds on these lands. (See exception for valid concealed handgun permit holders).

It shall be unlawful to possess or transport a loaded firearm or loaded crossbow in or on any vehicle at any time on National Forest lands or Department-owned lands. (See exception for valid concealed handgun permit holders).

"Loaded firearm" is defined as a firearm in which ammunition is chambered or loaded in the magazine or clip, when such magazine or clip is found engaged or partially engaged in a firearm.

The definition of a loaded muzzleloading firearm will include a firearm which is capped, or has a charged pan, or has a primer, or battery installed in the firearm.

The definition of a "loaded crossbow" is a crossbow that is cocked and has either a bolt or arrow engaged or partially engaged on the shooting rail or track of the crossbow, or with a "trackless crossbow" when the crossbow is cocked and a bolt or arrow is nocked.

The word "possession" shall include, but not be limited to, having any bow, crossbow, or firearm in or on one's person, vehicle, or conveyance.

It is unlawful to chase with a dog or train dogs on National Forest lands or Department-owned lands except during authorized hunting, chase, or training seasons that specifically permit these activities on these lands.

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Valid Concealed Handgun Permit Holders May:
•Possess a concealed handgun during archery seasons, muzzleloader seasons, and general firearms seasons.
•Possess a concealed handgun on National Forest and Department lands during the closed season.
•Possess and transport a loaded concealed handgun in or on any vehicle on National Forest and Department lands.
•Possess a concealed handgun while using dogs for tracking wounded or dead bear or deer but no game may be taken

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Roverhound said:

In order to carry in the NF outside of hunting season you need a CHP.

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/publiclands.asp

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davestradamus said:

If I understand this correctly, It would be illegal for me (or anyone) to OC while camping in the George Washington Natl Forest. Am I right? I love to camp there, and would hate to be forced away by silly gun restrictions.

What a bummer....

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hgreen said:

That's my understanding. And even during hunting seasons, if you are OCing on a Sunday that would be violation since there is no Sunday hunting in Virginia.

I pushed for the repeal of Sunday hunting and for the addressing of this restriction on OC in National Forests to my representatives at lobby day but there did not seem to be any larger group support from the gun rights community to change either of these issues. Most of the focus this year seemed to be on the OGAM, parking lot carry, and cleanup to perks for permit codes.

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peter nap said:

You're exactly right and we need to nudge VCDL which openly admits it considers Sunday hunting and or carry in the NF, a hunting issue. They have chosen to not take a position in hunting matters which is odd since the majority of gun owners are hunters and do not cc or have CHP's.

Just for academic study to the OP....CC without a permit in the NF, has long been considered normal by the natives. They use the "If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it" philosophy. That doesn't make it legal or recommended...just a fact you may want to know the next time you play trivial pursuit.

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davestradamus said:

I didnt mean to hijack the OP's thread. This issue is of particular importance to me since I camped in the NF last weekend a would like to carry while there. The access road I use is apparently frequented by tweakers and such to enjoy their favorite activities.

Game wardens are not people to mess around with. The Forest Service can bust yo butt in a heartbeat....

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davestradamus said:

If I understand this correctly, It would be illegal for me (or anyone) to OC while camping in the George Washington Natl Forest. Am I right? I love to camp there, and would hate to be forced away by silly gun restrictions.

What a bummer....

Click to expand...