Law Question. carry while hiking

[Benz]

I been doing a lot of hiking at the auburn state rec area in auburn. I seen a mountian lion the other day and was wondering the laws on carrying a side arm while hiking.

thanks

[Benz]

auburn state rec area is a state park.

[oldrifle]

Bumpity-bump. I'm interested in this too. Where is it legal, where is it not. I'm guessing illegal everywhere except BLM land but I'm often wrong.

[Benz]

this is off the state parks web site.


Rules and Regulations Summary
California State Parks has rules and regulations to protect park areas for the enjoyment of future generations as well as for the convenience and safety of the park visitors. To ensure your visit is a pleasant one, please observe the following:
NATURAL SCENERY, PLANTS AND ANIMAL LIFE are the principal attractions of most state parks. They are integral parts of the ecosystem and natural community. As such they are protected by Federal, State and Park laws. Disturbance or destruction of these resources is strictly forbidden.

LOADED FIREARMS AND HUNTING are not allowed in units of the State Parks System. Possession of loaded firearms or air rifles is prohibited. Exceptions are for hunting in recreation areas that have been designated by the State Park and Recreation Commission.

Does this mean i can open carry a unloaded weapon? If so can i carry the ammo on myself.

[swerv512]

if you absoluelty have to be on state park, national park, country park land- the you must absolutely obey their laws.
that being said, i would definitely ask a park ranger before attempting any kind of open carry...

[cassius]

not really expecting a State Parks employee to know wtf the regs are for unloaded open carry, and not willing to be a training aid for them.
Find somewhere else to stroll if you want to go armed. Plenty of BLM / Forest land in CA, much of it very attractive.

[rabagley]

A kitten dies each time you are holding a firearm in a "no gun zone" here in California. It's truly tragic.

[BillCA]

Carrying a firearm in any state park will get you in trouble. Unless the gun is unloaded and in a case, park rangers have a habit of being snotty about it.

Gun in the parks?
Looks bad in the newspapers and upsets civilians at their breakfast.
-- Lt. Gonville Bromhead

[Rob Roy]

No guns allowed, but they recommend to get big by waving hands, scream, not to bend and fight back if attacked.

[socomIInato]

the animals have rights! and it looks like you don`t. your`e supposed to let them eat you

[JTROKS]

Don't carry a loaded gun in a state park, even if it wasn't loaded before you spotted the cat how would you prove it. You kill the cat, but the state will skin ya - ALIVE!.

[Lancear15]

I don't care what the laws are if I'm camping once I'm in my tent I consider that my residence. Has anyone ever been searched by a ranger while hiking without being seen commiting a felony? Has anyone you know or you car ever been searched for no good reason? Take what you will from the answers to these questions. If your alone and attacked by a mountain lion, you aren't going to see it coming and you aren't going to be able to load a weapon mid attack. If you are with someone who is attacked then the shooting would be OBVIOUSLY justified(wounds).

Anyways, the greater odds are you will need a gun for a 2 legged attacker not a 4.

[otteray]

No guns allowed, but they recommend to get big by waving hands, scream, not to bend and fight back if attacked.

I saw something like this (photoshop picture) in my area (Gray Whale Ranch, UCSC Property, Santa Cruz). Always makes me chuckle.

[IMG][/IMG]

[JDoe]

A kitten dies each time you are holding a firearm in a "no gun zone" here in California. It's truly tragic.

You mean a sea kitten don't you?

[SONYEXEC]

Open carry (carrying unloaded) defeats the purpose of a handgun while in the wild. By the time you realize what's happening, a 250+ Lb mountain lion will be on top of you trying to clamp down on your neck. At this point I think you maybe have 30 seconds to act and I seriously doubt one would have the presence of mind to load a handgun when your natural reaction will be to use your hands to fight off the lion/animal.

If you're really interested in protecting yourself from wild animals you're better off carrying a quality knife with you. I carry both knife & loaded gun any time out in "nature" but that's a personal choice and a risk I'm willing to accept. Here's my knife of preference while out hiking or mtn biking




OH ya and carry a whistle with you so a bear or lion can listen to some music while its eating you alive LOL - joke, maybe