ok to carry while hunting?

[nrandell]

Is it ok to openly carry a loaded pistol while hunting in ca?

[asintado]

My co-worker who hunts says its discouraged but people do it anyways.

[ajwells]

I'm wondering the same thing. What about concealled? If your out in the middle of nowhere, do they really care?

[glen avon]

open or concealed, with certain exceptions, is specifically allowed by statute.

12025. (a) A person is guilty of carrying a concealed firearm when he or she does any of the following....

12027. Section 12025 does not apply to, or affect ... (g) Licensed hunters or fishermen carrying pistols, revolvers, or other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person while engaged in hunting or fishing, or transporting those firearms unloaded when going to or returning from the hunting or fishing expedition.

there is more but now you know where to look.

[ajwells]

open or concealed, with certain exceptions, is specifically allowed by statute.

12025. (a) A person is guilty of carrying a concealed firearm when he or she does any of the following....

12027. Section 12025 does not apply to, or affect ... (g) Licensed hunters or fishermen carrying pistols, revolvers, or other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person while engaged in hunting or fishing, or transporting those firearms unloaded when going to or returning from the hunting or fishing expedition.

there is more but now you know where to look.

Nice. Thanks for that. Good info.

[phobos512]

That's good info. Why, I wonder, do they state that it's OK to transport them unloaded to or from the activity though? Isn't that typically OK?

[ADDICTEDto.223LOWERS]

wow, so all those times i was bringing a bat to protect myself while fishing in the delta i could have just had a pistol with me?!

[kurac]

yup, and it doesn't matter if its exposed or concealed.

[ArmedBear]

What does he mean, "It's discouraged?"

And why should I care?

[Old Fud]

Except ------

According to my Hunters Safety course instructor, you may not have a firearm on you in Bow Hunting season.

He also taught us that hunting is a privilege, not a right, and we have to make very nice with everybody or we might lose it.

Fud

[11Z50]

Except for when engaged in bowhunting, you may carry. When in your campsite, you may carry as well. Just be careful about having any kind of loaded weapon in a vehicle. I have heard of hunters being cited for leaning a loaded weapon on the side of their truck. (loaded weapon in a vehicle) As long as you are afoot or in camp, carry all you want.

Be careful about the transporting thing and make sure your piece is unloaded. It is the same type of provision in the law that is made for shooters going to a range.

Hunting is a privilige, self protection is a right. Hunters and fishermen out in the wilds can't call 911 so they are extended this provision in the law to defend themselves.

Be careful and use common sense, some game wardens are freaky about harrassing people.

[Mike Searson]

Hunting is a privilige, self protection is a right. Hunters and fishermen out in the wilds can't call 911 so they are extended this provision in the law to defend themselves.

Not even so much that, but a sidearm can be necesarry to finish off a wounded animal, etc.

[crs1]

We usually carry a side arm while pig hunting, just holstered. Sometimes you need it going after an animal in the thick brush. It's hard to swing and shoot a rifle when you are crawling and a wounded hog charges you.

I used to just carry a revolver with 5 rounds. Don't know if you can carry a pistol w/ more since you can only hunt with 5. I have also been told its okay as long as you are not hunting with the pistol

Also, I don't think you can carry a pistol during muzzleloader season either.

[Rumpled]

Don't know if you can carry a pistol w/ more since you can only hunt with 5. I have also been told its okay as long as you are not hunting with the pistol

CA has no 5 round restriction - load up a 30 if you feel it's necessary.
Pistol is legal for almost all game and nongame animals, though surprisingly not for antelope in CA.

[socalguns]

They normally have to be locked and unloaded