Firearms in Forests and Parks

[MudCamper]

This thread, which is about restrictions in wilderness areas in the Stanislaus NF, is interesting reading for those interested in this topic.

In summation, the SNF website states that firearms are not allowed in the wilderness areas, but in fact that is beyond their authority. They can only ban shooting, not possession or carry. This thread has been updated where necessary.

UPDATE 11/9/10 I was mistaken. Per 36 CFR 261.57 the FS can ban possession in a wilderness area. However it is still not clear weather SNF bans possession or just shooting in the wilderness areas.

[oldschool88]

Good info, thanks.

[MudCamper]

I believe this is incorrect. Depends on which state park it is.

Certainly true for other states, but we're referring to California State Parks. The code citation is in the second post of this thread:

State CCR Title 14, Div 3, Chap 1, s 4313 (a) (abridged) (CA State Parks)

(a) No person shall carry, possess or discharge across, in or into any portion of any unit any weapon, firearm...

If there are any exceptions other than the locked one I'd love to hear of them.

[GoodEyeSniper]

Firearms are not allowed in State Parks, except locked up in vehicles.

I believe this is incorrect. Depends on which state park it is.

[Nevermore]

Just forwarded someone to this thread, it's an excellent summation and starting point for answering, "Can I legally carry in..."

A staff member should sticky this thread. It gets asked a LOT.

[MudCamper]

I am going to take the family to the Western Sierras this summer for camping, in the Sierra National Forest, in the old days I took a 12 ga with slugs camping out of the car. Looks like it's a Condor Zone now. Do I have to have lead free slugs for purely a defensive use, bears?

Right now we are being told the non lead requirement is for hunting. You can posses lead in the condor zone, just not hunt certain game with it or possess it "while" hunting. You can have it in your vehicle.

Correct. The lead ammo ban is only for hunting. But you can have your ammo anywhere, not just in your vehicle, including in the firearm if not in an area where shooting is prohibited.

[MudCamper]

I need some clarification. Am I able to open carry(pistol) with full clip in same holster(gun is unloaded obviously) while backpacking or camping in state or fed. park? Or am I able to carry open or concealed while loaded??

Thanks Matt

State Parks and National Parks are not the same thing. One is run by the State of California. The other is run by the federal government. See the first post for clarification.

Firearms are not allowed in State Parks, except locked up in vehicles.

Firearms will be allowed in National Parks after the new law goes into effect next year, but are not allowed now, unless locked up in vehicles.

[spectr17]

I am going to take the family to the Western Sierras this summer for camping, in the Sierra National Forest, in the old days I took a 12 ga with slugs camping out of the car. Looks like it's a Condor Zone now. Do I have to have lead free slugs for purely a defensive use, bears?

Right now we are being told the non lead requirement is for hunting. You can posses lead in the condor zone, just not hunt certain game with it or possess it "while" hunting. You can have it in your vehicle.

There are certain areas that restrict "any" lead in possession. Tejon Ranch is one, on our recent pig hunt there I was just filming but I had to clear my truck of all lead to enter the ranch. That was Tejon's policy in their TOU.

[hush]

Open carry in Ca. while backpacking or camping

I need some clarification. Am I able to open carry(pistol) with full clip in same holster(gun is unloaded obviously) while backpacking or camping in state or fed. park? Or am I able to carry open or concealed while loaded??

Thanks Matt

[Californio]

I am going to take the family to the Western Sierras this summer for camping, in the Sierra National Forest, in the old days I took a 12 ga with slugs camping out of the car. Looks like it's a Condor Zone now. Do I have to have lead free slugs for purely a defensive use, bears?

[thempopresense]

Great thread, tagging for info.

[joems]

http://www.sacbee.com/inauguration/story/1879277.html

[evmo]

Just get a CCW permit and keep it concealed.

I wish...

[Darklyte27]

awesome thanks

[hotwls13]

Just get a CCW permit and keep it concealed.