OB Approved Camping with Firearms

[WhatTheZo]

It is not allowed to use weapons in many of the forest areas. Better to find some other safety options.

For the most part I just keep a can of bear mace accessable when I stay in the more secluded parts of NFS land.

Sent from my Pixel using OB Talk mobile app

 

[jwsparlin2]

Let me start by saying this is not a pro or anti- gun article. This is about responsibility, safety and a little about the law. As a person who mostly does solo camping in remote areas, I feel comfortable with a gun on or near me to deal with any predators whether they are animal or human. With over 30 years of training and handling various firearms, my preference will always be to diffuse a situation and find the quickest exit. This being said, a firearm may or may not be something you're comfortable with.

Being in California, I can only speak to our state laws. Since Overland Bound crosses many borders, I urge anyone interested in carrying a weapon to check their local and state laws; it’s only a Google away.

When transporting a concealable firearm [handgun] in a vehicle it MUST be kept unloaded in a locked container or vehicle trunk. This means stuffed between the seats, glove box or console is not legal. Anyone with a permit to carry a concealed weapon [CCW] is exempt. Long nonconcealable firearms such as unloaded shotguns and rifles are also exempt. Firearms ARE allowed on BLM land as well as most national parks. As of 2010 guns ARE allowed in all but 20 of the 392 national parks. Yellowstone, Grand Canyon Yosemite are part of the park system that allows firearms. Where they are NOT allowed is the visitor centers and the ranger stations. This is because firearms are not allowed in federal buildings. Also whether it's national forest or parks they mostly fall back on local state laws. However, National Forest land requires firearms be unloaded in a case. There are many exemptions regarding hunting season and too many to list here.

Every firearm should be thought of as a tool and not a toy. If you’re going to take on the responsibility of carrying a firearm there are many things to consider such as your familiarity and proficiency with the particular weapon you carry. If you have any doubts, you should visit one of the many public or private shooting ranges as well as gun stores for advice, many offer firearm safety courses.

Safety is the number one priority without question. Always know the condition of your firearm, is it loaded? [Always assume it is] Is the safety on or off? And most importantly, who’s around you? Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot and keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. If target practicing, know your background. If you’re in a campground or a location with other people and especially kids, keep you firearms locked away and secured. And of course never mix alcohol or drugs with firearms. This includes prescription medication that might alter you mental or physical well-being.

One non-lethal alternative that I highly recommend is pepper spray. This can legally be carried in all 50 states and I can say from experience, it’s very effective. One or two short bursts to the face of any animal or human and they will be at their knees and incapacitated. I can verify this by experience too.

Although I could go on, I’ll close this with know the laws of the location you’re in or traveling to and there’s no substitute for common sense.

Great post with some great advice, thank you!

 

[ColoradoRick]

This is a great subject for this site and I think that is because most here share similar ideals in terms of exploration, the freedom and liberties we have come with responsibilities, part of that is being safe on so many levels. Never be culled into thinking someone somewhere doesn't want you to have those rights. We all need to be diligent and care for and protect these liberties as well as our lands and families. In the US, thanks to our amazing constitution, that freedom happens to include firearms, please treat that with respect.

The app Legal Heat, that someone suggested is also a convenient tool to have. Being armed is typically our right in the US short of some overbearing states views of it. If people are responsible, I for one feel very comfortable in being with a group of folks able to care for themselves and loved ones, being stealth about that ability is usually the safest and smartest way to go about it.

I have been in the remote areas of Alaska where it is essential to have protection and encounters with wildlife is more common than with humans. In the lower 48, I have had folks come from nowhere into our little area unannounced and it usually is friendly but not always and being prepared for things in more ways than one is always the better way in my mind.
--
Rick

 

[Darthbaggins]

Normally if I'm in my home state I always have my firearm in my vehicle, in MA I do not carry since I still need to go through the state required "training" to lawfully carry a firearm (on person/home/vehicle) - while in MA my firearm stays with one of my family members back in GA

Normally I have my dogs in the T4R anyway when travelling - one of which is always on alert when in the car unless told not to be.

 

[Flipper]

Good article, though I believe you have the restrictions on National Parks and Forests swapped.

National Parks are typically a no-no for loaded weapons, whereas I find too many messes left behind by irresponsible shooters in National Forests.

In Ocala National Forest
the litter of choice seems to be Bud Lite cans


Sent from my iPad using OB Talk

 

[Flipper]

Ok thanks
Wasn't trying to be rude
Hope it didn't come across that way looking back

In Florida, Ocala National Forest has vagrants called the Rainbow People, basically a bunch of bums and thieves, I am more concerned with them more than 4 legged predators, moved here 20 years ago and learned real fast almost everyone carries, With the high crime rate and nutballs you don't even go to store to get a gallon of milk without packing, we also have the highest road rage shootings in the country. Living in Fl is sort of like living in the Wild West days.


Sent from my iPad using OB Talk

 

[Flipper]

For me the camping aspect is just an extension of everyday life. It's not a matter of fear that makes me want to carry. It's imagining the feeling that I would have if I were ever in a situation where it could make a difference and I wasn't carrying. Be it the boogy man or boogy bear I'll always opt for being prepared.

I would like to add though that I grew up with firearms, I'm a Navy guy, and I plan to attend a couple training courses to rehone my skill set (read that as unlearn acquired bad habits). Firearm safety is a lot more than a locked up gun cabinet to me and I really wish there was a required aptitude test to apply for a CCW.

I worked at a Gander Mtn in Fl. for 3 years in the firearms dept. I agree with the aptitude test part, I could tell you stories that would make you cringe with some of the people that have legally purchased firearms. The worst was a kid came in, looked 16 yrs old, I even carded him, just turned 18 with 3 buddies that looked younger than him.He purchased an AR, Eotec red dot site, and 1K rounds of .556, I legally had to sell him the firearm because he passed the background test!. No 3 day wait right out the door!


Sent from my iPad using OB Talk

 

[TreXTerra]

I worked at a Gander Mtn in Fl. for 3 years in the firearms dept. I agree with the aptitude test part, I could tell you stories that would make you cringe with some of the people that have legally purchased firearms. The worst was a kid came in, looked 16 yrs old, I even carded him, just turned 18 with 3 buddies that looked younger than him.He purchased an AR, Eotec red dot site, and 1K rounds of .556, I legally had to sell him the firearm because he passed the background test!. No 3 day wait right out the door!


Sent from my iPad using OB Talk

I'm pretty sure you can refuse service to anyone as long as it isn't because they are part of a protected class. I used to moonlight at a gun store and the owner would refuse to sell a gun if he got a bad vibe off the person. No other reason needed.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Darthbaggins]

Every business has the right to refuse service, especially when it comes to firearms

 

[Ditcherman]

For the sake of contrast--I would say that as an American, I have never in my life felt a pressing need to own or carry a firearm. That means in the hood, that means in the woods, that means in my home, that means anywhere.

I know how to shoot guns, I know how to clean guns, and truth be told, I kind of like guns. I tend to be pretty liberal politically, but understand and respect those whose views differ from my own.

I have always been a believer that firearms are indeed a "tool", something that some of my left-leaning brethren might disagree with. That being said, carrying a loaded firearm implies both the ability and the willingness to fire it. It INVITES the possibility of severe injury or death into a situation in which it may not have previously existed. I think it is absolutely crucial that anyone who owns one in their home, or carries one on their person understands this explicitly.

That may sound obvious, but sadly I think some American gun owners subscribe to a culture of fear where a gun becomes a sort of "impulse buy" as the result of an emotional decision-making process that in some cases forgoes logic and proper training. I'd like to see more programs designed to encourage responsible gun ownership as long as it continued to remain a "cornerstone" of American culture.

Appreciate your post, I am fairly right leaning (liberal in the original sense of the word) and I basically agree with everything you said. I would probably not emphasize the "invites" and would maybe even change the word to just mean potential, but that's splitting hairs. There is too much of a cavalier or 'cowboy' spirit when it comes to the people that have made this an emotional decision without the right training.
So for people who are interested in not making this an emotional decision, but an educated one, I would highly recommend checking out the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA). They are in the business of offering legal counsel and insurance if you are ever involved in a self defense incident with a firearm. To promote that, they offer a really nice magazine full of very educational articles fairly inexpensively (Full disclosure; magazine subscriber only, no other interest even though this sounds like an ad). These people have helped me be comfortable carrying and understanding the laws concerning carrying and self defense.
I haven't checked out the apps mentioned here yet, but another web site is USA Carry, very easy to use to tell how reciprocity works with permits you have.
One more point, an issue that is very confusing to me, is weapons on tribal land. Tribal laws are strict and the results of enforcement can be devastating. I am wired to ask for forgiveness rather than permission, but some of their laws scare even me away from carrying. The laws can be very hard to access as well.

 

[Yumafolks]

This is a very hot subject. As law enforcement has the way they read the law and lawyers have how they read the law. It all leaves us with doing our best to be safe and maintain a safe secure location for our fire arms. It is our responsibility to train with that weapon. I've worked hard to maintain my 50 state LE-CCW and will always seek more training. As far as what weapons or where to store them. In my opinion what works great for me is a Jr model single shot 20ga. It's short and light. It had a Big Bang if needed and very few moving parts. It's simple. And I'm pretty sure is legal in just about all 50 states to travel in the cab of the truck unloaded.


Sent from my iPhone using OB Talk

 

[David.44mag]

I have never been told the right answers by calling the state police in regards to gun laws. Not one single time. lol I travel all around the country with my firearms for R&R and training. I wouldn't say it's a conspiracy by other LEO's but Police are not experts in every law and just because they carry a gun does not make them "gun people." A lot of times they'll air on the side of caution in answering your questions or avoid the right answer for fear of being responsible legally. LEO's are paid to protect you and trained not to trust you. It's the way it works for their safety and for their communities they're charged with cleaning up after. Also, I've known several LEO's over the years that the only time they've ever shot or cleaned their guns is during mandatory training and qualification.

There are several sites that keep up to date on carry and reciprocity. Seek independent sites that are specifically geared towards the laws you're in question of.

I have also found this to be true. It seems going to the State Police's website is a bit better source for factual info vs asking an officer.And traveling with firearms is usually in the FAQ area on several sites I've been on.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using OB Talk mobile app

 

[CatButt]

In Florida, Ocala National Forest has vagrants called the Rainbow People, basically a bunch of bums and thieves, I am more concerned with them more than 4 legged predators, moved here 20 years ago and learned real fast almost everyone carries, With the high crime rate and nutballs you don't even go to store to get a gallon of milk without packing, we also have the highest road rage shootings in the country. Living in Fl is sort of like living in the Wild West days.


Sent from my iPad using OB Talk

These Rainbow People came to Gunnison, Co (where I grew up) when they were looking for a new home. They decimated the towns emergency funds, social services, etc. Crime rates shot up...I am very glad the town saw the reality and ran them out of town.

Like you, I am WAY more interested in protecting myself from the 2 legged animals than anything else. Living in SoCal and frequenting the deserts can be pretty sketchy. I have a handful of stories that could have gone bad very quickly.

 

[Eduardo Muñiz]

Great information...thank you for sharing!


Sent from my iPad using OB Talk

 

[The Klumps]

Handgunlaw.us is another good site for traveling. It'll list which states honor which states permits and the stipulations. I.E resident vs non resident.

Sent from my XT1254 using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Flipper]

I'm pretty sure you can refuse service to anyone as long as it isn't because they are part of a protected class. I used to moonlight at a gun store and the owner would refuse to sell a gun if he got a bad vibe off the person. No other reason needed.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using OB Talk mobile app

i

I'm pretty sure you can refuse service to anyone as long as it isn't because they are part of a protected class. I used to moonlight at a gun store and the owner would refuse to sell a gun if he got a bad vibe off the person. No other reason needed.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using OB Talk mobile app

I'm pretty sure you can refuse service to anyone as long as it isn't because they are part of a protected class. I used to moonlight at a gun store and the owner would refuse to sell a gun if he got a bad vibe off the person. No other reason needed.
In Florida if they are of legal age and pass the background check your company can be sued if you refuse to sell. If they come in drunk or acting weird we called a manager and they took care of the issue. We were open new years eve, until 1:00 AM, dont ask me why, who in their right mind is buying a gun at midnight. Two goths came in, with black hair black mascara arount their eyes , dog collars around their necks. They wanted to see tactical shotguns, I cleared the firearm handed it over the counter to the girl goth she turned around and pointed it at another customers face, I grabbed the gun back and asked her what the hell she thought see was doing, her response was she wanted to see what it felt like to blow someones head off! They got the big escort out real quick by a Navy SEAL and Army Ranger I worked with, I dont think their feet even touched the ground.



Sent from my Nexus 6 using OB Talk mobile app

 

[TreXTerra]

You can be sued for wearing a blue shirt, it doesn't mean the plaintiff will get a judgement. Unless a person is of a protected class and you can show discrimination based on that class, I highly doubt a court will side with the person turned away.

 

[The Traveling Shepherd]

I only travel through and to states that respect my inherent right to bear arms. I allegedly carry everywhere although no one will ever know it. When I'm camping I allegedly have a rifle and unless it's hunting season no one will ever see it, they're not for campfire show and tell neither are they talismans - they're just tools.
I'm a bit of a firearm training snob, I try to take some formal instruction a few times a year from vetted professionals and I've been lucky to take instruction from a few of the best.
Deciding to exercise your 2nd amendment right is a personal choice and a deadly serious responsability. I think one overlooked aspect while camping etc. is a secure place to store it, all safety issues aside, from theft.

 

[Warhorse]

Let me start by saying this is not a pro or anti- gun article. This is about responsibility, safety and a little about the law. As a person who mostly does solo camping in remote areas, I feel comfortable with a gun on or near me to deal with any predators whether they are animal or human. With over 30 years of training and handling various firearms, my preference will always be to diffuse a situation and find the quickest exit. This being said, a firearm may or may not be something you're comfortable with.

Being in California, I can only speak to our state laws. Since Overland Bound crosses many borders, I urge anyone interested in carrying a weapon to check their local and state laws; it’s only a Google away.

When transporting a concealable firearm [handgun] in a vehicle it MUST be kept unloaded in a locked container or vehicle trunk. This means stuffed between the seats, glove box or console is not legal. Anyone with a permit to carry a concealed weapon [CCW] is exempt. Long nonconcealable firearms such as unloaded shotguns and rifles are also exempt. Firearms ARE allowed on BLM land as well as most national parks. As of 2010 guns ARE allowed in all but 20 of the 392 national parks. Yellowstone, Grand Canyon Yosemite are part of the park system that allows firearms. Where they are NOT allowed is the visitor centers and the ranger stations. This is because firearms are not allowed in federal buildings. Also whether it's national forest or parks they mostly fall back on local state laws. However, National Forest land requires firearms be unloaded in a case. There are many exemptions regarding hunting season and too many to list here.

Every firearm should be thought of as a tool and not a toy. If you’re going to take on the responsibility of carrying a firearm there are many things to consider such as your familiarity and proficiency with the particular weapon you carry. If you have any doubts, you should visit one of the many public or private shooting ranges as well as gun stores for advice, many offer firearm safety courses.

Safety is the number one priority without question. Always know the condition of your firearm, is it loaded? [Always assume it is] Is the safety on or off? And most importantly, who’s around you? Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot and keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. If target practicing, know your background. If you’re in a campground or a location with other people and especially kids, keep you firearms locked away and secured. And of course never mix alcohol or drugs with firearms. This includes prescription medication that might alter you mental or physical well-being.

One non-lethal alternative that I highly recommend is pepper spray. This can legally be carried in all 50 states and I can say from experience, it’s very effective. One or two short bursts to the face of any animal or human and they will be at their knees and incapacitated. I can verify this by experience too.

Although I could go on, I’ll close this with know the laws of the location you’re in or traveling to and there’s no substitute for common sense.

I agree with the common sense thing. Know the applicable laws for the state/s you plan to visit. Get training! Practice! Get more training.......more practice!

 

[Gene Lambert]

Great info, another app is CCW which updates and list the state reciprocity laws as well.

Going to down load legal heat too

Thanks