Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default concealed carry in state parks question

    I know that we are now allowed to conceal carry in state parks. I have camped at various state parks in the past (Hickory Run, Ricketts Glen) and when checking in I've always been asked if I have any firearms or alcohol. Before I started carrying and got my ltcf I never really thought about this and always answered no without a second thought.

    I will be going camping in a state park this year. Is it now legal for them to ask if i have a firearm? If they do ask am I under any obligation because of state law or contractual statement when signing in to answer their question? I've read elsewhere that we do not have the obligation to tell a police officer if we are carrying or not and i was wondering if it is different with park rangers. Probably not that big of a deal, but I do not think it's the governments business if I am carrying or not.

    Thank in advance for taking the time to answer this.
    Last edited by internet troll; February 4th, 2012 at 09:49 AM. Reason: fix spelling

  2. #2
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    Default Re: concealed carry in state parks question

    You can carry concealed in state parks. From the DCNR:
    Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park.
    Per state law, I think the DCNR doesn't have the authority to ban OC either. Too bad HB1523 will only apply to local governments.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: concealed carry in state parks question

    As mentioned above.

    There is a sticky post stating where you cannot carry. http://forum.pafoa.org/concealed-ope...nsylvania.html

    If it isn't on the list then there is a 99.9% chance you can carry there - state parks isn't on the list.
    RIP: SFN, 1861, twoeggsup, Lambo, jamesjo, JayBell, 32 Magnum, Pro2A, mrwildroot, dregan, Frenchy, Fragger, ungawa, Mtn Jack, Grapeshot, R.W.J., PennsyPlinker, Statkowski, Deanimator, roland, aubie515

    Don't end up in my signature!

  4. #4
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    Default Re: concealed carry in state parks question

    In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park.

    Found this.,,,http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/statepar...ille/index.htm

  5. #5
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    Default Re: concealed carry in state parks question

    This is the main one for all parks

    http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/statepar...ting/index.htm

  6. #6
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    Default Re: concealed carry in state parks question

    Quote Originally Posted by internet troll View Post

    I will be going camping in a state park this year. Is it now legal for them to ask if i have a firearm? If they do ask am I under any obligation because of state law or contractual statement when signing in to answer their question?
    Not illegal for them to ask, but they probably want you to be aware
    that firearms in non-hunting areas are only allowed if kept in the
    vehicle, or concealed on your person if you have an LTCF.
    Quote Originally Posted by Aggies Coach View Post
    Cause white people are awesome. Happy now......LOL.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: concealed carry in state parks question

    do you have to CC. I heard there trying to pass a law so we can OC, is that tru?

  8. #8
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    Default Re: concealed carry in state parks question

    Quote Originally Posted by rayval123 View Post
    do you have to CC. I heard there trying to pass a law so we can OC, is that tru?

    That question is addressed at length at:
    http://forum.pafoa.org/open-carry-14...ate-parks.html
    IANAL

  9. #9
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    Default Re: concealed carry in state parks question

    Thanks to all who have replied, I was already aware that we are allowed to carry in state parks. My question however was are the rangers still allowed to ask if a person has a firearm when they check in since we are legally allowed to carry in a state park with a ltcf. Thanks Gun for your answer that it is legal.

    Any thoughts on the other part of my question about whether or not we are obligated to tell them. If I tell them no because I don't think it is any of their business then have to defend myself would I be held accountable by any legal standards. The reason I am asking is that I have read elsewhere on this site that you do not have to disclose to a police officer that you are carrying if you are pulled over even if they ask. Seems strange to me that the park rangers would have more power and control over people.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: concealed carry in state parks question

    You are under no legal obligation to answer questions to anyone, including state park rangers.

    Anyone can ask you any question. This is legal.
    Police, park rangers, random passerbys - does not matter.

    Whether or not you choose to answer is entirely up to you.
    How you choose to answer as well.

    You can ignore the questions, you could say "I don't feel like answerring this", you could lie.
    This is all legal too.
    Unless the asking party has identified themselves as federal agents - then the option of lying is _ilegal_, while the other options are not.

    If caught lying (legally) by any party, there might be consequences. None, minor or major - depends on the circumstances.

    Cheers!

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