Just want to be abslutetly, 100% sure about State Parks...

**kx90** · August 18th, 2008, 09:58 AM

before we head up to the Promised Land Campgrounds.

I cannot take a firearm with me, correct?

This bothers me to no end, being that I have severe back problems (think surgery worthy issues, with one surgery in the books already) and two little children to protect. I hate not being able to had my self defense tool on my hip in case of an emergency. It's not like I can pick the kids up and run.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/statepar...misedland.aspx

Thanks!

**incynr8** · August 18th, 2008, 10:31 AM

"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 camp."

therefore, a firearm could be kept cased in your car, trailer, or camp.. I would personally assume a firearm should be legal for hunting in PA.

By the previous sentances as for 'ready to use'

"Firearms and archery equipment may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons."

means unloaded. So a double barrel unloaded in a case in your camp, with 2 shells in your pocket SEEMS ok.

I am not an officer, lawyer, or DCNR/GAME , etc.

I know LTCF is not being honoured by the state park systems, hopefully this changes and I am sure other members will post relevant links to this matter.

I hope to see national parks and state parks comply shortly.

**1861** · August 18th, 2008, 10:36 AM

I camp alot and have talked to several park rangers . they all told me it can be loaded , just not toted around with you . in car or camper is fine . this may just be their opinion but they seemed sure of it

**PocketProtector** · August 18th, 2008, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by 1861

I camp alot and have talked to several park rangers . they all told me it can be loaded , just not toted around with you . in car or camper is fine . this may just be their opinion but they seemed sure of it

How freaking dumb is that?

**incynr8** · August 18th, 2008, 10:58 AM

yeah i'd be uneasy about a loaded firearm in a tent, left unattended by myself that is.

and having it in your car/trailer (that can drive as a vehicle), doesn't it then fall under LTCF, must be a handgun to be loaded in the car? Can't carry a loaded rifle/shotgun in the car.

SO it would seem a hunting legal pistol is the best way to go for now, with a PA ltcf for 'car rules' to be properly covered and then you'd have the responsibility of moving it from tent at night, to car in the day in the day for fishing and hikes... Maybe I just read a bit far into it, but that's the letters of the rules as I read them, I dont want to violate PA law by having a loaded long gun in a car, and I dont want to violate (but wish they wouldn't exist) rules about concealed carrying in a PA state park.

at least until the state parks/national parks allow CC/OC at least equivalent as local state laws dictate...............

this is also a pet peeve of mine.. I like to hike, I like to hunt, I like to camp, all three enjoying the shooting sports, or the protection a firearm supplies, or as a tool to legally harvest game.

areas like these have overlap in rules, since I also hunt with handguns as legally allowed by PA.

Yet I can't hike in a PA state park that also allows hunting(with my pistol), in a non hunting season, with a concealed handgun.

Bear Wallow Trail in Promised land is an example, some of it is on the hunting allowed area, some is not.

**TaePo** · August 18th, 2008, 11:30 AM

Just speculating but maybe a camper or tent is considered your 'dwelling' at the time.

**jcabin** · August 18th, 2008, 11:33 AM

are DCNR run parks firearm legal with a LTCF?

**incynr8** · August 18th, 2008, 11:36 AM

AFAIK, no they are not, which is where the whole mess with hunting considered also comes to play.

**kx90** · August 18th, 2008, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by incynr8

"In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting I know LTCF is not being honoured by the state park systems, hopefully this changes and I am sure other members will post relevant links to this matter.

I hope to see national parks and state parks comply shortly.

Yeah with the whole pre-emption deal you think that the state would step in and tell the DCNR where their boundaries are. It would be nice to be able to OC in any State Park.