Open Carry And Concealed Carry In State Parks & State Forests

[Hillbilly_Hippie]

I usually just C/C, but when I camp or hike on State Forest Lands I wear my firearm on my hip and O/C it (easier access and more comfortable). I was extremely happy when I heard that we could now carry in State Parks, but according to my current understanding the firearm must be concealed eventhough I have a License to Carry Firearms (I have yet to find anywhere on that license that says anything about how I must carry). Am I correct about the firearms needing to be concealed in State Parks?

If I am correct then I am slightly confused. The way I understand, it is lawful for me to carry a loaded firearm openly on State Forest Lands (so long as I am not hunting, in which case I would need a Hunting License - in my case handgun), but not within a State Park (in the State Park it would have to be concealed). Is it now unlawful for me to openly carry my sidearm on State Forest Lands? Do I have to conceal there too?

Lastly, what are the laws regarding carrying a firearm into a Ranger Station/Visitor's Center/etc. on these lands via O/C or C/C? I've never had a reason to stop into any yet, so I honestly do not know.

To recap.

Firearms in State Parks - Concealed or Open?
Firearms in State Forests - Open OK?
Firearms in Ranger Stations/Visitor Centers on either lands?

[knight0334]

State Parks = concealed only
State Forests = OC or CC
State Ranger stations = OC or CC for Forests, CC for Parks.

[tl_3237]

Knight0334 is right as usual.

CC is required in state parks because the DCNR regulation against firearm possession was not repealed. It was only partially preempted by:

18 Pa CSA 6109(m.2) Inconsistent provisions.--Notwithstanding the provisions of section 7506 (relating to violation of rules regarding conduct on Commonwealth property), 75 Pa.C.S. § 7727 (relating to additional limitations on operation) or the act of June 28, 1995 (P.L. 89, No. 18), [FN3] known as the Conservation and Natural Resources Act, and regulations promulgated under that act, a firearm may be carried as provided in subsection (a) by:

(1) a law enforcement officer whose current identification as a law enforcement officer shall be construed as a valid license to carry a firearm; or

(2) any licensee.

Thus a licensee could carry in state parks provided that carry is in accordance with subsection (a) which states:

(a) Purpose of license.--A license to carry a firearm shall be for the purpose of carrying a firearm concealed on or about one's person or in a vehicle throughout this Commonwealth.

If you are OCing then you are NOT carrying IAW subsection(a) and hence the preemption does not attach; it does if you are CCing.

The result is that OC remains a violation of DCNR regulations but CC, as well as vehicle transport, by licensed individuals in State Parks is protected by state statute.

PS Welcome to the forum.

[Bruce]

Darn, stupid DCNR "regulations" regarding the carrying firearms for the purpose of self-defense... there oughta be a law against 'em!
.

[Hillbilly_Hippie]

Thanks for the responses and also the welcome.

Apparently I am understanding everything correctly then.

[dregan]

Good to have a straight answer on this. I have been meaning to search the forums for an answer but here it is right in front of me already! Thx.

[wheelgunnut]

New to the PAFOA forum. Searched for this topic and found exactly the information I wanted, as the DCNR regulations were confounding and appeared to keep me out of State Parks. Thanks to all for this thread and especially to tl_3237 for the detailed answer.

If only the Feds would recognize pre-emption. Visited Flight 93 Temporary Memorial in Somerset County last year during deer season and, you guessed it, the little shack was posted against carry. I suppose when the permanent facilities are built all structures will be off limits.

[jahwarrior72]

it should be mentioned that in national parks, OC or CC is permitted.

[prophet23]

So what is the penalty for OC'ing in a state park if you have a LTCF?

[jahwarrior72]

i dunno. you are ordered to leave? a Game Officer/park ranger might take your LTCF and send it to the sheriff. i'm just theorizing.