Can I walk through the woods with a loaded rifle?

[unclemoak]

Am I legally allowed to take a stroll through the woods with a loaded rifle over my shoulder?

I of course have a LTCF and it would not be during some sort of hunting season, so I'm not exactly sure how the situation would be handled or if I'd end up in the pokey for the night.

[thefirstndsecond]

Take a look at the carry laws and the game codes.

It is better if you read the laws.

Also what do you mean by the woods?

[unclemoak]

Take a look at the carry laws and the game codes.

It is better if you read the laws.

Also what do you mean by the woods?

Where can I find a copy of said laws and codes?

By woods I mean not an urban/suburban area. I'm not looking to take my AR to the mall or grocery store with me. I'd like to see if I'm able to walk around with it in rural (out in the boonies) areas without fear of persecution. I don't really know what else I could mean by woods?

[thefirstndsecond]

State parks, state forrest, state game land, private property wooded area?

http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/portal/se...unity/pgc/9106

Look at the reference library of PAFOA for LTCF.

Use Google to find more game law information about PA GAME LAWS.

This are good directions for you to find information.

The more you use these resources the more you will find the answers easier to obtain.

I would rather show you the lake and tell you where the fish are..

[Swarner793]

I don't really know what else I could mean by woods?

Do you own the woods? Does someone you know own the woods? Is it public land? All of these could be the "woods", but the answer could be very different for each scenario.

Be safe (and well defined).

Scott

[thanker92]

Be prepared to explain how walking thorugh the woods with a loaded rifle is not hunting......because you most likely will be asked.

[kcr121]

I wouldn't do it. See below.

From http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal...24&mode=2#2301:

Chapter 23. Hunting and Furtaking

Subchapter A. General Provisions

Sec. 2301. Amended June 28, 2004, Act No. 2003-48.

Sec. 2301. Prima facie evidence of hunting.

(a) General rule. - For the purpose of this title, any one of the following acts shall constitute prima facie evidence of hunting:

(1) Possession of any firearm, bow and arrow, raptor, trap or other device of any description usable for the purpose of hunting or taking game or wildlife.

(2) Possession of the carcass or any part or parts of any game or wildlife.

(3) Pursuing game or wildlife in any manner prohibited by this title or commission regulation.

(b) Lawful cooperation or assistance. - Notwithstanding any other provision of this title to the contrary, any person who has lawfully taken the bag or season limit for a particular species of game or wildlife or any person who meets the requirements of section 2701(c) (relating to license requirements) may aid, assist, abet or cooperate in any manner specified by this title or commission regulations with another person who is engaged in any lawful activity permitted by this title or the regulations of the commission.

Cross References. Section 2301 is referred to in section 2325 of this title.

[unclemoak]

I wouldn't do it. See below.

From http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal...24&mode=2#2301:

Thanks. I can see how the Game Commission could interpret carrying a rifle through the woods could be considered hunting --> poaching --> night in pokey.



What I think would be up for interpretation would be:

(1) Possession of any firearm, bow and arrow, raptor, trap or other device of any description usable for the purpose of hunting or taking game or wildlife.

What they don't define is whether usable means legally usable, or physcially usable. Technically, an AR15 isn't legally usable, but in the same sense it is physically usable to take game.

[anonymouse]

(1) Possession of any firearm, bow and arrow, raptor, trap or other device of any description usable for the purpose of hunting or taking game or wildlife.

What wouldn't fall under that?

"other device of any description usable for the purpose of hunting or taking game or wildlife."

[joecon]

What wouldn't fall under that?

"other device of any description usable for the purpose of hunting or taking game or wildlife."

A Semi-auto handgun perhaps??