YES, LTCF allows carry of semi-auto handguns, for self defense, while hunting in PA.

[Pa. Patriot]

This question gets asked about every other week, so I figure it deserves it's own sticky thread.....

Since 2007 you are permitted to carry a handgun (semi or revolver) that would otherwise not belegal to take game with during that season provided:
a) you have an LTCF
~and~
b) the sidearm is only carried and used for self defense.

From 2007 PGC Digest:
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/lib/p...07/updates.pdf


A LTCF authorizes only "firearms" as defined by SS6102 of the UFA.

I quote the definition below. Essentially it includes handguns, short barreled rifles short barreled shotguns and some AOW's


REF: http://paopencarry.org/law/ufa.html#6102

10/5/2010 EDIT:
Here is the actual code, as currently hosted on the PGC we site:

Sec. 2525. Possession of firearm for protection of self or others.
(a) General rule.—It is lawful for a law enforcement officer or any person who possesses a valid license to carry a firearm issued under 18 Pa C.S. Section 6109 (relating to licenses) to be in possession of a loaded or unloaded firearm while engaged in any activity regulated by this title.
(b) Construction.
....(1) This section shall supersede any prohibition on the possession of firearms or ammunition contained in any other provision of this title.
....(2) This subsection shall not be construed to permit the hunting or harvesting of any wildlife with a firearm or ammunition not otherwise permitted by this title.
(c) Definitions.—As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Firearm." As defined in 18 Pa C.S. §6102 (relating to definitions).
"Law enforcement officer." As defined in 18 Pa C.S. §6102 (relating to definitions).

[jcabin]

Thanks for making this a sticky. Now I can send the non-believers to check this out whenever they tell me "IT'S ILLEGAL!!!!!!".

[P89]

I had to point it out to a WCO. Good thing that book was wadded up in the bottom of my backpack.

[slaptrigger]

I had to point it out to a WCO. Good thing that book was wadded up in the bottom of my backpack.

Its a shame that a WCO doesn't know a law that he/she was trying to enforce!

[Dredly]

IS open carry legal (other then state parks of course)?

[God's Country]

IS open carry legal (other then state parks of course)?

Yes.........

[Pa. Patriot]

IS open carry legal (other then state parks of course)?

The statute only says "possession". So OC/CC/in vehicle, etc should all be legal by my interpretation.

Sec. 2525. Possession of firearm for protection of self or others.
(a) General rule.—It is lawful for a law enforcement officer or any person who possesses a valid license to carry a firearm issued under 18 Pa C.S. Section 6109 (relating to licenses) to be in possession of a loaded or unloaded firearm while engaged in any activity regulated by this title.
(b) Construction.
(1) This section shall supersede any prohibition on the possession of firearms or ammunition contained in any other provision of this title.
(2) This subsection shall not be construed to permit the hunting or harvesting of any wildlife with a firearm or ammunition not otherwise permitted by this title.
(c) Definitions.—As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Firearm." As defined in 18 Pa C.S. §6102 (relating to definitions).
"Law enforcement officer." As defined in 18 Pa C.S. §6102 (relating to definitions).

[Hawkeye1980]

I wish I would have read this before I got talked into selling my beretta. I was always told it was illegal and I held onto that gun for years because they don't make it anymore but finally decided to sell and look for a revolver to carry.

[originalsocko]

Pa Patriot,
Thank you for the information, were my son and I go hunting buck and doe there are bear and coyoetes. Yes we have .30-06, 30-30, or .300 win mag. to choose from but if your field dressing and the rifle is leaning against a tree over there.....
Rep point coming your way.

[A-5]

Its a shame that a WCO doesn't know a law that he/she was trying to enforce!

Might have been a deputy.