Questions RE: Firearms & Shooting in State Forest land

[BearTHIS]

I've tried reading the applicable codes and such but one part will refer to another law which refers to another subchapter of another law and I simply can't make sense of it all and figured there was a likely a bountiful resource of people here that know the "plain English" of how it works. So here goes.


Background:
1) A small group of friends want to camp in State Forest land.

2) Residents of PA, w/ LTCF.

3) Have prior hunting licenses and/or hunter education certification from other states (prior to our immigration into PA)

Questions:

1) OK to possess handguns in state forest for self defense?

2) can we target shoot? Just plink some cans?

3) would a hunting license make a difference?

4) would semi vs bolt/breech load/falling block... Basically, would semi auto vs single shot make a difference?

5) given the funky definition of a "firearm" in PA, I do have a few SBRs, would that make or break anything?


Our hope is really just to be able plink a few used soup cans with some 22lr or something while we're camping (so called "primitive camping" according to DCNR). Just want to stay on the up and up, and can't make sense of title 18 & 34 and whatever other sections of PA law. Would really appreciate folks that are knowledgeable on these matters helping us out. Thanks in advance.

[R L Suehr]

I

§ 2507. Restrictions on shooting.
(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for any person during the
open season for the taking of any big game other than turkey to:
(1) Shoot at any mark or target other than legal game or
wildlife with a firearm of any kind or a bow and arrow.
(2) Discharge at any time any firearm or release an
arrow at random in the general direction of any game or
wildlife not plainly visible for the purpose of routing or
frightening them.
(3) Discharge at any time any firearm or release an
arrow at random or in any other manner contrary to this
section.
(b) Exceptions.--This section shall not be construed to
apply in any manner to:
(1) The discharge of any firearm for the sole purpose of
signaling for aid or assistance while in distress.
(2) The use of rifle, pistol or archery ranges owned,
leased or maintained by a State or Federal military or police
organization or by any regularly organized rifle, pistol,
shotgun or archery range, shooting association or club while
shooting at a regularly established and properly safeguarded
range or to any public shooting exhibition properly
safeguarded and conducted under the direction of any
organization for the promotion of marksmanship.
(3) The discharge of a muzzle-loading firearm at a
proper target for the purpose of safe transportation of the
muzzle-loaded firearm.
(4) Shooting at a properly constructed target or mark or
a dead tree protected by a natural or artificial barrier so
that the ball, bullet or arrow cannot travel more than 15
yards beyond the target aimed at, after making due allowance
for deflection in any direction not to exceed an angle of 45
degrees. Target shooting shall only be lawful when it is
done:
(i) Upon property owned by the shooter or by a guest
of the property owner.
(ii) Within 200 yards of the camp or other
headquarters where the person shooting is quartered or is
an invited guest or visitor.
(c) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary
offense of the fourth degree.

Plinking cans while camping isn't going to be legal unless it's done on an actual range established by the pgc or on someones property. Hunting licence doesn't matter, except it would allow you to use an sgl range. Type of firearms has no bearing either.

§ 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. § 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 a firearm 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).
(Nov. 29, 2006, P.L.1462, No.162, eff. 60 days)

2006 Amendment. Act 162 added section 2525.

This covers carry and possession on sgl's. You're fine to carry anything that is legal to carry under title 18, even during a hunting season.

[Statkowski]

The OP was talking about State Forest Land, not State Game Land. There is a difference.

I'm assuming Sections 2507 and 2525 cover State Game Lands? If so, they're immaterial.

[RobW]

The OP was talking about State Forest Land, not State Game Land. There is a difference.

I'm assuming Sections 2507 and 2525 cover State Game Lands? If so, they're immaterial.

True, but doesn't matter:

8130-FM-FR0092 1/99 RULES AND REGULATIONS
TITLE 17. PENNSYLVANIA CODE, PART I. DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Subpart C. STATE FORESTS
CHAPTER 21. GENERAL PROVISIONS

ß 21.65. Target shooting. Target shooting with firearms, bows and
arrows or devices capable of launching projectiles and causing injury to
persons or property is prohibited except where authorized by the
District Forester or a designee.

[R L Suehr]

The OP was talking about State Forest Land, not State Game Land. There is a difference.

I'm assuming Sections 2507 and 2525 cover State Game Lands? If so, they're immaterial.

Sorry, my fault, I read it wrong last night.

[R L Suehr]

True, but doesn't matter:

8130-FM-FR0092 1/99 RULES AND REGULATIONS
TITLE 17. PENNSYLVANIA CODE, PART I. DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Subpart C. STATE FORESTS
CHAPTER 21. GENERAL PROVISIONS

ß 21.65. Target shooting. Target shooting with firearms, bows and
arrows or devices capable of launching projectiles and causing injury to
persons or property is prohibited except where authorized by the
District Forester or a designee.

^^^this^^^

Carrying would be governed by title 18 then. Be aware that if it is state park land there is still a prohibition on open carry in a state park on the books. Whether it is actually legal or not it is there and could cause a problem.

[wis bang]

My cabin is on a SFL lease site. I'm the first on in this section of roadway and close to some houses. One place across the road is built up against the boundary. The original owner passed and his grandson moved in.

His backstop is the SFL!

I don't feel bad checking my zero and shooting a bunch of 22 rounds though it is not legal...I use an old log backed up by rising ground, unlike the guy across the road.

Camping on the SFL can mean you could be close to their people, perhaps someone marking a timber cut or checking a food plot [yes the DCNR does this too!] so you may never be remote enough to not get caught.

A few rounds may not cause any trouble but a prolonged shooting session will attract attention.

[scruff]

State forest, no. National forest, yes, as far as I know.

[RobW]

State forest, no. National forest, yes, as far as I know.

Unfortunately, not true. Bold emphasis is mine:

Target shooting is allowed only in designated areas of a national forest or grassland. Check your local ranger district for more information about where you can and where you cannot target practice.


In general, you may target shoot only if you:

Use approved targets. Certain forests may have specific restrictions, such as the type of targets used (i.e. cardboard targets, paper targets, clay pigeons). Exploding targets are not permitted on any forest or grassland.
Use approved targets with a safe, bullet-proof backstop. Do not to attach your targets on trees, log decks, slash piles, fences, or water tanks.
Practice safe gun handling by:
Treating every gun as if it is loaded.
Never letting the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you do not intend to shoot.
Keeping your finger off of the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot.
Making sure of your target and what is beyond.
Are not in possession of alcoholic beverages while discharging a firearm.
Are at least 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area.
Are not shooting across or on a national forest or grassland road or body of water.
Are not shooting in any manner or place where any person, wildlife or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.
Are not firing tracer bullets or incendiary ammunition.

Link at: http://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/shooting

[scruff]

Unfortunately, not true. Bold emphasis is mine:

Target shooting is allowed only in designated areas of a national forest or grassland. Check your local ranger district for more information about where you can and where you cannot target practice.


In general, you may target shoot only if you:

Use approved targets. Certain forests may have specific restrictions, such as the type of targets used (i.e. cardboard targets, paper targets, clay pigeons). Exploding targets are not permitted on any forest or grassland.
Use approved targets with a safe, bullet-proof backstop. Do not to attach your targets on trees, log decks, slash piles, fences, or water tanks.
Practice safe gun handling by:
Treating every gun as if it is loaded.
Never letting the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you do not intend to shoot.
Keeping your finger off of the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot.
Making sure of your target and what is beyond.
Are not in possession of alcoholic beverages while discharging a firearm.
Are at least 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area.
Are not shooting across or on a national forest or grassland road or body of water.
Are not shooting in any manner or place where any person, wildlife or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.
Are not firing tracer bullets or incendiary ammunition.

Link at: http://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/shooting

Sorry, you'll need to show me more than one sentence on one web site to convince me that their policy has changed. This is from the same web site:

Shooting sports activities have been enjoyed for generations and are welcomed on National Forest System lands.

Both state and federal laws apply on National Forest System lands, so you also need to check on the state laws and county ordinances which may apply to the area you will be visiting. You also need to be in compliance with any general federal laws and regulations about weapons (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), etc). The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) and many commercial publications provide this information.

The only regulations specific to use of weapons imposed by the Forest Service is that you cannot discharge a weapon within 150 yards of any structure/development or occupied area, within or into a cave, across or on a road or body of water, or in any manner that endangers a person. You also cannot use any tracer or incendiary ammunition. Forest Service regulations require that you also comply with all State laws regarding the use of firearms while hunting.

If you are planning on visiting a designated Wilderness Area, the Regional Forester or Forest Supervisor has the option to implement a special local order which additionally prohibits the mere possession of a firearm within that Wilderness Area. Although this prohibition is not common, you should contact the Forest Supervisor's office to find out whether such a restriction has been imposed.

We encourage you to use designated shooting areas or ranges. However, if you choose to shoot in an undesignated area, please ensure that your shooting does not damage any facilities or natural resources, disrupt other uses, or endanger public safety, and ensure you remove any targets, wads, shells, brass and other refuse with you when you leave. Be sure your shooting target area is free of rocks, as wildfires have resulting from sparks from ricochets. Be responsible for your action and follow outdoor ethics, in other words always, Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! on federal lands.

It is also a good idea regardless, just to contact the local Forest Service District or Forest Offices in advance of your visit to ask the same question, as they are more aware of local ranges and other opportunities, local orders or restrictions, issues and special conditions that may affect you.

Enjoy your visit to our National Forests.

Jamie Schwartz, Shooting Sports Liaison, USDA Forest Service

http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/prog.../welcome.shtml