Carrying a firearm in a national forest

[ZJim]

Can anyone provide me with a DEFINITE answer on whether or not you can carry a firearm without any sort of permit, and where you can carry it within the forest? I found this online:

House Bill 1029 (Firearms in National Forests) - Effective October 1, 2006



This bill repeals ss. 790.11, 790.12, and 790.14 which generally prohibted the carrying of firearms in national forests, allowed special permits for the carrying of firearms in national forests, and imposed certain criminal penalties for the carrying of firearms in a national forest without a permit, respectively. Further, the bill directs the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to draft an administrative rule to "allow the possession of weapons in compliance with all applicable Florida Statutes."

The forest in question is the Ocala National Forest. It seems to me that as long as the weapon is not concealed (and if it is, you have a permit for it) the forest is really no different than driving down the highway with a weapon in your possession? Are other states like this, or just Florida? A bunch of people have been murdered in the forest. 2 fairly recently were murdered by a guy with an AK47.. had no chance to escape or even defend themselves. I'll be in the forest this weekend, and there's a rifle range there, and I haven't shot my new WASR10 yet.. I'm itching to! But I'll have it in my Jeep, and I'll be wheeling in the forest all weekend.

[Brain]

It really depends on the National Forest. Some allow firearms and you are only restricted by state and federal laws pertaining to posession and use. Others allow firearms only during hunting seasons if hunting is allowed in that National Forest. Some allow firearms outside of hunting seasons if you have a permit to carry.

Check with the forest district to get a definitive answer.

This might help... http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/about/index_oca.shtml

[ZJim]

I saw that website.. it's pretty vague. The major problem is that I've heard there has been a recent ruling (Like October, 2006) that did away with much of the previous legislation which banned firearms in the forest except for hunting purposes during the proper seasons. Since the recent murders there was LOTS of pressure to allow at least the right to carry guns in the forest in your vehicle. I just haven't been able to find much information that I trust. The other problem is that the stuff I have read applies to "highways" and other improved roads. I will be 4 wheeling and not on any established road or highway.

[mike]

we have public shooting areas in the national forest around me. So it's very dependant on the forest.

[DMG]

I have legally hunted in national forests...

[basketcasejeep]

A quick search on packing.org revealed this:

http://www.packing.org/news/article/?article=153

Also found this in their FAQ section:

"Q: Carry In National Forest
A: If you can legally carry in the state the National Forest is in you can carry in the National Forest. You can not carry into any buildings on the National Forest as they are owned by the Federal Government."


Does FL have a law that considers your vehicle an extension of your home, so you can keep a firearm in your car? I would assume it would be ok... but I'm no lawyer or expert on FL's concealed carry laws.

[Brain]

Originally Posted by Brain

Check with the forest district to get a definitive answer.

Getting the answer straight from the people who will be enforcing it would be the best bet. Talk to a LE Ranger, not some interp ranger or souvenir ranger.

[ZJim]

Originally Posted by Brain

Getting the answer straight from the people who will be enforcing it would be the best bet. Talk to a LE Ranger, not some interp ranger or souvenir ranger.

Yeah, my concern is that I'll end up talking to somebody who hasn't got a clue and who doesn't actually enforce the laws. I kinda wanted a hard copy of the laws concerning the matter rather than a gift shop volunteer ranger's advice on the subject. I'm not even sure who I'd call.

[Cue-Ball]

Call the Attorney General's office. he's going to be the one to make that call.

[rocknbronco]

Originally Posted by Brain

Getting the answer straight from the people who will be enforcing it would be the best bet. Talk to a LE Ranger, not some interp ranger or souvenir ranger.

X2

[aloharover]

I know that a majority of the National Parks I have been to have anti gun laws, but never even thought about the NFs. The NPs you usually have a gated entrance and always pick up the fliers they have.
I know that there always seem to folks target shooting some of the places I have gone. Sure doesn't mean it's legal.

I did find this on the Pikes Peak site (closest NF)

General Shooting Rules:
No shooting (including archery):
Within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area.
Across or on a Forest Developed Road or body of water.
In any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.
Across a road or within 50ft from the center line of the road.
In a reckless manner or while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.

[Brain]

Originally Posted by Brain

Getting the answer straight from the people who will be enforcing it would be the best bet. Talk to a LE Ranger, not some interp ranger or souvenir ranger.

Originally Posted by ZJim

Yeah, my concern is that I'll end up talking to somebody who hasn't got a clue and who doesn't actually enforce the laws. I kinda wanted a hard copy of the laws concerning the matter rather than a gift shop volunteer ranger's advice on the subject. I'm not even sure who I'd call.

The LE (Law Enforcement) Rangers are the ones who enforce the laws and make arrests on National Forest lands. They are sworn officers with full police power.

You won't get a helpful answer from some interp ranger or gift shop ranger.

Call the Ocala National Forest District Station of your choice and ask to speak to a Law Enforcement Ranger.

Lake George Ranger District
DISTRICT OFFICE TEMPORARILY RELOCATED
17147 East Highway 40
Silver Springs, FL 34488
Phone: (352) 625-2520
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 4:00pm

or,

Seminole Ranger District
NOTE: NEW OFFICE HOURS
40929 State Road 19
Umatilla, FL 32784
Phone: (352) 669-3153
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 4:00pm