National Forest open carry

[Glockman Parker]

Is this legal? Can't seem to find any info.

[McGyver]

Yes, it's legal.

(from U.S. Forest Service):
Discharging a firearm (including a bow and arrow) is prohibited in or within 150 yards of a developed recreation site, a residence, or any place where people are likely to be. Shooting across roads or bodies of water is also prohibited.
Target shooting is permitted in the general forest area (except in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness) as long as other persons in the area are not placed at risk and there is no damage to resources such as using a tree as a target.

Cited from http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier/recreation/rules_and_regulations.htm

[Glockman Parker]

Yes, it's legal.

(from U.S. Forest Service):
Discharging a firearm (including a bow and arrow) is prohibited in or within 150 yards of a developed recreation site, a residence, or any place where people are likely to be. Shooting across roads or bodies of water is also prohibited.
Target shooting is permitted in the general forest area (except in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness) as long as other persons in the area are not placed at risk and there is no damage to resources such as using a tree as a target.

Cited from http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier/recreation/rules_and_regulations.htm

Thanks for responding and I'm not trying to challenge you I just want to understand...here's one of the regs that showed on your list under actual regulations. I put in red the questionable areas:

§261.8 Fish and wildlife.
The following are prohibited to the extent Federal or State law s violated:
(a) Hunting, trapping, fishing, catching, molesting, killing or having in
possession any kind of wild animal, bird, or fish, or taking the eggs of
any such bird.
(b)Possessing a firearm or other implement designed to discharge a
missile capable of destroying animal life.
(c) Possessing equipment which could be used for hunting, fishing, or
trapping.
(d)Possessing a dog not on a leash or otherwise confined.
(e) Curtail the free movement of any animal or plant life into or out of a
cave, except as authorized to protect a cave resource.

[mkm]

Can't speak specifically for open carry, but concealed is no problem.  In fact, several National Forests have public shooting ranges and open hunting seasons.  I would be leary of having a loaded long gun in the vehicle (depending on state law) or roaming around the woods with one outside of hunting season though.

[McGyver]

My google-fu is fading today, but the new regs were changed a couple of years ago to allow firearms, whether concealed or open, may be carried if you are legal to own it. Concealed carry may be utilized if you have a license for that state.

[Sponsor]

[Glockman Parker]

Thanks guys! Too many regulations to keep up with. 

[tombogan03884]

Current regulations in National forests for carry are the same as the state it is located in.

[Ichiban]

Which means that if your state prohibits carrying in "federal buildings", stay out of the the ranger station.    Hmmm, I wonder if that would mean outhouses as well?   

[fightingquaker13]

Dittos to the loaded gun in a vehicle bit, especially at night. Our local game wardens worry about folks taking potshots at deer from the road. I'd leave any rifle or shotgun unloaded, and or in the trunk or bed. (just good gun safety too). This obviously doesn't apply to CCW. If you have an 8 inch barrel .44 mag in the glove box I have no idea how F@W would view it. As for walking around at night, again, CCW should be no problem. Anything else though, in most every state having a loaded gun and a  light is a no no. Check your local hunting regs even if you aren't hunting.
FQ13

[Glockman Parker]

Current regulations in National forests for carry are the same as the state it is located in.

I know it is that for National Parks, is it the same for National Forest.