National Forest, can no longer carry, advice needed

[BBJohnnyT]

     I've been mountain biking and hiking mostly solo for years in the San Bernardino National Forest here in Southern California.  For the last 4 years, I've open carried a S&W J-frame .357 Model 60 ever since I stumbled on a hidden pot field.  I've never had an issue with other hikers or patrol rangers until one hiker, who used to carry, warned me that it's no longer legal to do so, because of the PC 26350 California Open Carry ban went into effect on Jan 1, 2012.  I did some research and quickly discovered how much of a tangled web of regulations and jurisdictions this is. 

     I found apparently this ban has a PC 26388 exclusion for public lands, so I thought it wouldn't apply in the SBNF.  On the CalGuns board, someone asked the BLM and they said carrying or shooting is not prohibited nor affected by PC 26350, so I thought I would go directly to the source and inquire.  I called Curtis Davis, the supervising LEO for the SBNF.  We had a friendly, informative chat and he was understanding of my confusion. However, what he said was not what I wanted to hear. He said that all open carry of handguns, loaded and unloaded, is prohibited since Jan 1, 2012 because they follow the state law. The only exception is while lawfully hunting. He recommended carrying it unloaded in a locked backpack side pouch in accordance with state law (right, much good that would do me).  I asked him if the PC 26388 public land exception nullifies this. He was aware of PC 26388 and said it does not because that simply allows the administering agency the responsibility to determine OC status, and the SBNF specifically prohibits shooting (except in a few designated areas). Given this, he said the PC 26350 state ban still applies and is enforced.  I asked where shooting is prohibited by the SBNF and he pointed me to this draconian order from 1999.

     So, carrying is now completely prohibited except in 11 remote and 4WD-only accessible designated shooting areas.  I still want to have the ability to defend myself out there, so now I'm at a crossroads.  Do I go through the process of obtaining a CCW permit, which would then allow me to carry in the SBNF, or do what I can to I fight this sucker and restore for everyone the right.  I know the easiest is the first way, but I'm leaning towards the second just on principle.  My problem is twofold.  Being non-politically savvy, I don't know where to start and second, I fear I would be jousting at windmills on a hopeless cause.  Listening to MB's old podcasts, I know he had good success in Colorado, but that was during a more favorable Administration.  But since then, we've had the Heller decision which could give some precedence.  I'm willing to invest some time and energy, but I'm not rich for a protracted battle.  If you were in my shoes, what would you do?

[mkm]

Get your CCW.  You should get that either way.

Deciding to fight is up to you.  I'm not familiar enough with Calfiornia or the processes necessary to accomplish the change.  I'm not telling you not to fight; just, it's your call.

Having your CCW will allow you to better protect yourself in and out of the forest.  It will also add to the number of people who have their CCW; especially in a less than gun friendly California.

[jnevis]

Be warned that CA's CCW law is VERY discriminatory.  The issuing authority is dependant on where you live.  When I applied for mine, I applied to Kings County, but since I actually lived in Lemoore city limits they turned it back to me.  It wasn't considered a rejection, since they never took posession of the paperwork.  When I moved on base I was now considered "county" and could reapply there.  Lemoore city would have never approved it, but Kings County would have.  I moved to MD before I got a final determination.

[BBJohnnyT]

Thanks.  Getting a CCW will be a pain, but is doable here in San Bernardino County.  I live in the city of Big Bear Lake, which contracts with the county sheriff, so at least I can apply direct to the county.  Last I heard they are scheduling CCW interviews for April of next year.  So whatever I do won't help this summer season.  This whole thing really chaps my hide.  I still feel like knocking down a windmill.