[blind_shake]

I do a lot of hiking and outdoor activity and sometimes I get cunfused as to where I can carry. I know national parks are a no and some state parks are a no. Is there a list of parks, hiking trails, lakes etc. that are ok to OC? I would like to find a trail I can feel safe to carry, especially in SE GA. Any help would be appreciated. I'm new to this forum so I apologize if there is a list I am not seeing on this topic. Thanks all.

 

[Dan H]

Yeah, I was curious about that as well, however I really wouldnt care, I would be packing regardless..

 

[pro2am]

Since it looks like the whole frickin' state is covered by WMA's, you should be very careful about hiking trails.

http://www.n-georgia.com/wildlifemap.htm

Edited to add:

Here's the Georgia code that I am referring to, found under the gun laws link at the top of the page.

http://www.georgiapacking.org/GaCode/?t ... ection=1.1

 

[Malum Prohibitum]

ALL state parks are a no go.

 

[Dan H]

Im guessing the entire appalachian trail then is a no go?

 

[blind_shake]

Its been an issue since I have been hiking/camping. I know where there are both hunting and hiking WMAs if I got a hunting license would that constitute a permit to carry even though I'm not actually there to hunt per say? At John's Mtn heck all they have is a sign in sheet at the main post for turkey hunting. So what if I am hunting with a .45 and happen to be on a hiking trail there is nothing designating where I can and can not hunt, that I don't see but then you're getting into national forestry jurisdiction there. I will have to look into it more.

 

[zookeper]

it's funny that it concerns me now more than it did before i got my permit but i've been camping and hiking all over north al, ga, nc and tn for over 20 yrs. and always carried but not always on my person. i behave and i don't attract attention to myself while in the woods, i've been carded while trout fishing and packing several times but never have i been patted or searched.

 

[GAGunOwner]

Its been an issue since I have been hiking/camping. I know where there are both hunting and hiking WMAs if I got a hunting license would that constitute a permit to carry even though I'm not actually there to hunt per say? At John's Mtn heck all they have is a sign in sheet at the main post for turkey hunting. So what if I am hunting with a .45 and happen to be on a hiking trail there is nothing designating where I can and can not hunt, that I don't see but then you're getting into national forestry jurisdiction there. I will have to look into it more.

I thought carrying was illegal in WMA? Anyway, I suppose that if you are legally hunting there, and you don't have the GFL, you can open carry.

That said, the law says you need to actually be "engaged" in legal hunting, etc. so if you are not really hunting you cannot carry without the GFL in this situation.

 

[GAGunOwner]

I do not recommend breaking the law, but based of what you said in your last post, you'd probably be better off illegally concealing than open carrying and lying about hunting.

 

[blind_shake]

[/quote]I thought carrying was illegal in WMA? Anyway, I suppose that if you are legally hunting there, and you don't have the GFL, you can open carry.[/quote]

I won't say I carry or not in a WMA for plausible deniability.

[/quote]That said, the law says you need to actually be "engaged" in legal hunting, etc. so if you are not really hunting you cannot carry without the GFL in this situation.[/quote]

I don't think you can carry even with a GFL in a WMA but ya I know I was "grasping" but I wont break the law for convenience. Its not that I am afraid of getting searched by WMA officers but its the explanation required of me after the instance I had to use it. It will make it pretty tuff decision knowing the ramifications, "Do I really have to use it my gun in this case?" Obviously, if its a bear charging at me from 50 yrds, I am in clear and present danger but I guess its a consequence I will have to live with.

Sorry long post but I hike a lot so is a big concern for me, thanks.

 

[pro2am]

Its the 2-legged variety that is most dangerous.

 

[blind_shake]

Its the 2-legged variety that is most dangerous.

Ya well if I'm in the woods and I start hearing bandgoes I want to be armed to the teeth!! :lol:

 

[Malum Prohibitum]

Im guessing the entire appalachian trail then is a no go?

It looks to me like this is the National Park Service!

See here.

http://home.nps.gov/applications/parkse ... .cfm?st=ga

and here.

http://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm

I know that there have been murders on this trail.

 

[ls1ssdavid]

Im guessing the entire appalachian trail then is a no go?

I have a buddy who was going to hike the entire trail after he EAS'ed from the Corps. He started down in GA made it to NC then busted his knee. He was going to carry the entire way.

Haha when he busted his knee he was less than 100 miles away from his home in N.C. He didn't shave from when he EAS'ed till he had to go for a job interview. Well when he busted his knee he had to hitchhike back to his home town. That beard didn't help him get rides at all.

If you do decide to carry remember. "Am I free to go? Am I under Arrest?" Ask it often when having a converstation with an LEO. And remember certin LEO agency's have different laws reguarding warrant and warrantless searches. The Department of Natural Resorces can go on anyone Property here in the State of Georgia without a Warrant, to combat illegal hunting and who knows what else under there jurisdiction. I have no idea what the laws are, but don't be supprised if you are in a certin state or even here and they don't need a warrant or PC to search your gear or person either for "officer safety or for illegal hunting or some crazy loop hole because you are in a state or national park". Make your decision accordingly.

 

[Malum Prohibitum]

http://home.nps.gov/applications/parkse ... .cfm?st=ga[/URL]

and here.

http://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm

I know that there have been murders on this trail.[/quote:3o6gp4ed]

See above. Exercise caution . . .

 

[fallison]

Part of the App. Trail up here in Towns County I believe passes through the Swallow's Creek WMA which would be off limits.

 

[moga]

Carry in national forests of GA are allowed but not in national/state parks or WMAs. Check.

But Chattahoochee is a national forest that seems to be under the auspices of the NPS which encompasses areas under Army CoE management.

Same for Oconee as far as I can tell.

Good grief. Is there any public areas in GA where camping (or any other outdoor recreation) while armed is allowed? It seems to me that I'll have to go to FL or maybe AL to spend a weekend outdoors with the wife & dogs if I desire to do so without being at the complete mercy of others. What a shame.