The_Next_Generation
Member
Hey all,
So I have a trip planned on the good 'ol Appalachian Trail and I wanted to carry my levergun for protection (I'm not old enough for a GWL yet). The NPS website says:
Then the Georgia Code 16-11-126b says:
Now, when I called the parks office near the trailhead, the officer on duty was absolutely sure that I could not legally open-carry my rifle because of 'poachers' and because 'it wouldn't be concealed'. In fact, the officer even went so far as to recommend me ILLEGALLY concealing a handgun for 'personal protection' because he would 'let me go on my way' if he were to become aware of my under-aged, unlicensed carrying shenanigans. He also noted that firearms weren't allowed on the trail 'unless they were for personal protection such as a handgun'.:banghead:
When I read the law, it seems that I should be allowed to carry just fine. What say ya'll?
By the way, if any of you are wondering why I would ever want to lug around a hefty rifle on a backpacking trip, here are a few reasons:
1) I sleep better when I have my rifle
2) I sleep better when I have my rifle
3) Good defensive tool
- TNG
So I have a trip planned on the good 'ol Appalachian Trail and I wanted to carry my levergun for protection (I'm not old enough for a GWL yet). The NPS website says:
As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park.
Then the Georgia Code 16-11-126b says:
O.C.G.A. § 16-11-126
Having or carrying handguns, long guns, or other weapons; license requirement; exceptions for homes, motor vehicles, and other locations and conditions; penalties for violations
...
(b) Any person who is not prohibited by law from possessing a handgun or long gun may have or carry on his or her person a long gun without a valid weapons carry license, provided that if the long gun is loaded, it shall only be carried in an open and fully exposed manner.
Now, when I called the parks office near the trailhead, the officer on duty was absolutely sure that I could not legally open-carry my rifle because of 'poachers' and because 'it wouldn't be concealed'. In fact, the officer even went so far as to recommend me ILLEGALLY concealing a handgun for 'personal protection' because he would 'let me go on my way' if he were to become aware of my under-aged, unlicensed carrying shenanigans. He also noted that firearms weren't allowed on the trail 'unless they were for personal protection such as a handgun'.:banghead:
When I read the law, it seems that I should be allowed to carry just fine. What say ya'll?
By the way, if any of you are wondering why I would ever want to lug around a hefty rifle on a backpacking trip, here are a few reasons:
1) I sleep better when I have my rifle
2) I sleep better when I have my rifle
3) Good defensive tool
- TNG