Carrying a gun while on the water.

quote:
Originally posted by RussB

“jfyi you can NOT carry a sidearm on WMA hunting land without a CWP in SC, if you have a CWP you can”

Absolutely false information there…
Russ B.
www.joinrfa.org
God is great, Beer is good, People are crazy

http://www.facebook.com/RussbMaritimeServices


it is correct info I gave dude, call DNR or any LEO high enough in command and you will find out I am correct

it was just a couple of years ago when the gun law passed to allow CWP holders to carry a sidearm, not a “hunting pistol” but a regular ole sidearm like a glock or 1911 etc for personal protection, in any national park which included our WMA’s

before that you could NOT carry a sidearm in WMA or you would be sited, chances are that the DNR guy that saw u with it just assumed it was a .22 or that you had a CWP and didn’t bother asking

http://home.nps.gov/news/release.htm?id=962

when this came into law many of the states stated that you have to have a CWP in order to carry in their reserves, parks, wma’s etc… SC was one of those

I remember it well because I followed it closely and called our local DNR who gave the head LEO’s phone number in Columbia to ask the day after this law passed… I was hoping the law would be passed the year before, before deer season was up but that credit card attachment allowed them to stall until late feb…

I’ve also worked daily with our local law enforcement for many years, and asked Sheriff Cannon about it as it came into law…

I’m not making stuff up to get elected… lol

oh, and rimfire is completely different thanks to our new laws on hog and coyote hunting… carrying a .22 mag or long in WMA land is considered a hunting weapon, not a personal protection sidearm

Sea Hunt Triton 177
115 Yamaha

It was never illegal under federal law to carry a pistol in a National Forest. Note that only a portion of WMA land is federally owned, and I don’t know of any National Parks that are WMA’s. There is no Federal Law restricting Concealed Carry in a National Forest. In National Forests, state laws apply. National Parks and National Wildlife Refuge Areas became legal for carry Feb. 22, 2010.

As is alway prudent, don’t take my word for it. Read it yourself here:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/111/hr627/text

FROM HR627, Section 512, AS PASSED INTO LAW:

(b) Protecting the Right of Individuals To Bear arms in Units of the National Park System and the National Wildlife Refuge System- The Secretary of the Interior shall not promulgate or enforce any regulation that prohibits an individual from possessing a firearm including an assembled or functional firearm in any unit of the National Park System or the National Wildlife Refuge System if–

(1) the individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm; and

(2) the possession of the firearm is in compliance with the law of the State in which the unit of the National Park System or the National Wildlife Refuge System is located.

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120
quote:
Originally posted by meks it was just a couple of years ago when the gun law passed to allow CWP holders to carry a sidearm, not a "hunting pistol" but a regular ole sidearm like a glock or 1911 etc for personal protection, in any national park which included our WMA's

before that you could NOT carry a sidearm in WMA or you would be sited, chances are that the DNR guy that saw u with it just assumed it was a .22 or that you had a CWP and didn’t bother asking

http://home.nps.gov/news/release.htm?id=962

when this came into law many of the states stated that you have to have a CWP in order to carry in their reserves, parks, wma’s etc… SC was one of those


Mek,

I’ve reviewed the regulations back through 2002, 8 years before that law passed. I can’t find any reference at all to what you stated above regarding needing a CWP to carry a “sidearm” vice a hunting pistol. Not saying you are not correct, but I like to reference actual law as written when posting on an open forum. All I found in the law or DNR regs is reference to it being legal to open carry to/from hunting and fishing. Do you have a source?

I’m especially interested in the whether a CWP enabled one to open carry. Can’t find that anywhere in the law, past or present.

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120

Also remember that on WMA’s, they absolutely can and do restrict you from carrying a sidearm during a hunt. In this case, I think the language is clear that whether or not you have a CWP, WMA rules (not gun laws) prohibit open or concealed carry of any kind of handgun. This is from the 2012-2013 regulations as published by DNR.

Santee Coastal WMA Charleston County

  • Hogs may be harvested during any scheduled hunt.
    Deer Archery
  • Oct. 13-Nov.24 either-sex 2 deer per day. Hogs no limit. Hunting is allowed on the mainland only at Santee Coastal WMA.
  • Hunters must sign in and out and complete a data card on harvested deer. No possession of handguns or sidearms during archery only hunts.

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120
quote:
Originally posted by JimIslander

It was never illegal under federal law to carry a pistol in a National Forest. Note that only a portion of WMA land is federally owned, and I don’t know of any National Parks that are WMA’s. There is no Federal Law restricting Concealed Carry in a National Forest. In National Forests, state laws apply. National Parks and National Wildlife Refuge Areas became legal for carry Feb. 22, 2010.

As is alway prudent, don’t take my word for it. Read it yourself here:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/111/hr627/text

FROM HR627, Section 512, AS PASSED INTO LAW:

(b) Protecting the Right of Individuals To Bear arms in Units of the National Park System and the National Wildlife Refuge System- The Secretary of the Interior shall not promulgate or enforce any regulation that prohibits an individual from possessing a firearm including an assembled or functional firearm in any unit of the National Park System or the National Wildlife Refuge System if–

(1) the individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm; and

(2) the possession of the firearm is in compliance with the law of the State in which the unit of the National Park System or the National Wildlife Refuge System is located.

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I'm talking specifically WMA land with the CWP, before that law passed you would get arrested if you took a sidearm into WMA or any state parks here in SC... that was one of the things I dreaded about stopping in those parks because I usually carry

it was on SLEDs site back before the law passed, obvioulsy it's been removed since the did pass a couple of years ago

like I said, I work with the local law enforcment so I have the opportunity to ask as things change... and I'v
quote:
Originally posted by JimIslander

Also remember that on WMA’s, they absolutely can and do restrict you from carrying a sidearm during a hunt. In this case, I think the language is clear that whether or not you have a CWP, WMA rules (not gun laws) prohibit open or concealed carry of any kind of handgun. This is from the 2012-2013 regulations as published by DNR.

Santee Coastal WMA Charleston County

  • Hogs may be harvested during any scheduled hunt.
    Deer Archery
  • Oct. 13-Nov.24 either-sex 2 deer per day. Hogs no limit. Hunting is allowed on the mainland only at Santee Coastal WMA.
  • Hunters must sign in and out and complete a data card on harvested deer. No possession of handguns or sidearms during archery only hunts.

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

CWP will allow you a sidearm even on bow hunts, that section you posted pertains to regular non cwp hunters that usually carry sidearms for hog hunting etc

and NO, having a CWP doesn't allow you to carry open anywhere <b>except</b> when hunting on WMA... the senior DNR LEO in 2010 told me on the phone that I could carry either way with a CWP on WMA, but that they prefered that I carry open on WMA for any LEO approaching me would be aware of it on sight... I oblige...

Sea Hunt Triton 177 
115 Yamaha
quote:
Originally posted by meks
quote:
Originally posted by JimIslander

It was never illegal under federal law to carry a pistol in a National Forest. Note that only a portion of WMA land is federally owned, and I don’t know of any National Parks that are WMA’s. There is no Federal Law restricting Concealed Carry in a National Forest. In National Forests, state laws apply. National Parks and National Wildlife Refuge Areas became legal for carry Feb. 22, 2010.

As is alway prudent, don’t take my word for it. Read it yourself here:
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/111/hr627/text

FROM HR627, Section 512, AS PASSED INTO LAW:

(b) Protecting the Right of Individuals To Bear arms in Units of the National Park System and the National Wildlife Refuge System- The Secretary of the Interior shall not promulgate or enforce any regulation that prohibits an individual from possessing a firearm including an assembled or functional firearm in any unit of the National Park System or the National Wildlife Refuge System if–

(1) the individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm; and

(2) the possession of the firearm is in compliance with the law of the State in which the unit of the National Park System or the National Wildlife Refuge System is located.

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

<font size="2">you posted part of my source for me... lol .. that is part of the law I was talking about

BUT State law, as you stated, dictates gun laws here in SC and in SC you were NOT allowed to carry a concealed weapon on any National, WMA or State Park until this law passed... once it did pass, SC fell in line w

Just got off the phone with DNR and want clarify their current position:

  1. CWP is allowed on WMA lands and supercedes the WMA rules on carrying “sidearms” or “pistols”, PROVIDED that is remains concealed at all times and is not used for hunting or taking game.
  • This includes bow hunts were pistols or sidearm possession is prohibited.
  • You can carry a loaded pistol in your vehicle, but it must be concealed.
  1. Where permitted without a CWP, a pistol MUST be 0.40 caliber or smaller, period, per WMA rules. DNR does not accept “I’m open carrying this .45 ACP, 44 magnum, etc. (insert caliber larger than 0.40 here) for defensive purposes.” However, the officer I spoke with said that while the DNR WMA code would be violated, it may not be enforced based on pistol caliber.

NOTE: In no case does having a concealed permit allow open carry where it would otherwise be prohibited per WMA code.

The officer I spoke with was David in Charleston, DNR. And several DNR officers had this conversation this morning to clarify their positions. Possibly one of you, or someone reading this forum, called them earlier today. :smiley:

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120

Yall worry too much:smiley:

I don’t have a clue about SC WMA laws and handguns, but in Georgia I have carried an open sidearm for 40 years hunting on WMAs and on federal land. What discerns a personal protection handgun from a hunting handgun? In GA, any centerfire cartridge .22 and above is a legal big game hunting firearm. That includes a Glock or a Kimber .45, and no CWP is required. I often hunt hogs and deer with a handgun only, but even when hunting with a rifle or shotgun, I usually carry a sidearm also. I prefer it if I have to go into a cane thicket after a wounded hog. On public land, you will meet the game wardens more often than not, and nobody has ever said a word about my handgun anywhere I’ve been.

As far as boats go, like I said above, I carry a firearm everywhere I go, often 2 :smiley: boats included. I probably haven’t boarded a boat unarmed in over 40 years. Usually I keep it in my small duffel that always goes with me on a boat, sometimes I just stick it in my back pocket. If it’s cold, it might be in my jacket pocket. I seldom wear it openly unless I’m hunting. I’ve never been patted down at a boat ramp to check if I was armed, never had my bag searched to see if I was armed, never had them look in the glove box or anywhere else.

The constitution gives me the right to carry a firearm, and I really never worry about the nuances of the laws too much. I’d rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6, if it comes down to it. Who knows what you have in your pocket? They don’t search you when they do a license and safety check at the boat ramp. Use reasonable good sense. If it’s concealed, nobody knows it’s there anyway, no problem. I carry it how I want, when I want and where I want. That’s just me and it isn’t meant as advice:smiley:

And no, I’ve never had need to use it on the water, or at the boat ramp. I’ve never had to use the fire insurance on my house either, but I keep it paid up, just in case. One never knows what the future will bring, or the next moment in time. If you come out on the bo

quote:
Originally posted by meks oh and btw the Francis Marion National Forest is almost all WMA land, and it has several National Parks in it and may be considered one itself...

Francis Marion National Forest is definitely not a National Park. Feel free to call National Forest Service at (800) 832-1355 to verify. That is what I just did. :wink:

There are nine National Parks in South Carolina. Thankfully, none of them are in the Francis Marion National Forest.
http://www.nps.gov/state/sc/index.htm?program=parks

The NFS Communication Specialist who answered my question confirmed that weapons possession is generally regulated by state law on National Forests.

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120
quote:
Originally posted by JimIslander

Just got off the phone with DNR and want clarify their current position:

  1. CWP is allowed on WMA lands and supercedes the WMA rules on carrying “sidearms” or “pistols”, PROVIDED that is remains concealed at all times and is not used for hunting or taking game.
  • This includes bow hunts were pistols or sidearm possession is prohibited.
  • You can carry a loaded pistol in your vehicle, but it must be concealed.
  1. Where permitted without a CWP, a pistol MUST be 0.40 caliber or smaller, period, per WMA rules. DNR does not accept “I’m open carrying this .45 ACP, 44 magnum, etc. (insert caliber larger than 0.40 here) for defensive purposes.” However, the officer I spoke with said that while the DNR WMA code would be violated, it may not be enforced based on pistol caliber.

NOTE: In no case does having a concealed permit allow open carry where it would otherwise be prohibited per WMA code.

The officer I spoke with was David in Charleston, DNR. And several DNR officers had this conversation this morning to clarify their positions. Possibly one of you, or someone reading this forum, called them earlier today. :smiley:

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

pretty much what I said, except his wanting it concealed... that is NOT what the head LEO in Columbia told me, and that's his boss... his boss even cracked at the idea, because I specifically asked that question too

he sarcastically asked who do I think I'd be concealing it from in the woods? and stated that he'd rather see it so he knows it's there on approach... I called Columbia because the guys here were not familiar enough with the law, I heard several different answers from the local DNR that were discussing it in the background while I was on the phone with on
quote:
Originally posted by JimIslander
quote:
Originally posted by meks oh and btw the Francis Marion National Forest is almost all WMA land, and it has several National Parks in it and may be considered one itself...

Francis Marion National Forest is definitely not a National Park. Feel free to call National Forest Service at (800) 832-1355 to verify. That is what I just did. :wink:

There are nine National Parks in South Carolina. Thankfully, none of them are in the Francis Marion National Forest.
http://www.nps.gov/state/sc/index.htm?program=parks

The NFS Communication Specialist who answered my question confirmed that weapons possession is generally regulated by state law on National Forests.

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

there are several national parks inside of the FMNF, google it... I did...  :)

Sea Hunt Triton 177 
115 Yamaha
quote:
Originally posted by Cracker Larry

Yall worry too much:smiley:

The constitution gives me the right to carry a firearm, and I really never worry about the nuances of the laws too much. [:0]

AND YET
I’ve never had to use the fire insurance on my house either, but I keep it paid up, just in case.


I’ve never been charged with carrying an illegal firearm, but I abide by the law, as you say above, “just in case”. :wink:

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120
quote:
Originally posted by meks
quote:
Originally posted by JimIslander
quote:
Originally posted by meks oh and btw the Francis Marion National Forest is almost all WMA land, and it has several National Parks in it and may be considered one itself...

Francis Marion National Forest is definitely not a National Park. Feel free to call National Forest Service at (800) 832-1355 to verify. That is what I just did. :wink:

There are nine National Parks in South Carolina. Thankfully, none of them are in the Francis Marion National Forest.
http://www.nps.gov/state/sc/index.htm?program=parks

The NFS Communication Specialist who answered my question confirmed that weapons possession is generally regulated by state law on National Forests.

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

there are several national parks inside of the FMNF, google it... I did...  :)

Sea Hunt Triton 177 
115 Yamaha
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Mek, people actually read what we're writing here, so we have some responsibility for what we post. Please include a link to your source...I did, and my link is to the Nation Park Service. I'll be happy to acknowledge you are correct if you can demonstrate it.

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120

quote:
Originally posted by JimIslander
quote:
Originally posted by meks
quote:
Originally posted by JimIslander
quote:
Originally posted by meks oh and btw the Francis Marion National Forest is almost all WMA land, and it has several National Parks in it and may be considered one itself...

Francis Marion National Forest is definitely not a National Park. Feel free to call National Forest Service at (800) 832-1355 to verify. That is what I just did. :wink:

There are nine National Parks in South Carolina. Thankfully, none of them are in the Francis Marion National Forest.
http://www.nps.gov/state/sc/index.htm?program=parks

The NFS Communication Specialist who answered my question confirmed that weapons possession is generally regulated by state law on National Forests.

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

there are several national parks inside of the FMNF, google it... I did...  :)

Sea Hunt Triton 177 
115 Yamaha
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Mek, people actually read what we're writing here, so we have some responsibility for what we post. Please include a link to your source...I did, and my link is to the Nation Park Service. I'll be happy to acknowledge you are correct if you can demonstrate it.

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120

<hr

Everybody has to do what they are comfortable with, and assume the risks of the decisions made. :sunglasses:

As a captain, I am responsible for the the safety of my passengers, in every situation. I’ve never pulled the string on my EPIRB either, but I carry one:smiley:

Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Marine Surveying & Repair

quote:
Originally posted by meks

It’s time to move on brother, storm’s coming too close to fish or hunt so I’m gonna head to the mountains for the weekend instead… have a great weekend!

no offense, but I’m not here to get your acknowledgement… that’s the kind of crap I used to say to my kids, didn’t work with them either… lol


You are right; whether I acknowledge your position or not is not important. You are certainly free to post anything you like here without supporting it. It’s my personal view that we should provide sources for our claims, since this is a public forum. Would love to see your source; that’s all. It’s the internet after all. I couldn’t find anything on Google to confirm your claim, and my search fu is strong. But I did find (and post) my source, which is the National Park Service. :smiley:

We’re staying put. Time to catch some awesome overhead surf. Have a safe and enjoyable trip to the mountains!

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120

Carry In State Parks/State and National Forests/WMA/Road Side Rest Areas (South Carolina)

Carry Allowed in these areas:

State Parks: YES 51-3-145

State/National Forests: YES 51-3-145

WMA’s: YES 123-203 (b) & 123-204 (d)

Road Side Rest Areas: YES 16-23-420

Source: www.handgunlaw.us

…Politicians aren’t the “Oldest Profession”, but the results are still the same!!!

quote:
Originally posted by Mixed Nutz

Carry In State Parks/State and National Forests/WMA/Road Side Rest Areas (South Carolina)

Carry Allowed in these areas:

State Parks: YES 51-3-145

State/National Forests: YES 51-3-145

WMA’s: YES 123-203 (b) & 123-204 (d)

Road Side Rest Areas: YES 16-23-420

Source: www.handgunlaw.us


Yes, and per law as written, as long as it is concealed (no affect on open carry laws). :wink:

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120

Correct Sir, I was only trying to clear up the confusion.

…Politicians aren’t the “Oldest Profession”, but the results are still the same!!!