Heading out there tomorrow and have read some conflicting information.

BLUF: Can I OC a pistol while hiking the ONF? I have no idea how ONF works and the information I read left me more confused.

Open carry is allowed in Florida if you are en-route to or on a camping, fishing, or hunting expedition. OCNF is the same as elsewhere in Florida.

Link to Statute

Under Lawful uses; although I don't specifically see it saying open carry, that has been accepted practice as far as I know the statute states it is legal to possess for these activities, and it is illegal to conceal without a permit, so the only other option is open carry. So roll up a hand line and some hooks in your gear, or a collapsable fishing rod.  There's always a fishing hole in hiking distance.

(h) A person engaged in fishing, camping, or lawful hunting or going to or returning from a fishing, camping, or lawful hunting expedition;


It is legal to carry concealed with a permit, on any Florida Wildlife Management Area, and most of Ocala National Forest is one.

Personally, I prefer concealed, it doesn't disturb the hippies, or the cops, and JI like bad guys to be surprised.

Mo  info

If you are going to use the fishing ruse... Don't forget, you will need a fishing licence.

Unless he's using a cane pole.

But, that loophole only applies if you are fishing in your county of residence.

If you plan on using any of the exceptions, exemptions, cavorts, carve-outs or loopholes in the Florida Statutes, you better be very knowledgeable of same.

I was not going to say anything, but you and some others are not very knowledgeable and are giving out some bad advice.

Some members here actually use the information here to guide their behavior.  Now most of us know that the information here is worth only as much as we pay for it, but others don't understand that yet.

There is also wildlife preserve areas in the ONF that are no hunt/no gun.
Examples are juniper prairie,,billies bay etc.

I don't OC when hiking out there...dont see the need.

Why do you think no guns are allowed in the Preserves?

I agree with you on open carry, never felt the need, I always carry concealed.

OP wasn't clear perhaps he does not have a CCW and is looking for an alternative.

http://www.ournationalparks.us/park_issues/new_federal_law_allows_guns_in_national_parks/

Just carry concealed and no one will be the wiser.  Open carry and you'll set yourself up,for unwanted exposure.  My suggestion but your choice.

Dan

I ended up at Alexander Springs and hit a trail head for the Florida Trail. A green Columbia shirt hid my G20 just fine.

I read a lot of the responses here and just opt'ed to not take the chance. Ironically we didn't see anyone outside of our group for 5 hours.

I should have mentioned I do have a CCW. Physically it's more comfortable to open carry when hiking (just personal preference).

Five hours. You hit Clearwater or go go north past fawrles....

I trail run the ft section on both sides of 445.

Are the vice grips on the post still.....

Bingo, we did Clearwater. Great hike, just REALLY dry. I didn't see vice grips!

Simply open carry with a shirt over it.  Otherwise known as OWB concealed carry.  I usually do that or pocket carry my G43.