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Open Carry in state parks is a no-go:

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+reg+4VAC5-30-200

Open Carry in National Forests is a no-go:

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+reg+4VAC15-40-60

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thanks

The Department of Forestry appreciates your comments and questions regarding the proposed amendment to the Virginia State Forest Regulations. The proposed regulatory amendment would lift the prohibition on lawfully carrying open and concealed firearms in Virginia State Forests. Throughout every phase of this regulatory process, the overwhelming majority of commenters supported the amendment to lift the prohibition against the lawful carrying of open and concealed firearms. The administration also supports the action. On April 4, 2011, the Department of Forestry officially submitted its Final Regulation for Executive review. The Final Regulation eliminates the prohibition of lawfully carried open and concealed firearms in State Forests.  

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Yes, Virginia is an open carry state. Why anyone would want to do so is a question that I have never seen adequately answered.

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Hold your horses there kids.. the VCDL fought for the regulation change last year...

Last year I received this email from Virginia Forrest personnel:


And discussions about open carry in state Forrests, and state parks can be found over at opencarry.org under VA

1 - As of 6/7/11 a NEW comment period began regarding the change in VAC related to carry in State Forests. The 7/7/11 date is not to be taken as official and the new law of the land. If you want to take your chances you need to be prepared for the possible consequences.
2 - OC in State Parks: per http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/virginia.pdf that restriction was lifted 1/20/11.

I am not a lawyer, but I would be comfortable OCing in either place..and I OC everywhere I go.



For me it is a more honest method of carry. I'm not hiding anything from anyone. I am the person that I am, and present myself accordingly. I also know that if I'm concealing my firearm, and a bad person wants to do me harm, then there is nothing he can see to deter him from selecting me as a victim. Once he initiates the encounter I am on the defense the entire time. I have to be able to present and fire my gun when he already has me a weapon pointed at me. I'd prefer that he see's my Openly carried firearm, sees that I am aware of my surroundings, and moves on to another 'victim' that is not obviously able to defend themselves. That may be you if you conceal or do not carry at all.

Quoted:


The PDF you linked to points to the exact same VA state website pages I mentioned in my post.  On those pages, it clearly states that carry is forbidden in state parks unless it is done so with a permit, and it clearly states that carry in National Forests is forbidden unless it is done so without a permit.  The PDF does indicate that State Forest carry is ok but does not provide a link.  I'm not saying you/the document are wrong, I'm saying that if you're right, the state needs to update their website to reflect it.

That PDF also mentions that carry in restaurants that serve alcohol is legal but fails to mention that IN VIRGINIA, it is illegal to consume while carrying concealed.  It mentions that "in some states" it is illegal, but in a document named "Virginia.pdf", they could be more specific, as that bit of "half-information" could get someone in trouble.

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Kelly,

I def. don't want to get in trouble myself (nor anyone else)

http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=131705

and:

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Guns-Welcomed-in-V-125219369.html

I'm reaching out to Executive members of the VCDL to see what can be done about the Virginia state sites, and how we can get them updated.

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So, just to, this means there is no prohibition on open carry in National Forests and Wilderness areas, correct?

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No prohibition in STATE Forests and STATE parks. Since VA does not prohibit in its own, then the National forests also follow VA, so you are good to go (Just stay out of buildings in National forests / wilderness areas because federal law prevents you from entering with your firearm. VA state park buildings are OK to carry in)

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You can't open carry in a national forest unless hunting. Only CCW

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It was my understanding that the National Forests follow VA law, as MDracer76 pointed out. So if it's gtg open in a state park then you're good in the NF

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Yes, Virginia is an open carry state. Why anyone would want to do so is a question that I have never seen adequately answered.

As far as National Parks, you're good to go, but you cannot carry in any building in the park. You can carry in state parks, but I'm not familiar with the rules for doing so. I'm sure that one of the regulars here can give you an answer.

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http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+reg+4VAC15-40-60
A. Department-owned lands west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and national forest lands statewide. It shall be unlawful to have in possession a bow, crossbow, or any firearm that is not unloaded and cased or dismantled on all national forest lands statewide and on department-owned lands and on other lands managed by the department under cooperative agreement located in counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains except during the period when it is lawful to take bear, deer, grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, turkey, or waterfowl on these lands.

G. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the possession, transport and use of loaded firearms by employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries while engaged in the performance of their authorized and official duties, nor shall it prohibit possession and transport of loaded concealed handguns where the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit as defined in § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

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Well, that's annoying.