UPDATE - Moving to Dallas..a few confirmations

[C-dub]

4) I have a small fishing boat with a mossberg 500 12ga in open view at helm that's usual loaded. Any issues while on Dallas lakes?
You should be fine as long as you avoid COE property and you don't give a game warden reason to think you're poaching.

Pistols and rifles are not allowed on COE lakes but shotguns are OK as per http://www.swf.usace.army.mil/pubdata/o ... E11-12.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Really? That's just too cool. I mean, it's better than nothing.

[Omarf4]

Thank you all for the great tips and response.

Yes, I could get a pa non resident license, but with the move happening so quick, just didn't get time.

Glad the shotgun is ok on the lakes there, never had any issues on lake Erie with DHS folks...

Thanks again. Glad to be moving to Texas!

[Omarf4]

If you have time, drive over to Erie County PA and get a PA non-resident license before you go. You can get in and out of the sheriff office in about 30 minutes with license in hand.

It is seriously that easy to get a permit in Pennsylvania? What am I missing here?

I should clarify. It is that quick if you have an Ohio CHL. PA will issue non-resident based on the fact that Ohio was willing to issue a license.

Columbus is in Franklin County Ohio. The Sheriff routinely issues CHL's with less than 24 hour turnaround times. Cleveland is in Cuyahoga County -- they take substantially longer.

Just because Texas DPS takes 60 days doesn't means that it actually takes that long to perform the equivalent service. That is more a function of dealing with a large state bureaucracy with no accountability to voters. County Sheriffs are elected officials . . .

In Cleveland (cuyahoga), took 10 minutes at sheriffs office and then had chl in hand within a week. You are correct in that elected sheriffs are truly focused on the constituents.... We'll see how long it takes me to get it in Texas.

Thanks again!

[couzin]

4) I have a small fishing boat with a mossberg 500 12ga in open view at helm that's usual loaded. Any issues while on Dallas lakes?.

Pistols and rifles are not allowed on COE lakes but shotguns are OK as per http://www.swf.usace.army.mil/pubdata/o ... E11-12.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
.

To be clear - the shotgun in the boat is OK if hunting waterfowl. If fishing or just riding around it is potentially a citation for illegal means and/or an illegal weapon per USACE regulations. Rifles are indeed legal means on specific lakes for game. Gotta read the entire guide and find the lake you wish to be on. Also - to the OP - some lakes and the wildlife areas are leased to the Texas Parks and Wildlife from USACE so you are still subject to USACE regulations.

[wheelgun1958]

I would advise to NOT carry your shotgun, or any other firearm, on COE lakes if you are not actively hunting unless you want to take a ride in the back seat.

327.13 Explosives, firearms, other weapons and fireworks.
(a) The possession of loaded firearms, ammunition, loaded projectile firing devices,
bows and arrows, crossbows, or other weapons is prohibited unless:
(1) In the possession of a Federal, state or local law enforcement officer;
(2) Being used for hunting or fishing as permitted under 327.8, with devices being
unloaded when transported to, from or between hunting and fishing sites;
(3) Being used at authorized shooting ranges; or
(4) Written permission has been received from the District Commander.
(b) Possession of explosives or explosive devices of any kind, including fireworks or
other pyrotechnics, is prohibited unless written permission has been received from the
District Commander.

PDF file

Here's a list of Ft Worth district lakes.

link

Click hyperlink Recreation Info on left side of page.

Willkommen zu Texas!