Carry in State Park

[spaceman025]

TPWD web site says you can possess a firearm in a state park as long as there is no bullet in the "mechanism". Anyone know what the mean by "mechanism"; chamber, magazine,...

[BrassMonkey]

What does the statute say? I would imagine letter of the law means chambered. But then again, that would mean a revolver would have to be completely unloaded. I think that are trying to use the word "mechanism" to mean, no bullet in whatever that thing is that can fire projectiles. As in, keep it unloaded. That would be my guess, but as always, show me the statute! :-)

TPWD web site says you can possess a firearm in a state park as long as there is no bullet in the "mechanism". Anyone know what the mean by "mechanism"; chamber, magazine,...

[spaceman025]

I don't know about the statute but here is what it says in the Rules
(f) Arms and Firearms.
It is an offense to:
1. possess a firearm with a cartridge or projectile in any portion of the mechanism, except when authorized by the commission or the director;
2. display a firearm, except when authorized by the director; and
3. discharge across, in, or into a state park any arm, firearm, or device capable of injuring or killing any person or animal or damaging or destroying public or private property except when authorized by the director.

[BrassMonkey]

Keep a round out of the pipe, and keep the mag out of the well.

I don't know about the statute but here is what it says in the Rules
(f) Arms and Firearms.
It is an offense to:
1. possess a firearm with a cartridge or projectile in any portion of the mechanism, except when authorized by the commission or the director;
2. display a firearm, except when authorized by the director; and
3. discharge across, in, or into a state park any arm, firearm, or device capable of injuring or killing any person or animal or damaging or destroying public or private property except when authorized by the director.

[spaceman025]

Thanks, now why couldn't they have said it that way.

[BrassMonkey]

Because then some idiot will say, "Well, this gun doesn't have a magazine, it has a moon clip, or some other nonsense. Upi have to remember, laws in this country are typically designed to take away every facet of a privledge/right, and then grant exceptions based on that all powerful base ruling/statute/law/code.

Thanks, now why couldn't they have said it that way.

[T3hK1w1]

What about this? Anyone know if it is still valid?
(Linked from here: http://www.txchia.org/txinpw.htm)

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Executive Director Order No. 98-001

Nothing in the Public Hunting Lands Proclamation or State Parks Proclamation prohibits a person from possessing a concealed handgun, loaded or unloaded, under the authority of a concealed handgun license issued by this state or any other state. Persons carrying concealed handguns must comply with all concealed handgun laws.
The Executive Director reserves the right to prohibit the carrying of all firearms during certain events or in certain locations on Departmental lands.

This order is issued pursuant to Title 31, Texas Administrative Code, Sections 59.134(0(1) and 65.199, and is effective immediately.

Signed this the 8th day of July, 1998.

Andrew Sansom
Executive Director
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

[spaceman025]

Makes sense. I can't find anything in the CHL info prohibiting carry in state park either. I sent the TPWD an e-mail anyway to see what they might say. No reply yet. I'm planning a trip to Big Bend Ranch State Park right on the Rio Grande. I don't really want to be out hiking and camping without it.

[CHL/LEO]

Big Bend Ranch State Park

Don't visit Big Bend National Park while you're out there - no firearms period.

[NguyenVanDon]

I went fishing the other day with my uncle at Lake Texoma at the Denison Dam. I didn't know if Denison Dam is regulated by Federal or State, so I went back to my uncle's truck, unarmed myself, and took my pepper spray out of my range bag. So I went home that early morning and emailed the people that work the Denison Dam, and this what they said...

Mr. Nguyen,

Denison Dam is located on federal property. We are governed by Title 36, Part 327, Parks, Forests, and Public Property. Under our rules and regulations (327.13) 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.

4. Written permission has been received from the District Commander.

Since conceal carry permits don't fall under any of the exceptions above, you would not be allowed to carry a weapon while on federal property. I hope this answers any questions you might have.

Thank you,
Cindy Buchanan
Natural Resources Specialist
Lake Texoma
903-465-4990 ext. 7805

From that email it looks like Concealed Carry is prohibited there for us.

[govnor]

One of my relatives was approached by two hoods that were up to no good in a state park recently down in south Texas. You ought to at least be able to carry a shotgun. If I pull in with my camper, and my gun happens to be in there...so be it.

[dihappy]

Yeah, its ashame that just because its federal property we arrent allowed to carry.

I mean basically, your out in the woods somewhere in Texas. It doesnt take a scientist to figure out that arming yourself for self defense would be all too natural in such a place.

BUT, because its federal property, we're SOL :(

Wonder if Mr. Perry and friends can get this changed.

[govnor]

Wonder if Mr. Perry and friends can get this changed.

I wouldn't count on that. Federal is totally different. I mean the politics of it. Basically they would have to make it legal to carry in every state park in every state if they did it here.

Yeah, deep dark woods at night and no gun... makes no sense to me.

[RPBrown]

I went fishing the other day with my uncle at Lake Texoma at the Denison Dam. I didn't know if Denison Dam is regulated by Federal or State, so I went back to my uncle's truck, unarmed myself, and took my pepper spray out of my range bag. So I went home that early morning and emailed the people that work the Denison Dam, and this what they said...

Mr. Nguyen,

Denison Dam is located on federal property. We are governed by Title 36, Part 327, Parks, Forests, and Public Property. Under our rules and regulations (327.13) 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.

4. Written permission has been received from the District Commander.

Since conceal carry permits don't fall under any of the exceptions above, you would not be allowed to carry a weapon while on federal property. I hope this answers any questions you might have.

Thank you,
Cindy Buchanan
Natural Resources Specialist
Lake Texoma
903-465-4990 ext. 7805

From that email it looks like Concealed Carry is prohibited there for us.

Okay, I'm fishing with my Glock. A little difficult to reel in though.

Actually, think any dam that is operated by the Corps of Engineers is considered federal and off limits.