View Full Version : Open carry while camping
fossilfuel
09-11-2012, 22:02
Does everyone here open carry while they camping? I'm headed out to Tarryall Resivor in a weekend or two with the family to atv and do some shooting. Where we camp people are not right on top of each other, but not miles apart either. Just wondering about others experiences with other campers and park rangers while open carrying.
Most of us are stuck in our homes and don't go camping.
If the outdoors is so great, then why is everything trying to get into my house?
Yep. Open carry all the time when camping. Never had a problem. If its a tight packed area, call the ranger office, and ask em. They have always been helpful with me in the past.
I would check with the personel that is in charge of the camp ground.
My understanding is on some state land open carry is phrohibited,but I would think that varrys from state to state.
DangerLee_Industries
09-11-2012, 22:21
Most of us are stuck in our homes and don't go camping.
If the outdoors is so great, then why is everything trying to get into my house?
Bwahahahhahaha... [ROFL1] So true.... In the past 2 months I've been battling snakes, a rogue skunk that keeps spraying around the house and today I just discovered bear crap at the edge of my property... To answer your question communicate like the others suggested if necessary. I have always wanted to buy a double shoulder holster and rip around on my grizzly with 2 desert eagles stuffed in it..
The Heretic
09-11-2012, 22:34
I open carry every time I camp. Only in National Forrest though. Even ran across a few rangers with a pistol on my side and my AR slung across my back. He loved it. He proceeded to tell me " Hey buddy, this is Colorado. And we like to keep it as natural as possible and carrying and shooting is a natural part of life." Ill never forget that.
Hey fossil, how about a trip report when you get back. Curious how the ATV trails are there.
Remember, the "make my day" law carries over to your tent.
I open carry every time I camp. Only in National Forrest though. Even ran across a few rangers with a pistol on my side and my AR slung across my back. He loved it. He proceeded to tell me " Hey buddy, this is Colorado. And we like to keep it as natural as possible and carrying and shooting is a natural part of life." Ill never forget that.
This!
When I go camping its not in designated camping spots. Never had a problem
Last park ranger i ran into while open carrying told me a bear was harrasing campers in the area, told me not to hesitate to use my firearm if i felt threatened. Nice guy!
Remember, the "make my day" law carries over to your tent.
How sure of this are you?
GilpinGuy
09-12-2012, 02:44
How sure of this are you?
If a man or beast is attempting to break into my tent and I feel threatened, I don't give a shit what the law is.
clublights
09-12-2012, 03:01
I open carry every time I camp. Only in National Forrest though. Even ran across a few rangers with a pistol on my side and my AR slung across my back. He loved it. He proceeded to tell me " Hey buddy, this is Colorado. And we like to keep it as natural as possible and carrying and shooting is a natural part of life." Ill never forget that.
It's such a different mind set....
City Cops think no one but them should have guns
( yes this is a generalization.. tho even saying that someone is gunna flame me for it ... but stereotypes are there for a reason.. )
Sheriffs Are generally ok with folks having guns..
Park Rangers are calm about it cuz more people have guns then don't in their dealings..
It's all in the mindset of the departments training styles and policies
City Cops deal with the scum of the earth.. where more bad guys have guns then good guys in day to day dealings...
Sheriffs deal with less scum and more good guys with guns...
Park rangers generally only see good guys with guns.. cuz scumbags rarely go camping and never go hunting.
How sure of this are you?
It's how they explained at the CCW course I took a couple months ago. Your home is defined as where ever you happen to be residing at the moment. Tent was one of the examples they used.
JM Ver. 2.0
09-12-2012, 03:59
It's how they explained at the CCW course I took a couple months ago. Your home is defined as where ever you happen to be residing at the moment. Tent was one of the examples they used.
Well then, riddle me this, Batman...
I just got back from hunting where I didn't use a tent... I slept in a bag under a tree... At which point does my "residence" begin? [LOL]
HoneyBadger
09-12-2012, 04:03
Well then, riddle me this, Batman...
I just got back from hunting where I didn't use a tent... I slept in a bag under a tree... At which point does my "residence" begin? [LOL]
I'd say that if somebody is trying to make you their "little spoon" then you can probably invoke the castle doctrine. [Coffee]
Well then, riddle me this, Batman...
I just got back from hunting where I didn't use a tent... I slept in a bag under a tree... At which point does my "residence" begin? [LOL]
I suppose at the point you get scared by the pine cones dropping out of the trees and start sending rounds indiscriminately into the forest? You only need to "feel" threatened to be covered. ;)
always oc while hiking and camping .
rockhound
09-12-2012, 06:56
i almost always have my sidearm camping or hiking,
i get sideways looks from the denverites that happen to make their way up this far. makes me feel warm and fuzzy
DD977GM2
09-12-2012, 08:26
It's how they explained at the CCW course I took a couple months ago. Your home is defined as where ever you happen to be residing at the moment. Tent was one of the examples they used.
This right there makes me wonder the legitamcy of that. Some, not all, CCW classes have instructors that spew some serious BS.
Id double check with a lawyer just to be sure.
If I was being attacked in my tent by a 2 or 4 legged assailant, I would defend myself
as if I was in my home though.
i almost always have my sidearm camping or hiking,
i get sideways looks from the denverites that happen to make their way up this far. makes me feel warm and fuzzy
Same here. I always have a sidearm...never a problem. Those Denver people act weird when hiking, but I don't give a shit.
StagLefty
09-12-2012, 08:51
Well then, riddle me this, Batman...
I just got back from hunting where I didn't use a tent... I slept in a bag under a tree... At which point does my "residence" begin? [LOL]
You have to be in the tree to consider it residence [Coffee]
^ Pine Beetle?
I will always carry, open or not while out in the boonies.
I also have a special stack for the 1911 for outdoors defense. The first round being cheap and noisy, the second and third are birdshot the last four are hollow points.
I was told by my liberal friends that i do not need a gun to protect myself. You guys are so silly. Bringing a firearm while youre in "nature" and spending time with mother earth is just blasphemy. Shave the whales! /sarc
This right there makes me wonder the legitamcy of that. Some, not all, CCW classes have instructors that spew some serious BS.
Id double check with a lawyer just to be sure.
If I was being attacked in my tent by a 2 or 4 legged assailant, I would defend myself
as if I was in my home though.
Yes, and that's why the law is written with the terminology it is: "Any occupant of a "dwelling". The use the word dwelling, so the law can extend to any place you happen to be living/residing at the time, be it a trailer, camper, tent or cave. it's your home at the moment, and yours to defend.
james_bond_007
09-12-2012, 11:43
Does everyone here open carry while they camping? I'm headed out to Tarryall Resivor in a weekend or two with the family to atv and do some shooting. Where we camp people are not right on top of each other, but not miles apart either. Just wondering about others experiences with other campers and park rangers while open carrying.
It would depend on whether the campground is on public land or privately owned (EX: KOA).
Private campgrounds, like KOA have the right to prohibit firearms on their property. Read the agreement carefully before signing, as in order to camp there, you may be waiving some of your rights.
Not sure how the "dwelling" part of CRS 19-1-704 figures into the equation.
Was up in Grant and try to climb a 14er and oppened carried the whole time even during the hike. Didn't get to shoot cause there were people all over but heard a few shots thinking hunters. Was on national forest land and on the last day friend told us about the bear country sighn, she should of told us so we could have put the food and trash away! Saw houndreds of people and no one ever said anything! Be safe and have fun on your trip!
Always have and always will.
Bootifus
09-12-2012, 13:04
I always OC where I camp.
Inconel710
09-12-2012, 14:13
I always carry when camping. I usually have my son with me and Momma would kill me if I let a bear or mountain lion take off with him! We're always on National Forest land.
I've run into a few nasty looks on the trail. Most folks have been pretty friendly about it though.
Scanker19
09-12-2012, 14:17
What about state parks?
claimbuster
09-12-2012, 17:07
Whether it be a four legged or two legged invader trying to rip open my tent, I can assure you I will not be spending much time pondering whether it is legal for me to shoot...or not. [Tooth]
fossilfuel
09-12-2012, 20:49
Thanks for all of the answers. There were several mentions of National forrest, does this mean that on State land open carry is not allowed? Tarryall is a mix of State Federal and Private land in the surrounding area.
Whether it be a four legged or two legged invader trying to rip open my tent, I can assure you I will not be spending much time pondering whether it is legal for me to shoot...or not. [Tooth]
Ahhhh, pity. And she was so hoping you'd be friendly! [Love4]
Was up in Grant and try to climb a 14er and oppened carried the whole time even during the hike. Didn't get to shoot cause there were people all over but heard a few shots thinking hunters. Was on national forest land and on the last day friend told us about the bear country sighn, she should of told us so we could have put the food and trash away! Saw houndreds of people and no one ever said anything! Be safe and have fun on your trip!
I OCed up to the top of Bierdstat last year and got a bunch of strange looks when we made it to the top where everyone was resting. My wife asked if I cared and I told her that the only look I saw was "dont screw with that guy." didn't bother me a bit.
Plus you never know where a squatch might be!!!!
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