carrying a side arm while hunting

[mcsurveyer1361]

I had a discussion with DOW a few years ago about this. As most handguns do not meet the requirements for big game, carrying them would be suspicious for hunting with an illegal weapon/method. By having a small game license, most handguns become legal for small game use.

Regarding BLM land, it is federal property and concealed carry is allowed if CC is allowed in the state however there was something in the regs (I will try to find it again) about not being able to small game hunt during big game seasons or something like that.... I'll see what I can find on that. I have both CCW and small game permits (and I don't hunt BLM) so it's never been more of an issue for me.

Thanks for the clearification.

[sniper7]

I always carry a handgun when I am hunting. usually open, but concealed if it is smacking the buttstock.

I had one last year when I had my mountain lion encounter. I was archery hunting.

I have been checked several times by DOW and never had them say a thing to me about it.

Hunters are responsible to be ethical. I'm not sure what the law exactly is for carrying a firearm during archery or muzzleloader or rifle season and I honestly am not concerned about it. I will continue to carry because it is for my own safety. I am not going to take a big game animal with my sidearm but it will be there in case I need to protect myself against a lion or bear.

[theGinsue]

And if you carry it concealed and don't have a permit, it becomes a problem.

Not true. CO reg's allow for the concealed carry of a handgun while "actively hunting" - so long as you are in possession of a hunting license.

[spqrzilla]

I am familiar with that provision; however, after discussion with DOW enforcement personnel, I teach my hunter safety students that that provision has limited applicability and can easily lead to someone being found carrying concealed outside of its scope.

[SA Friday]

I had a discussion with DOW a few years ago about this. As most handguns do not meet the requirements for big game, carrying them would be suspicious for hunting with an illegal weapon/method. By having a small game license, most handguns become legal for small game use.

Regarding BLM land, it is federal property and concealed carry is allowed if CC is allowed in the state however there was something in the regs (I will try to find it again) about not being able to small game hunt during big game seasons or something like that.... I'll see what I can find on that. I have both CCW and small game permits (and I don't hunt BLM) so it's never been more of an issue for me.

It's in the hunting reg section concerning allowable calibers for hunting big game.

[Hibs]

i open carry my beretta neos 22lr when i have my AR out for varmint hunting. use it for head/kill shots on yotes if needed, or plucking a rabbit on the walk back to the truck.

[katodevil]

You do not need a CCW to carry concealed while actively hunting, I alwaays carry, better to have and not need

[275RLTW]

You do not need a CCW to carry concealed while actively hunting, I alwaays carry, better to have and not need

Source? Where did you get this info from so we can confirm it and not give someone info that gets them introuble.

[J]

Source? Where did you get this info from so we can confirm it and not give someone info that gets them introuble.

Edited: Info looks to be wrong. Don't want that spreading.

[275RLTW]

Care to state which statue you are refrencing about hunting being an affirmative defense? 18-12-105 does not list hunting as an affirmative defense for concealed carry and most CCW weapons are not legal methods for taking large game or birds.