Concealed carry in TPWD state parks?

[NguyenVanDon]

I am an employee of Texas State Parks so I can comment on this. It is indeed legal to carry on State owned parks. Parks leased from the Corps are bound by federal regulations, so you would have to check into that. Livingston is not a COE park, so CC is permitted.

DO NOT SHOOT SNAKES OR ANY OTHER ANIMALS ON A STATE PARK!!!!! Aside from scheduled hunts, parks are game preserves, and that includes coyotes and snakes. In fact, it's illegal to even pick wildflowers on state parks.

Todd

Hey BoneDigger,

I've been fishing my whole life, and during this time of year I fish almost every weekend. I've only had my CHL for about 2 months and carry daily. My question is...

- How do I go beyond finding out if that lake is bound to federal regulations or if the lake belongs to the state park?

I don't know if my made my question sound right, but hopefully you understand what I'm trying to ask.

Thanks a lot...

[BoneDigger]

First, is the park on COE land? If so, then the lake is COE. Second, is the lake surrounded by park? Lakes like Tyler SP and Bonham SP, are totally surrounded by park lands. These are state owned land and the lakes are subject to state regulations.

Also, many lakes in the state are not COE lakes, even if there is not a park nearby. For instance, Lake Tawakoni is a SRA lake (Sabine River Authority). Other lakes may be the domain of LCRA, SRA, or other entities.

For just about any lake you may be interested in, a simple Google search should give you the answers you need. For instance, if you wanted to know what laws applyu on Lake Whitney, you would Google "Lake Whitney Texas" and you'll find out it is a COE lake. You can then find out what the COE says about CC on their lands.

I hope this helps.

BTW, if you are fishing from the bank on a state park, or if you are fishing in a lake surrounded by state park lands (even if in a boat), you do not have to have a fishing license. Just an FYI...

Todd

[Liberty]

BTW, if you are fishing from the bank on a state park, or if you are fishing in a lake surrounded by state park lands (even if in a boat), you do not have to have a fishing license. Just an FYI...

Whoo! whoo! !! I didn't know that!!!

[austin-tatious]

SB535 just passed in the House on the Local & Consent Calendar, so it is clear that CHL's can carry in LCRA property.

Chas.

I am planning on a trip to Lake Travis, a LCRA lake, in a couple of weeks, and did a search of the Texas Concealed Handgun Laws, 2007-2008 published by DPS. There is no mention of "LCRA" or "Lower Colorado River Authority". Can someone tell me where SB 535 from 2007 has been codified? If I take my gun on the boat, I want to have it printed out just in case. Thanks.

[Charles L. Cotton]

SB535 just passed in the House on the Local & Consent Calendar, so it is clear that CHL's can carry in LCRA property.

Chas.

I am planning on a trip to Lake Travis, a LCRA lake, in a couple of weeks, and did a search of the Texas Concealed Handgun Laws, 2007-2008 published by DPS. There is no mention of "LCRA" or "Lower Colorado River Authority". Can someone tell me where SB 535 from 2007 has been codified? If I take my gun on the boat, I want to have it printed out just in case. Thanks.

It's in the Parks & Wildlife Code, Section 62.082.

Chas.

Sec. 62.081. WEAPONS PROHIBITED. Except as provided in Section 62.082 of this code, no person may hunt with, possess, or shoot a firearm, bow, crossbow, slingshot, or any other weapon on or across the land of the Lower Colorado River Authority.

Sec. 62.082. TARGET RANGES, MANAGED HUNTS, AND OTHER EXCEPTIONS; RULES. (a) The Board of Directors of the Lower Colorado River Authority may lease river authority land to be used on a nonprofit basis for a target rifle or archery range.

(b) A member of the boy scouts or the girl scouts or other nonprofit public service group or organization may possess and shoot a firearm, bow, and crossbow for target or instructional purposes under the supervision of a qualified instructor registered with and approved by the Lower Colorado River Authority on ranges designated by the Lower Colorado River Authority.

(c) The Board of Directors of the Lower Colorado River Authority may authorize lawful hunting on Lower Colorado River Authority lands, consistent with sound biological management practices.

(d) Section 62.081 does not apply to:

• (1) an employee of the Lower Colorado River Authority;
  
  (2) a person authorized to hunt under Subsection (c);
  
  (3) a peace officer as defined by Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure; or
  
  (4) a person who:
  
  • (A) possesses a concealed handgun and a license issued under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, to carry a concealed handgun of the same category as a handgun the person is carrying; or
    
    (B) under circumstances in which the person would be justified in the use of deadly force under Chapter 9, Penal Code, shoots a handgun of the same category as a handgun the person is licensed to carry under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code.

[austin-tatious]

Aaah! Thank you, Chas. I don't know when or if I would have found that.