Double Lake Recreation Area

[arthurcw]

Sorry to ask this if it’s been answered already. I did a search and found a few entries, but nothing conclusive. My search skills are not what they used to be right now. Part of the reason I couple of days in the woods seems like a nice idea to me.

I will be camping this weekend at the Double Lake Recreation Area in the Sam Houston National Forest. I was under the impression that the Forests recognized state laws with regard to concealed handguns. However, the only documents I’ve seen are about hunting and having a CHL ( http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/texas/faq/index.shtml#firearms" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ) and that it’s OK to have it in your car ( http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/texas/news/law/ ... rearms.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ).

That last page seems to indicate that it’s prohibited in the camp grounds but I also think it's more for WMA and not the Recreational Areas.

So which is it? Can a CHL holder carry in the Double Lake Recreation Area or not?

Thanks.

[blackdog8200]

From the TSRA website:

http://tsra.com/codepages/carry-handgun.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Rules for Carrying Firearms in Texas State Parks or Public Hunting Lands



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.

On July 8, 1998, Executive Director, Andrew Sansom signed Executive Director Order No. 98-001 which reads as follows:

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 (f) (1) and 65.199, and is effective immediately.

Hope this helps!

[arthurcw]

thanks,

Just not sure if that covers National Forests Recreation Areas.

ACW

[arthurcw]

Ah... I think I see my confusion. I guess there is no distinction between the Recreation Area and the Forest. Looks like I'm OK to carry.

[blackdog8200]

My personal experience in National Forests is that it is ok to carry. Generally you can even shoot in some areas...within reason. I don't recomend looking like you're deer hunting in the type II permit areas during deer season without a permit.

In New Mexico, I carried open while backpacking for protection against Mountain Lions, Bears and the two legged drunk types....

In Texas I have openly carried in the Sam Houston National Forest for years without incident. We would go plinking in the woods. Having said that, look for signs on the trees or parking areas with restrictions. Land leased out for logging or other work might just be Out of Bounds for a while.

There is an old saying: "What you were doing when you got caught has a lot to do with the penalty." Carrying concealed and a Ranger sees your F.A.G. Bag and knows you have a gun is alot different than shooting up a road sign or scaring the hikers.....