TexasCHLforum.com

I'll be heading down to Big Bend park on vacation next week. never been there, need to go.
I know I can carry concealed now, but I also want to take my SU16 rifle and keep it in the back of the SUV, cased, with loaded mags.
Will that be legal? What would I need to do to keep a rifle and ammo with us on this trip?

Any suggestions for what to see/do in the area welcome.
I'd like to do a rafting trip if possible.
We also very much like scenic highways, out of the way.

Ft. Davis
McDonald Observatory
There are three 'loops' through the mountains -- have riden them many times (motorcycling)
The canyons of Big Bend, of course (the river, which is probably down right no, and the rock formations)
Indian Lodge (the hotel in the Ft. David State Park -- and don't miss the 'look out drve' in the park...awesome)
Lajitas (great little Mexican food restaurant at the light on the left)
Far Flung Outdoor Center (in Lajitas) -- jeeps, ATVx, horseback, canoeing, rafting, hiking, camping and more

That's helpful, thanks.
Any thoughts on having a rifle in the vehicle?

Big Bend is both a state park and a national park (http://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) so carrying inside the park is prolly not a good idea.

carrying a concealed handgun is legal, without question.
It's the presence of a rifle in the vehicle that I seek clarification on.

http://www.nps.gov/bibe/parkmgmt/firear ... ations.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Well, there ya go! Thanks suthdj

"As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please review this PDF of Texas Firearm Regulations."

They didn't just change it for CHLs, national park rules are the same for all guns as the state around the park. Rifles too.

You should be OK with the rifle. Like others have said, NPS land regulations now duplicate the state's laws in which they're located, so permitless rifle carry is just fine. Big Bend Ranch State Park is the one slightly to the west/northwest of Big Bend National Park, so if you wander over to the state land, TPWD regs say that firearms simply can't be "displayed" on park land, so throwing a blanket over it or keeping it in the case you mention is all you need to do to be fine there.

Enjoy your trip! (Edited for spelling!)

Very good, thanks folks!

We took that trip last year but not Big Bend. Stayed at Indian Lodge 3 days and it's great. I wouldn't have even gone to that part of the state if I couldn't have taken some fire power. I took an AR and 3 handguns.

I'm the same way. I've put off going there until they passed the National Parks bill

Rex B wrote:I'm the same way. I've put off going there until they passed the National Parks bill

Went there as a child. Beautiful park, sad it's no longer as safe as it once was.

74novaman wrote:

Rex B wrote:I'm the same way. I've put off going there until they passed the National Parks bill

Went there as a child. Beautiful park, sad it's no longer as safe as it once was.

I really haven't heard any thing specific to the park. I know that whole area is a Yellow zone.
Are there problems recently?

Several guys from the office made the ride in June with no problems (except smoke -- still a few fires burning at that time). There are no warnings or notices of any kind posted on the park website or Ft. Davis bulliten boards.