Camping Carry - No CHL

CHL discussions that do not fit into more specific topics

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iratollah
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Camping Carry - No CHL

Post by iratollah »

Can an overnight backpacker/camper in Texas, hiking in State Park, State Forest, Wilderness Area, or National Forest legally carry a handgun in their backpack if they don't have a CHL?
Can't find it in a search. A famiy member who's been dragging their heels in getting their CHL is getting into backpacking and wants to carry. Car is legal, wondering if backpackers outfitted for overnight would be catogorized similar. Is a tent an extension of a house?

Curious what law says v common sense...(tried by 12, etc.). Constructive feedback is most welcome!
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RoyGBiv
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Re: Camping Carry - No CHL

Post by RoyGBiv »

I believe not. But I am not a lawyer, this is just my opinion.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/parks/park-rules
https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/r ... =59&rl=134
(d) Arms and Firearms. It is an offense for any person to display or discharge an arm or firearm in a state park, unless:

(1) the person is participating in a public hunting activity within the state park that has been authorized by written order of the director so long as the person is in compliance with the applicable public hunting rules and regulations;

(2) the person is fishing by means of lawful archery equipment or is participating in an authorized, supervised recreational or educational activity;

(3) the person is licensed to possess and carry a handgun under Government Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter H, and is in possession of and/or carrying the handgun in compliance with applicable law, including, but not limited to, applicable regulations adopted pursuant to Government Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter H; or

(4) the person has been authorized by written order of the director.
I am not a lawyer. This is NOT legal advice.!
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oljames3
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Re: Camping Carry - No CHL

Post by oljames3 »

iratollah wrote: Thu Dec 19, 2019 10:29 pm Can an overnight backpacker/camper in Texas, hiking in State Park, State Forest, Wilderness Area, or National Forest legally carry a handgun in their backpack if they don't have a CHL?
Can't find it in a search. A famiy member who's been dragging their heels in getting their CHL is getting into backpacking and wants to carry. Car is legal, wondering if backpackers outfitted for overnight would be catogorized similar. Is a tent an extension of a house?

Curious what law says v common sense...(tried by 12, etc.). Constructive feedback is most welcome!
If you're gonna carry in Texas parks, you gotta have an LTC in hand (with apologies to Alabama).

RoyGBiv quoted the applicable Texas statute for Texas parks. "Law v common sense" may come into play regarding actually firing a handgun. Without a License To Carry a Handgun (LTC), you may not be convicted for firing the handgun if done in self defense, but you will most likely be charged with illegally carrying the handgun.
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NRA, NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Instructor, Rangemaster Certified, GOA, TSRA, NAR L1
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