This law just went into effect!
Now if only California legislatures had the same mindset, we'd be on the right track!
Now speaking of California...
...there are laws allowing the concealed carry of firearms under certain conditions. First:
http://www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/dwcl/12020.php
California Penal Code
12025. (a) A person is guilty of carrying a concealed firearm when he or she does any of the following: (1) Carries concealed within any vehicle which is under his or her control or direction any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person. (2) Carries concealed upon his or her person any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person. (3) Causes to be carried concealed within any vehicle in which he or she is an occupant any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
Okay, no concealed carry in public without a permit. However this are exemptions to this.
12027. Section 12025 does not apply to, or affect, any of the following:
(f) Members of any club or organization organized for the purpose of practicing shooting at targets upon established target ranges, whether public or private, while the members are using pistols, revolvers, or other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person upon the target ranges, or transporting these firearms unloaded when going to and from the ranges. (g)
Licensed hunters or fishermen carrying pistols, revolvers, or other firearms capable of being concealed upon the person while engaged in hunting or fishing, or transporting those firearms unloaded when going to or returning from the hunting or fishing expedition.
But remember
12031. (a)(1) A person is guilty of carrying a loaded firearm when he or she carries a loaded firearm on his or her person or in a vehicle while in any public place or on any public street in an incorporated city or in any public place or on any public street in a prohibited area of unincorporated territory.
Whether the gun can be loaded while fishing or hunting is subject the area or circumstances being legal for loaded guns... I know, it can get confusing. Lets see if I can make it easier...
There are two prohibitions.
1) Concealed Carry.
12027(g) gives exemption 1 to CONCEALED carry only. In order to meet this exception you must be ACTUALLY hunting.
This means, if you are actually hunting, it does not matter if its loaded or not ONLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONCEALED CARRY PROHIBITION. You can still be charged with "loaded firearm" if you are in incorporated territory or a "prohibited place".
12027(g) gives exemption 2 to CONCEALED carry as well only while TRANSPORTING the weapon to or from hunting. This applies even incorporated areas and "prohibited places" but in order to qualify, the firearm must be unloaded, even if you are in an unincorporated area which is not prohibited.
2) Loaded Firearm in incorporated areas or prohibited places.
This is straight forward. No loaded firearms in incorporated areas or in prohibited places. Prohibited places includes all public roadways.
Let me throw some scenarios at you:
In the city, walking down the street with a fishing pole on your way to the aqueduct with a concealed, unloaded firearm. -Legal
In the country, stalking game, loaded firearm, walking across a road. -Illegal- Possessing a loaded weapon in a prohibited area. The fact that you are hunting in unincorporated territory is irrelevant.
In the country, going on a hike on a trail, you don't have a hunting or fishing license- Loaded firearm concealed. -illegal. Concealed carry of a firearm prohibited- No 12027 exemption.
In the country, going on a hike on a trail, you don't even have a hunting or fishing license- Loaded firearm worn openly in a belt holster. -Legal. Loaded carry in unincorporated territory is legal.
Here is the kicker:
In the country, you have a fishing license and you are on your way to fish- Loaded firearm worn concealed. -Illegal. Illegally concealing a firearm. Even though your loaded weapon is legal to possess in unincorporated territory, the fact that you are not yet fishing and are only on your WAY to go fishing requires that you carry that firearm unloaded in order to meet the 12027(g) exemption. You would be charged with carrying a concealed firearm.
I thought some here would appreciate this information since to applies to outdoor adventure and recreation.
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