Travelling with a shotgun?
by admin on Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 | 11 Comments
I amd riving around the country in a couple days by myself and I will be camping in a lot of remote areas with lots of bears mountain lions etc… Should I have any trouble driving across the country with a shotgun in the back of my truck for protection when I camp? When I am driving it will be in a case in the back, ammo will be seperate etc… Can anyone think of any problems I may run into? I am going frm NY out to the west and every state in between. I will probably take it hiking with me in certain areas (like montana and other states with large game).
I was attacked by a bear when I was 17 so It’s a huge piece of mind sitting around a fire at night knowing I have some sort of protection.
You should check the state laws of each state, particulary with transporting a gun. In Texas a shotgun, black powder and bow and arrow are in the same class, and you can travel without any issues. You could even put them on a rifle rack if you wanted to, none you ever see anymore on trucks.
It sounds like most of the places will be gun friendly. New York is probably the hardest place to get by with traveling with a gun, and make sure you know how they define a gun. They also break them up as rimfire and centerfire guns. Some might break them up further as para-military for certain makes which include the riot shotguns the police use.
It sounds odd about the bear attack. Most black bears avoid humans lke bobcats and coyotes. You must have gotten too close to a den of cubs, or got too close and scared the bear. If it was a grizzly, you are fortunate to be here today. They tend to be pretty fierce if jumped.
Becareful about calling the police. Some cops and some departments have various opinions about citizens having guns, even if there are no laws for them. If you do, just ask general questions, I wouldn’t tell then exactly when you will be passing though. If one rogue cop knows you are coming, and is bored, he might try to make trouble for you when you arrive. Most cops are the best people in the world, but there is a small number who believe they have to power to do whatever they want.
Also, to be one the safe side, consider joining the NRA. They protect the right to own, should someone take offense, and the laws a little vague or written against the second amendment. Even in the age, some cities try to pass anti-gun laws.
Is it registared?
Put the ammo in the LOCKED glove box, and make sure to always empty the shotgun.
If it is a 12 ga. it doesn’t look that great to the pollice compared to an 30 odd six or a hunting rifle.
And go to your local police dept. and inform them of your plan and ask for any suggestions.
Should not be a problem. Might put a lock on the case or keep the ammo in a locked box. Also, I would suggest to alternate 000 buck shot and slugs for the bears.
You may want to check the hunting regulations where you are going also. In many states if you are hiking in the woods with a gun anywhere but your own property you are considered to be hunting whether you are or not. Also, if you will be camping in state or national parks, most of these have restrictions on possesion of a gun within the park.
Unloaded , Encased and unaccessable from the passenger compartment and you are covered under the Firearms Owners Protection Act (FOPA), Which is Federal law and supercedes all state and local laws. . I usually print a copy and bring it with me when driving just incase I run across a cop not familiar with it. (although I am usually travelling with a silencer which the laws of which are considerably more misunderstood then regular guns)
The only problem I see is when entering a major liberal city that has gun ban laws. Other than that, a long gun for personal protection or hunting can be carried on your back walking down the road.
When encountered with a life threatening situation such as a bear, first, if possible fire a warning shot. If the bear is still coming after you, kill it! That simple my friend, forget preservation of animal laws, we were given domain over all on this planet, and sometimes we have to protect our lives over wildlife.
ok when the cop pulls up and looks through your window, empty a shell into his face and drive off.
Unless you’re hunting, just leave the gun at home. You’ll be safer with bear spray and bear bangers (loud fire crackers). Also a solid, 10 foot stick at your campsite, and if you’re really scared, lash a knife to the end, that will repel even the most aggressive black bear instantly if you loose your bear spray (just zap it in the butt so as not to mortally wound it). The spray, by the way, works well at about 20ft, so plenty of distance, and the bear will never come back once that gets in it’s face.
Be sure to hang your food. It also helps to cook at a different site from where you’ll be sleeping but that’s not always possible.
Why should you kill a bear just because of your fear? There are many ways to protect yourself without a gun, and don’t forget the bear was there first, you’re the guest who is just passing through. If you kill a black bear in self defense, I think you are just a coward, and you wasted a beautiful animal because of it.
99% of bears will just run of you yell at them. The other 1% have been fed by humans before, or have some food or a cub on the other side of you.
Otherwise, get a hunting permit for bears, but the meat is greasy and tastes horrible!
Keep the ammo in a seperate locked container away from where the gun is being stored. The gun should be onloaded and locked, also in a gun case, etc.
As long as you keep within incorperated areas of your plan (on way and back from camp) you should have no problems.
watch out for chicago and the zero tolerance laws
common sence dude,,, when you feal u need to get to it fast , keep it close and loaded,, when you feal your fairly safe un load it and lock it up ,, good to check up on local weapons ruleings