I'm going camping this weekend at Lake Livingston State Park. I don't have my CHL yet, but I usually carry my pistol in my truck when I travel. Am I allowed to bring it into the park with me?

There was an Executive order out in 1998 by Andy Sampson. I can't find it at the moment, but you should be good to go.

OlSarge, what happened?

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Wow, okay, no doubt now... Packing heat for sure!

Google is pretty good at helping finding answers to questions."
The succeeding regulations are adopted pursuant to authority granted by Sec. 13.101-13.112, Parks and Wildlife Code). Any person who violates these regulations will be subject to penalties prescribed by law.

59.134 Rules of Conduct:
(d) Arms and Firearms. It is an offense for any person to display or discharge an arm or firearm in a state park, unless:

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; or
the person has been authorized by written order of the director.

quote:

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(d) Arms and Firearms. It is an offense for any person to display or discharge an arm or firearm in a state park, unless:

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Doesn't say anything about having with me. I think it's worth dealing with the charges if I need to "display or discharge" my firearm.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Executive Director Order Number 98-001
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 the 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,
sec.59.134(f)(1) and sec.65.199, and is effective immediately.
TRD-9810867
Bill Harvey, Ph.D.
Regulatory Coordinator
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Filed: July 9, 1998

I think the "displaying or discharging" refers to recreational shooting, open carry. I believe that a tent falls under temporary residence under Castle Doctrine for self-defense purposes. If not, I'm with you...Rather be judged by 12 if I really needed it...

My .380 is always in the camper when it goes on the road.

Oops, my bad, didn't catch the not having a CHL part. Good catch.

Not at all, I flat out missed the plain as day statement.

No worries from me.

My understanding is that a travel trailer qualifies under the residence requirement. Ergo, the guy has to be coming inside the travel trailer or tent.

So I'm home safe, I'll read all that later... What did y'all decide, legal or not?

I remember reading something in a ruling about where a tent (roof, enclosed, "secureable" is considered temporary habitation...but that a hammock would not be. Anyone?

quote:

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If you are camping in a tent, you cannot take it out of your vehicle while in the park based on PC 46.02 Unlawful Carrying Weapons. If you use the handgun in self-defense outside of your vehicle, you violate 46.02 and thus are not covered under Chapter 9 for self-defense

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So, what we're thinking is... That I would be justified in using the hand gun for self defense if a person were forcefully trying to enter my tent. However, I would likely be in trouble for having the gun with me?

And someone else brought up a good point, regarding an AR or shotgun. Does none of this apply to a long weapon? If my Winchester 1200 12ga is in the tent with me, I'm violating no laws?

Call the park ranger or the person in charge of the campground you are going to and just ask them.

Lake Livingston Park info

hmm... well, I guess it's a good thing I DIDN'T take my handgun then.

A CHL would solve this entire thing, right?

I'm working on getting one... I've got to find a price/location/schedule combo that works for my girlfriend and I.

Look,
Regardless of what the law says, as a human being you are ALWAYS justified in using whatever means is necessary to defend your family. Protect them with everything that you've got.

Thats all I have to say about that.