get a stick...

The answer to your question is Yes. I also load a little heavier during duck season. Don't get me wrong but I've had some uninvited encounters during duck season with duck hunters.

don't leave home without it....except maybe in mexico.

You Dont even carry a pocket Knife into Mexico. Period.

This topic has steered off course, but from what I read, the castle doctrine covers a boat as well:


Here is the actual law that started in 2007:

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/html/SB00378F.htm

Notice at the top it applies to this other section in the penal code:

(5) "Vehicle" has the meaning assigned by Section
30.01.





Here is that section of the penal code:



http://law.onecle.com/texas/penal/30.01.00.html

� 30.01. DEFINITIONS.

(3) "Vehicle" includes any device in, on, or by which any person or property is or may be propelled, moved, or drawn in the normal course of commerce or transportation, except such devices as are classified as "habitation."

If

So couldn't you also be disqualified if fishing a tournament with a gun in your boat?

I carry a shotgun in the rod box... I don't want to have to aim very well just point.. since Duck Hunters are allowed to carry, I figured no problems...

You sure as heck can be DQ'ed! Here is the rule from Media bass concerning ALL their tournaments...

5. Firearms are not allowed in tournament boats during tournament hours or carried during registration or weigh-in. Law Enforcement Officers are the only exception to this rule.

Even a trail that doesnt have a rule regarding this still says you must obey all state, federal, and local laws. Best not to pack the heat if in a tournament. Wouldnt it stink to have a winning sack and get protested by someone that knew you had a gun in your rod locker? I dont see the need for it anywhere around here, Corps lake or not.

Thanks Buda. Can't carry during a T and not the best of decision to carry on Corps lake. Sure you can get away with it just like a large variety of illegal activities but there are consequences when caught. I got my CHL primarily to carry when going to unfamiliar ramps launching in the wee hours but found later I can't on most.

As an FYI on this subject, here is some updated information.

On Dec. 5, 2008, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued a new regulation governing the possession of firearms in National Parks. In a nutshell, under state laws, the new rules will allow anyone who can legally carry a concealed firearm to do so on national park lands within that state. The new rules took effect on January 9, 2009.

I got this from NRA legislative news report. When I have time, I was going to do some more research on this subject.

This does not apply to the Corps of Engineers. I had initially thought it did but the Corps of Engineers is under the Department of Defense and the National Parks are under the Department of the Interior. Separate bureaucracies with separate rules. You still cannot carry a loaded handgun on Corps property.

I've sent the local Corps an e-mail. We'll see what they say.

While talking amongst friends a question came up in reference to carrying a handgun in a boat for protection at Corps of Engineer lakes.

I am unsure of the legality of it either with a valid State of Texas concealed handgun license or under the State of Texas Castle Doctrine

which allows a handgun in your vehicle. There is some confusion over the Department of Interior�s recent decision to allow carry in National

parks with a valid State issued CHL and the Corps of Engineers regulations.


Can you provide some clarity on the Corps of Engineers position on the issue?

Would it be permissible for someone to take a handgun on a boat on Corps property would holstered without magazine inserted?

Is the water on the lake considered corps property or is the Corps property only the parking and launching facilities?

Under what conditions is carrying a handgun on Corps property allowed?

Can you please assist with these questions?

Thank you for your inquiry.

The answers to your questions can be located by reading CFR Title 36 - Parks, Forests and Public Property, CHAPTER 111 - U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, Part 327 - Rules and Regulations Governing Public Use of Water Resources Development Projects Administered by the Chief of Engineers.

Section 327.13

(a) The possession of loaded firearms, ammunition, loaded projectile firing devices, bows and arrows, crossbows or other weapons is prohibited unless:
(1) In the possession of a Federal, State or local law enforcement officer;
(2) Being used for hunting or fishing as permitted under 327.8, with devices being unloaded when transported to, from or between hunting and fishing sites;
(3) Being used at authorized shooting ranges; or (There are no authorized shooting ranges on USACE property at Lavon Lake.)
(4) Written permission has been received from the District Commander.

Would it be permissible for someone to take a handgun on a boat on Corps property would holstered without magazine inserted?
No. Section 327.13 (a) (1) clearly states the possession of loaded firearms or ammunition is prohibited.



Is the water on the lake considered corps property or is the Corps property only the parking and launching facilities?

The rules and regulations stated in Title 36 CFR shall be applicable to water resources development projects, completed or under construction, administered by the Chief of Engineers. The term "project" or "water development project" refers to the water areas of any water resources development project, to all lands owned in fee by the Federal Government and to all facilities therein or thereon of any such water resources development project.



Under what conditions is carrying a handgun on Corps property allowed?

Possession of a loaded handgun (concealed or not) by a member of the public is a violation of Title 36 CFR Section 327.13.

If you have additional questions or if you would like to speak with me directly, please feel free to call.

It is legal to carry a "concealed" handgun in your boat. I too, have a CHL and carry everywhere I go including fishing, although it is illegal to carry or have a weapon on a Corps. lake, as has been said earlier.

Here is a list of the Corps of Engineer lakes in Texas:

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_nra/ace/tx.htm