OK,

I have been fishing CH State park from the 1st day it opened. Most of the time I fish in the day but in the summer you can catch fish all night when it is much cooler outside.

I have a CHL but always left the weapon at home when fishing because at the entrance to the park there is a sign that says something like "firearms prohibited".

I usually keep my weapon on me when I legally can.
So I looked up the regulations per the official state park website which says:

(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.

So...
I'm confused. Are they prohibited? Or is the DISPLAY of firearms prohibited? Obviously, if I have a CHL, my pistol will be concealed and not on "display" but I always want to obey the law.

Not asking for legal advise. Just wanna know how y'all would interpret the regulation.

Thanks.

one in my boat (ALWAYS)

http://www.doubleactionchl.com/cheatsheet.php?kw=

Unless there is a 30.06 posting up you can carry concealed.

Thanks for your input, Taylored. I think the wooden "no firearms" sign is to keep the hunters out. It seems like they would put up a legal 30.06 posting at the main entrance too if their intent was to keep ALL firearms out of the park ALL of the time.

Can I carry my handgun in Texas State Parks and National Parks in Texas?
According to correspondence recieved from Park Information Texas Parks and Wildlife,Customer Service Center, A person can carry a loaded concealed handgun in Texas State Parks with a current and valid CHL license at anytime.
On February 22nd, 2010 it became legal when visiting National Parks to carry loaded firearms in the same manner and to the same extent that such carry is legal in the state parks of the state in which the National Park is located.
Please remember that you must continue to follow all CHL rules while carrying in State and National Parks. Keep in mind that even In National Parks where carry is permitted the law continues to prohibit carry in federal facilities and buildings located in such parks. So, carry is still banned in park visitor centers, ranger stations and administrative buildings and offices staffed by federal employees. Also, the National Park Service will likely take a broad interpretation of �federal facility.�
If you need further information, please contact the Law Enforcement Division for Texas Parks and Wildlife.


http://www.texaschl.us/faq.htm#restrictions

Wow! Thanks for the good answer.

great answers...also i would recommend you check out www.texaschlforum.com as another resource for CHL and carry related questions. many lawers and LEOs participate on that forum, and you can get some solid advice for just about any question.

Are you actually getting on the lake or bank fishing? It is against the law for anyone other than LEO's to carry a firearm on ANY Corps Of Engineers lake, CHL or no CHL. According to Hop's post if you on the bank in the state park you should be good.

I'm on a boat! So no firearm because it is a Corps of Engineer lake? That sucks... so it is treated at "federal property" as far as CHLs go then on the water. Thanks for the info buda13. That is good to know. Are many lakes around here managed by the C.O.E.?

I'm honestly not sure if Joe Pool is a COE lake or not.. I know Grapevine and Lewisville are.. odds are your never going to have an issue carrying it on a COE lake, I know lots of folks that do but it is worth noting the laws on it..

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


327.0 Applicability.

The regulations covered in this part 327 shall be applicable to water resources development projects, completed or under construction, administered by the Chief of Engineers, and to those portions of jointly administered water resources development projects which are under the administrative jurisdiction of the Chief of Engineers. ALL OTHER FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT WHERE APPLICABLE TO THOSE WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.

327.13 Explosives, firearms, other weapons and fireworks.

(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
(4) Written permission has been received from the District Commander.
(b) Possession of explosives or explosive devices of any kind, including fireworks or other pyrotechnics, is prohibited unless written permission has been received from the District Commander.

Heres a link that will show you the COE lakes in Texas, just select boating and hit the find lakes button.

http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/states.cfm?state=TX

Well I know that Joe Pool IS a COE lake... I just never thought of it as Federal property before. Maybe Rick Perry can annex it or something. So no weapons on the water. I guess that's OK.. I have a big knife. Thanks guys... You may have saved someone a lot of headache.

youd be nuts not to be armed anywhere nowdays.

It's crazy. Under Artical 327.13 Subsection (2), you can have a weapon to hunt (they have no background info on these people) on C.O.E. lakes, but if they have poked and proded into your life for a CHL you can't carry a firearm to protect it. What's wrong with this country. I know in Kansas your vehicle is considered personal property. I don't know what the laws are in Texas about boats. Maybe you are O.K. in a boat but not on the bank? Now, if you fall into the water and have your weapon on you then they definitely could give you a ticket.

Buda13: I looked at the COE website... Joe Pool is a CoE lake. So no guns on the water. Sorry folks.

Devil Horse: You are right. But the law is the law. I'll have to fend of the pirates with a knife and maybe a nice long gaff.

Thanks yall!