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I've been perplexed after my hunting party was stopped last year by a DWR officer checking our hunting licenses. We were in the truck, and all of our rifles were unloaded. (Bolt action, nothing in the chamber.) The officer asked us if our rifles were unloaded. We responded that all 3 of us had concealed carry permits and and were within our rights to have loaded firearms in the vehicle. The wildlife officer said that did not apply to our situation since we were hunting. (The blaze orange gave us away.) We then informed him that indeed, in spite of our right to have loaded weapons in the truck all of our rifles were unloaded.
In the hunting proclamation http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks/2008_biggame/2008_biggame.pdf it is clear, that while hunting, regardless of which hunt, even bow, we have the right to carry a concealed weapon, but may not use it for taking game:
(page 40)
1) Does this mean that we have surrendered our right to openly carry a small caliber pistol for defense while hunting?
Next from the proclamation (page 40) we read:
2) Does this mean that I do not have the right to have my rifle loaded in the truck (while hunting) like the wildlife officer suggested?
3) Does this mean that I can't carry a loaded defense pistol (concealed / open) in the car while hunting?
Just for sake of clarity, I do have a concealed firearm permit. Thanks! :fudd:
In the hunting proclamation http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks/2008_biggame/2008_biggame.pdf it is clear, that while hunting, regardless of which hunt, even bow, we have the right to carry a concealed weapon, but may not use it for taking game:
(page 40)
Okay, fine-- I won't take Bambi with my 9mm, but...If you’re licensed to carry a concealed weapon in accordance with Title 53, Chapter 5, Part 7 of the Utah Code. You may not use your concealed firearm to hunt or take protected wildlife.
1) Does this mean that we have surrendered our right to openly carry a small caliber pistol for defense while hunting?
Next from the proclamation (page 40) we read:
Hmmm... no exclusion for permit holders in this clause.Loaded firearms in a vehicle
Utah Code §§ 76-10-502 and 76-10-505
You may not carry a loaded firearm in or on a vehicle. A pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun is considered loaded when an unfired cartridge, shell or projectile is in the firing position. Pistols and revolvers are also considered loaded when an unfired cartridge, shell or projectile is in a position whereby the manual operation of any mechanism once would cause the unfired cartridge, shell or projectile to fire.A muzzleloading firearm is considered loaded when it is capped or primed and has a powder charge and ball or shot in the barrel or cylinders.
2) Does this mean that I do not have the right to have my rifle loaded in the truck (while hunting) like the wildlife officer suggested?
3) Does this mean that I can't carry a loaded defense pistol (concealed / open) in the car while hunting?
Just for sake of clarity, I do have a concealed firearm permit. Thanks! :fudd: