As a responsibly armed American, you may want to know if you can carry concealed while recreating on state game lands. This may include activities such as hiking, fishing and bird watching. If you are curious about how the law in your state may impact carrying your handgun on these public properties, you’re in luck. We’ve gathered that information for you. Read on to learn more about concealed carry on state game lands.

State Parks, Wildlife Management Areas

The following states allow concealed carry for permit holders from that state or out-of-state permits from states with which they share reciprocity. However, concealed carry permit holders should be aware that some areas may be posted with “No weapons allowed” signs or signs that indicate firearms are not permitted in state-owned buildings on park property. In addition, some state parks may also be situated on lands and waters owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where firearms are prohibited. So those who concealed carry should take special care to read and be compliant with signage. Concealed carry is allowed in state parks in the 14 permitless carry states (although Maine only allows state park carry for permit holders).

Concealed carry is permitted on game lands in the following states:

  • Alabama
  • California (provided the license is valid in the location)
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois (not at IDNR children’s playground areas)
  • Indiana (not at the Falls of the Ohio State Park)
  • Iowa
  • Louisiana
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee (only with an Enhanced Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit and permits from states Tennessee honors)
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Carry While Gun Hunting

In terms of hunting on state game lands, seven states have laws or policies prohibiting concealed carry. These states include:

  • Connecticut
  • Delaware (unless legally hunting with a handgun)
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Massachusetts
  • New Jersey
  • Rhode Island

For more information on whether concealed carry is allowed when hunting with a bow in any state, visit the USCCA reciprocity map now…

The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case, and laws are constantly changing, and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.