Hey Guys ____ Sorry about the way I posed my question. It was merely an inquiry about “CAMPING” on Federal land and “NOT HUNTING* on it. I was inquiring strictly from a self defense mode and if god forbid a bear incidence came up ,what would be the legal ramifications if it came down to the bear or my family .I hope this clear up the intent of my previous post ___THANKS BAYRUNNER

A lot of us folks carry a handgun for protection in the woods. Except for one incident in Alaska I've never had to kill an animal to protect myself or folks with me.

I've had to fire the weapon a couple of times though without killing anything. In this day and age there are predators walking around on less than four legs, witness what just happened in Northern Idaho to a family there.

Lots of times just the fact that you do have a means of protecting yourself is enough.

I do suggest that you follow all state laws about licenses and carry rules. Being an honest law abiding citizen is a good feeling and places us in a position that is comfortable in our society.

Talk to the Fish and Game department about carrying a pistol or revolver in the woods and be legal. They can give you all the information you need there in Oregon. Stop in at a Walmart and pick up a copy of your local big game rules and regulations that will start you out.

There are so many different types of Federal Land. Some you can carry a firearm, hunt, etc..., then there are the Parks, which unless they grant you a permit, firearms are typically forbidden. Even within the National Parks, there are areas where firearms are acceptable, such as the Perserves (you can even hunt in most Perserves). As faucettb said, check your local regulations, check with whichever Federal entity is managing the land. US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, US Bureau of Land Management, and even some lands managed by the National Park Service allow the carrying of firearms.

Given that, if you kill a bear in Defense of Life or Property (DLP), the regulations are pretty strict, both before and after the shooting. Make sure you understand was is considered being attacked, and what the correct follow-up procedures are.

There is a case under investigation right now here in Alaska where someone shot a big sow brown bear (she was known to be pretty aggressive) on the Russian River, but whomever did it, left her and never reported it. If that person is found, the ADF&G is likely to throw them under the jail.

Bayrunnerrunner...

Thanks for clearing the question up and welcome to the forum. This is a very interesting question and it is good to think about it before you get there. I'm looking forward to the replies.

Bayrunner
Glad you cleared things up with regards to your post. An alternative to carrying a handgun would be one of the bear protection sprays. Statistically they are supposed to be as good as a handgun. That being said I carry a .44 or .500 and just don't camp where it's illegal to carry. I talked to a friend who is a US Marshall and he said if you have a CCW that allows you to carry on some federal land. Also generally any animal taken in legitimate defense of life or property will not get you in trouble. The animal does become the property of the state or federal govt. As others have mentioned, talk to US Fish and Game to clarify.

Hey Guys ___ Thanks for the feedback. There are plenty of beautiful places in this neck of the woods to camp where it’s legal to carry; I think I’ll stick to those areas____THANKS BAYRUNNER

Bayrunner, you are right about that. That part of OR between Eugene and Reedsport is gorgeous. Now it they would stop replanting homogenous trees and mix up the plant stock where they clearcut, things would be just about right.

Bayrunner. The game and fish will take you to task for shooting a bear. That being said, I wouldn't hesitate. I dealt with the game and fish after shooting a couple mountain lions that charged me this past spring. I told them at the time that I would never call them again if I ever had another incident. They seem to have absolutely no concern for your safety, but only that one of their precious animals is dead. They wouldn't even respond when I would ask them what they would do or at what point they would start shooting. So, my opinion is that you had better be calling them from the hospital to report the incident where you are listed in critical condition, have plenty of witnesses, or bury the animal and don't tell a soul.