Governor McDonnell to allow carry of a firearm in State Forests

CORRECTION: Governor McDonnell Confirms Changes to Allow Lawful Carry of a Firearm in State Forests!

As reported earlier, Governor Robert F. McDonnell approved changes to the Virginia State Forest Regulation 4VAC10-30-170 on May 6. Contrary to our earlier report, these approved changes will not go into effect until thirty days after being published in the Virginia Register, pushing the projected effective date to July 7.

Once effective these changes will permit law-abiding Virginians to carry a firearm in State Forests. These changes will allow for both the lawful carrying of concealed firearms by those who possess a concealed carry permit, as well as open carrying for anyone in lawful possession of a firearm.

The new language to the Administrative Code is below:

4VAC10-30-170. Explosives, firearms, etc.

No person shall bring into or have in any forest any explosive or explosive substance. This regulation shall not apply to the lawful carrying of firearms and firearm ammunition.

Thank you to those members who notified us of this correction. Please let those know that these approved changes are not yet effective and that we will update you when they go into effect.