This potential regulation for the state of Virginia is being proposed to “Amend Requirements for Carrying Handguns in State Forests.”  4VAC10-30-170 says, “No person shall bring into or have in any forest any explosive or explosive substance, except commercial sporting firearms ammunition; explosives, explosive substances and firearms of all types are prohibited in any portion of a forest assigned to the Department of Forestry, for administration as a recreational area.”  The amendment to this regulation of the Virginia Department of Forestry states, “This regulation shall not apply to the carrying of concealed handguns within state forests by holders of a valid concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.” 

I fully endorse this amendment and I think it should be passed.  However, I would like to further amend the amendment itself by adding ‘open carrying’ of handguns as well, inasmuch that this is allowed by state law by any citizen over the age of eighteen who is not a convicted felon or deemed to have prohibitive mental deficiencies.  I would still fully endorse the regulatory amendment if the right to open carry was not added, though I would want to see this added in the near future and believe that is a right, afforded by Virginia law elsewhere in the state, and believe that if not added that this amendment would fall short of requirements by Virginia constitutional law. 

As the regulation presently stands I believe it to be contrary to citizens’ rights to carry handguns whether concealed or carried openly in lawful manner for their own protection.  This pertains not just to self-protection against other humans but in a forested area this would also be pertinent for protection against wild animals.  The Virginia Constitution fully supports the right of law abiding citizens to ‘keep and bear arms’ and thus this regulatory amendment is necessary so as not to infringe upon that right.