Rifle carrying question

[Handsome Rob]

I just thought of this whilst reading another thread.

I don't hold a HCP, does that mean I cannot carry a loaded rifle into & out of the woods? I know wen I'm driving to & from the wood, I have to have the rifle & ammuniton in seperate compartments of the vehicle, but what about when I get out?

I'm hunting TWRA land & public land, so would carrying a loaded rile constitute illegal carry?

What about my muzzleloader?

If it is indeed illegal, when does carrying constitute hunting?

Would it mean that I can only hunt from a stand, or is still huntin & spot & stalk OK?

Or am I just thinking a load of old bollocks?

[DaveS]

The carrying of your rifle loaded when you get out of your vehicle legal. You are actually then engaged in the act of hunting. If a wildlife officer stops you to check your license, he may ask you to "make the weapon safe" (unload it) while he is talking to you.

[vontar]

I know growing up I remember being checked several times by game wardens. If we where in the truck they just ask us if the loads were loaded but they never actually checked for themselves.

I remember coming out of the woods to the road and having my license checked. I guess he just assumed I had a loaded rifle.

However you brought up an interesting point about muzzleloaders.

I can not quote the law but I have read it a few times and I am sure someone will probably quote it.

I believe a muzzleloader is considered unloaded as long as the percussion cap is not in place.

[Guest ADAM]

wd and vontar are correct. walking in woods is "the act of hunting" and as for muzzleloaders in a car or truck as long as the primer or cap is not

in the gun its not considered loaded for it can't discharge.

[ShaunM]

wd and vontar are correct. walking in woods is "the act of hunting" and as for muzzleloaders in a car or truck as long as the primer or cap is not

in the gun its not considered loaded for it can't discharge.

Exactly.