New Mexico Ski Resorts and CC? *UPDATE*

[UpTheIrons]

Perhaps my search-fu stinketh, but I can't find anything on this subject here, nor on the inter-webs.

I looked at handgunlaw.us, and they have a pretty good listing of what is and is not legal. State parks are off-limits, but I'm not sure if ski areas count as public lands, state parks, or private property. We're most likely heading to Angel Fire for spring break, and I'm curious if anyone has a solid answer as to the legality of CC on the ski resort property. I'd rather not leave my gun locked in the car all day while we're on the slopes.

Should I just call the NM DPS for an answer? What about a NM CCW school?

[joe817]

You'll love Angel Fire. We did Christmas there a long time ago. Be sure to visit Red River when you're there. It's just a short drive from Angel Fire. That's sure beautiful country.

You pose a good question. From what I've found, Angel Fire resorts are on private property. So I guess it'd be up to the resort owner/operator as to what you can/cannot do. I don't know NM firearms laws so I can't comment one way or the other.

You may want to check out:

http://www.angelfirechamber.org/new-page-4.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.skiangelfire.com/1/About_Town.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[UpTheIrons]

Thanks for the links. I'll see if they fill in any blanks.

I've been to Angel Fire and Red River before, but the last trip was 18 years ago, so I wonder how much has changed. I'd love to run up to Red River for prime rib at Texas Red's if it's still there. That's some goooood eatin'!

[joe817]

Now that is one fine eatery! We ate there after skiing Red Rive one day. And it's still there! Check it out:

http://www.texasreds.com/rr_nm.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My Mother, rest her soul, once told Dad that if she they moved out of Texas, they'd live in Red River. Dad grumbled under his breath, hoping she wouldn't hear him.

[UpTheIrons]

The place burned down? At least they reopened - that is a fine place for a steak. We'd usually try to go once on each trip. That was back in the carefree 80's when everything was cheap(er) and we could afford to go skiing once a year.

Still nothing on the CCW front. I think I'll call the NM DPS later this week and see what I can learn. I also found a tactical/CHL school that may have some info: http://www.taostactical.com/tacticalcontact.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . I'll call them, too. They should know, since they are just around the corner.

[joe817]

Calling those folks is by FAR the best idea!

[UpTheIrons]

I just got off the phone with the folks at Taos Tactical. He referred me once again to handgunlaw.us, which has the alphabet soup of statutes and prohibited places. He reaffirmed that Texas and NM are very similar in what is and is not permitted, and that as a TX CHL holder, I don't have to put my unloaded gun in a lockbox while traveling through, but can leave it strapped on.

As for ski areas, they are not state parks, but most are in a National Forest. As such they are legal for carry if you have a CHL, depending on state law. The guy I spoke with is in the Taos Ski Valley and he carries every day at the ski areas.

The pertinent regulations I found were on the Monongahela NF website (of all places!). A link to the PDF is on this page: http://tinyurl.com/yzufgvb" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Laws Regarding Firearms on National Forest Lands

First, the primary laws governing possession of firearms and other weapons on National
Forest are State Laws. These laws were developed by the states following establishment
of our Cooperative Wildlife Management Agreements. Most notable of the state laws
concerns controlling firearms on the National Forest are “cased gun laws”.

Cased Gun Laws: As the name implies, this law requires that all firearms on National
Forest be unloaded and kept in a case. Virginia and West Virginia have similar “cased
gun laws”. In order to allow hunting, these laws make an exception.

• It is legal to have loaded firearms on National Forest during the authorized
general firearms and muzzle loading gun seasons for bear, deer, grouse, pheasant,
quail, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, turkey, or waterfowl. This exception is very
specific and applies only during the period when it is legal to take these listed
species and doesn’t include carrying the loaded weapons in a vehicle.

• Because hunting on Sunday is prohibited, carrying a loaded gun on National
Forest is not legal on Sunday even if it is the Sunday in the middle of the general
firearms deer season.

• The second exception to this law allows people with a concealed weapon permit
to carry a loaded, concealed, handgun either on their person or in their vehicle
while on National Forest. This does not apply if the person is engaged in a
primitive weapons season or chase only season.

• People muzzle loading or bow hunting may carry a concealed weapon as long as
they possess a concealed weapon permit.

Now, I just have to find a snow-proof holster!

[Keith B]

Now, I just have to find a snow-proof holster!

Good information. How about this for a waterproof holster??

[UpTheIrons]

Now, I just have to find a snow-proof holster!

Good information. How about this for a waterproof holster??

Um...Yes?...I guess that may work. If one was attacked by snowballs rolling slowly uphill - so you had time to de-hermeticize it. And then

Since it'll be Spring Break, one of those 5.11 holster shirts may be just the thing.

Darn. That means I'll have to buy a small pistol to fit in it!