Can WDFW really click their boot heels and take away my gun rights?

[Calvin Rayborn]

Had some time off, so went for a spin up north of Moses Lake to the Billy Clapp Lake Wildlife area. Noticed a red triangular WDFW sign at Pinto Dam that said “WDFW game reserve, NO GUNS, NO DOGS, NO TRAPS.” Did a little research on the area and read that the land is part of the “Stratford Game Reserve,” which is closed to hunting. What I don’t understand though, is how they can just blatantly state “NO GUNS” on public DFW land, whether it’s off-limits to hunting or not? Am I not fully within my Second Amendment rights to strap on a rifle or handgun for personal protection and just go hiking around the lake? The area is fully open to fishing and wildlife viewing from what I understand? Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Update: 2100hrs

The Sign (found the same one online):

[Bango skank]

If they were to say no shooting, i would understand.  But no guns?  B.S.  its not a federal building, its not a school, its not a private business.  Its public land.  Id carry there, and do so openly.  Screw them.

[deerhuntr4885]

If they were to say no shooting, i would understand.  But no guns?  B.S.  its not a federal building, its not a school, its not a private business.  Its public land.  Id carry there, and do so openly.  Screw them.

And you are lawyer with what law firm?  He will most likely need your services. 

[lewy]

Those signs have been around for decades, some say no traps as well. As far as your question goes I’d imagine it would be hard for them to enforce you carrying for personal protection but 

[Bango skank]

Those signs have been around for decades, some say no traps as well. As far as your question goes I’d imagine it would be hard for them to enforce you carrying for personal protection but 

Saying no trapping or no hunting is one thing, thats not a constitutional right.

[bearpaw]

just a reminder to keep profanity to a minimum and keep the conversation friendly

[the1rod]

Is it public land,  or is it land owned by wdfw?  I believe this would make the difference,  just how any business can ask you to leave if you are carrying,  their land their rules. If it is public owned land,  then i don't know if they could stop you legally.

[Calvin Rayborn]

Didn’t have my cell phone with me at the time to take a picture (yeah, I still rock it old school sometimes! ). Might head up there again one of these days and take a snapshot and run it into the local office in Ephrata to ask them what the deal is?

[Calvin Rayborn]

Is it public land,  or is it land owned by wdfw?  I believe this would make the difference,  just how any business can ask you to leave if you are carrying,  their land their rules. If it is public owned land,  then i don't know if they could stop you legally.

I’ve always assumed that WDFW land IS public land, although the way they act sometimes you would think it’s their own personal property, even though Joe Hunter/taxpayer is footing the bill! That topic could take up a whole new thread altogether though in my humble opinion!

[Lumpy Taters]

Trust land is different from state owned land.  That's how you can hunt on some state land but not on others.  While I would love to see someone challenge the right to carry for protection, I don't have the funds to pay the legal bills needed for that. Not sure where in the state regs the authority comes from I just know that they can and do get away with having no gun areas.   

[bigtex]

Is it public land,  or is it land owned by wdfw?  I believe this would make the difference,  just how any business can ask you to leave if you are carrying,  their land their rules. If it is public owned land,  then i don't know if they could stop you legally.

The two things you mentioned are the same thing. Land owned by WDFW is public land. Public land is owned by some agency. There's no difference.

[the1rod]

Is it public land,  or is it land owned by wdfw?  I believe this would make the difference,  just how any business can ask you to leave if you are carrying,  their land their rules. If it is public owned land,  then i don't know if they could stop you legally.

The two things you mentioned are the same thing. Land owned by WDFW is public land. Public land is owned by some agency. There's no difference.

Public land is owned by the people of the united states of America, and managed by agencies like the USFS and BLM. US government cannot own land, just manage public land.  State government like wdfw can own land and do with it as the please,  there for it is not public land,  it is private land that generally allows public access.

[Calvin Rayborn]

   Looks like WDFW Took control of  it outright with land donations from the Bureau of reclamation and state fund purchases? Maybe it’s an obsolete sign? it was right by the main access road though and didn’t seem like it was faded or anything.

[Calvin Rayborn]

Is it public land,  or is it land owned by wdfw?  I believe this would make the difference,  just how any business can ask you to leave if you are carrying,  their land their rules. If it is public owned land,  then i don't know if they could stop you legally.

The two things you mentioned are the same thing. Land owned by WDFW is public land. Public land is owned by some agency. There's no difference.

Public land is owned by the people of the united states of America, and managed by agencies like the USFS and BLM. US government cannot own land, just manage public land.  State government like wdfw can own land and do with it as the please,  there for it is not public land,  it is private land that generally allows public access.

Now I’m really confused?

[Bango skank]

No need to be confused.  Here is how i determine if i can carry a gun somewhere.  Its a simple proccess really.

Are there armed guards manning a metal detector at the entrance?  If no, im carrying.