Allowing the lawful carry of both concealed and openly carried firearms in State forests will allow Virginia citizens the ability to protect themselves, the same as they would in almost any other area of Virginia. The thought that allowing those who already legally carry, the ability to do so in state forests, will turn them into poachers or murderers is ludicrous.

The argument can be made all day long that the forests and parks are safe because only a small percentage of people are attacked there. That sounds great, so long as you or someone you love doesn't happen to fall in that small percentage. We've already seen that Virginian's respect lawful carry. We respect the laws of the state and we assume the responsibility that comes with having a gun. Allowing us to protect ourselves in these areas endangers no one, except those who would seek to harm us or those we are with.