As they will in all locations, criminals will carry in State Forests.  As they will in all criminal endeavors, they will carry concealed until such time as they make use of their weapons.  It is foolish to bind law-abiding folk to operate under similar restriction.  Some people are not always comfortable with concealed-carry, and prefer open carry.  Prohibiting open carry, like prohibiting any carry, only reduces the chances that someone will be in a position to help me or my family one day.  For that matter, I can foresee situations where I would prefer open carry.

I support the new regulation, but I am asking for a hearing on allowing for the open carry of handguns in State Forests.  That would bring State Forests into compliance with a formal opinion (08-043) published in September 2008 by the Virginia Attorney General.