Gentlemen and Ladies,

Please consider amending your regulations to allow Virginia concealed handgun permit holders to carry a concealed handgun in state forests.  This would conform with national forest regulations and with the recent decision to allow concealed carry in national parks.  I actually obtained my carry permit so that I could carry in national forests for protection from an encounter with a rabid/agressive animal or feral dog.  I have experienced one problem with a feral dog pack in Smythe county many years ago and would have been in serious trouble had it not been hunting season and me being armed.  I hope to never have another experience of that nature and have no intention of firing a weapon again in either fear or anger.  I know that there needs to be some limitations on carry areas, especially in high population zones, but feel this should be on a case-by-case basis not a general ban.  I appreciate your time and consideration in this matter.

Respectfully.

Lewis Pugh, 10221 Grapefield Road, Bastian, VA 24314, (276)688-3556