I strongly favor legalizing the carrying of concealed handguns, with permits, in State Forests. Since July of 1995, when Virginia went to a shall-issue permit system, the percentage of permit carriers who have behaved in a sufficiently irresponsible or criminal fashion to have their permits revoked, is statistically negligible.

I would also like to point out that from the standpoint of self-defense, and of criminal behavior, there is no difference between a State Forest, a state park, a mall, a movie theater, or a restaurant. Allowing me to carry in a State Forest will have no effect on others there (with the possible exception of someone trying to assault or harm me).