Allowing Open and licensed concealed carrying of handguns in state parks and forests is of no danger to law-abiding citizens and provides Virginia citizens with a measure of suitable armed protection agains two and four legged predators hunting for defenseless prey. Licensed CCW permit holders are trained and have had thorough background investigations don on them by state government law-enforcement agencies. They are only a threat to those who might do permanent physical harm to them (and tose under ones charge) or cause a death to result.
Licensened, law-abiding citizens do not commit crimes. How many illegal shootings have occurred in the commonwealth by licensed CCW permit holders or law-abiding citizens legally carrying a weapon in the open? How about NONE! Statistical data and scientific measuring not only show no abuses of the privileges by those legally carrying sidearms, but it can be reasonably inferred that their armed presence acts as a crime deterrent.
I strongly support the petition to allow firearms to be legally worn in VA state parks and forests. Please do the same!
C. W. Nesby, Capt., USN (ret.)