How to transport your guns legally
CPOs statewide are often asked to explain the laws regarding
the legal transportation of firearms in the state of Illinois.
Changes in gun laws and the penalties associated with the laws, along
with growing public support for stricter gun regulations has got the
interest of many sportsmen around the state. CPOs statewide support
Illinois citizens' right to possess firearms and strive to protect
these rights through teaching and education provided in a variety of
Safety Classes and publications. Our stance on firearms is as
simple and to the point as the Wildlife Laws that address the
topic...safety, common sense, and the extra time to ensure that both
are always followed. The transportation laws are simple:
You must be in possession of your valid F.O.I.D. (Firearm Owner's Identification) card obtained through the IL State Police.
The firearm must be completely unloaded.
The firearm must be completely enclosed in a case designed to carry a firearm.
Although the transportation laws do not effect sportsmen any
differently than they have in the past, there is now more of nationwide
emphasize on firearms and firearm safety. If a sportsman follows these
simple rules in Illinois and encourages others to participate we will
all be able to enjoy hunting and other activities involving firearms
for many years to come.
Other
questions associated to firearms transportation regards the placement
of the firearm and ammunition within the vehicle or conveyance
(ATVs, snowmobiles, farming equipment, boats, planes, horses, etc). If
these three laws are all followed the firearm can be anywhere in or on
the vehicle. The ammunition can be placed anywhere in the conveyance
including on your person, or in the firearm case...but not in the
firearm. It is important to remember common sense at this point, and
remember where you may be located, or where your conveyance may be
operated after your weekend hunting trip. A CPO in the field will treat
a cased firearm located beside you on the passenger seat differently
than a municipal police officer during a routine traffic stop. Remember
using common sense can avoid a very awkward situation for yourself and
any family members/passengers who may accompany you!
Another question asked by sportsmen deals with the punishments for
violating the firearm transportation laws. For example a common what if
question: I forget to completely zip the gun case after hunting will I
be charged with a felony...NO. A provision in the Criminal Code
provides an exemption for licensed hunters, trappers, or fishermen
while engaging in those activities from being charged with a felony in
that situation. You may be charged with a Class B misdemeanor under the
Wildlife Code punishable by a fine up to $1500 and/ or up to 6 months
in jail. The firearm is subject to confiscation at the time of the
offense and possible court sanctioned forfeiture following any future
court proceedings.
We are often
asked to define a "firearm case". Definition as follows: a
container specifically designed for the purpose of housing a firearm or
bow and arrow device which completely encloses it by being zipped,
snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened with no portion of the
firearm or bow exposed. A simple cloth sock type case with a tie at the
end, all the way up to a metal type case with a lock used for airline
travel will meet the firearm case requirements to transport in the
state of Illinois. A padlock which locks the cables of a bow making it
nonfunctional also is accepted in place of a case.
All firearms should be handled with care and respect, and every firearm
should be treated as if it were loaded. Take the time to become
familiar with the firearm before taking it a field, go to a local range
accompanied by someone experienced with the firearm. Rushing and lack
of preparation creates a dangerous situation for not only the firearm
owner, but everyone involved. Remember CPOs teach and encourage safety
and common sense with all firearms at all times, we ask that you
participate in the transportation laws and basic firearm safety and
help educate others by example, to ensure that all everyone has a safe
and enjoyable hunting season!
You must be in possession of your valid F.O.I.D. (Firearm Owner's Identification) card obtained through the IL State Police.
The firearm must be completely unloaded.
The firearm must be completely enclosed in a case designed to carry a firearm.
Article by Southern County Conservation Officer Steve Vasicek and Southern CPO Wichern
