Expert: n/a - 6/4/2008

Question
     Until recently I was under the impression that it was my lawfull right to
carry a hangun
in a hip holster for my safety an protection whenever I am in the act of
hunting or fishing
with a vaid licence. last friday I was fishinga secluded stream in Whiskeytown
National
Recreation Area  with my girlfriend. I had my legal/registered handgun in
plain view on
my hip for our protection from bears and especially mountain lions which are
very
abundant in this area.  We were approached by a park ranger why issued me
a $275
citation for carrying a weapon. I have been unable to find any literature
regarding this type
of law within the park and I am planning on contesting the citation in court

Answer
It depends on who owns the Park.  Seems like you were on State property and most local Governments do not allow Firearms in their Parks.  Most States do not allow you to carry a handgun open no matter where you are.  You never mentioned if you had a Carry Concealed Permit or not, which wont matter if firearms are not allowed in the park.