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OpenCarry.org - Discussion Forum > Stories From The States > Wyoming > Coming to WY in June '09 - help!
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| OpenCarry.org - Discussion Forum > Stories From The States > Wyoming > Coming to WY in June '09 - help!
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| Moderated by: jpierce | ||
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BB62 State Researcher
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The last time I was in WY was about 30 years ago - what a BEAUTIFUL state! At that time we arrived in Cheyenne, and went to Grand Teton & Yellowstone NP, saw Devil's Tower and Mt. Rushmore, and I ate my first buffalo burger! I have VERY, VERY fond memories of the trip. I want to expose my son to the greatness of the West, so we are planning a trip next June to the following places, and I would greatly appreciate alternate destination suggestions and OC advice: Day 1 - Fly into Rapid City, IA (late in day) Day 2 - Mt Rushmore (hiking?) Day 3 - Deadwood (see bison?) Day 4 - Devil's Tower (hiking?) Day 5 - Sheridan Day 6 - Cody Day 7, 8 & 9 - Yellowstone (besides Old Faithful & the Falls - activity suggestions?) Day 10 & 11 - Grand Teton (maybe a raft trip - other activity suggestions?) Day 12 - Jackson Day 13 - fly out of Jackson There are two things I would love to do, but I'm not sure if there is the time: 1) see the Little Big Horn Battlefield, and 2) get to Casper for the Trail Museum and Guernsey to see the wagon wheel tracks (are there other places to see them?). I would *greatly* appreciate suggestions/alternative destinations, and anything you think I should know about OCing in WY. I've read over the past year's worth of WY threads, and it sure seems like an OC paradise outside of Cheyenne and Jackson, but would appreciate advice otherwise. If it can be arranged, I would love to meet one or more of you WY OCers. Thank very much for any help and advice offered. Last edited on Fri Nov 21st, 2008 08:53 pm by BB62 |
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vonu Regular Member
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BB62 wrote:Fly into Rapid City, IA (late in day) Assuming that you are planning on OC while you are traveling, you should be extremely careful with the flying since that is under the control of the very anti-OC TSA. Yellowstone and Grand Teton are very anti-OC, being anti-possession. T'was me, I'd drive. If you are already aware of all of this, enjoy:-) Last edited on Sun Nov 23rd, 2008 04:07 pm by vonu |
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mdguy90 Regular Member 
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I live in Jackson, so I can tell you what i know from my experiences here. the thing about the parks is that they either need to be cased and unloaded, or if you don't have a case it must be broken down. If you're coming to Jackson you should really check out the Bar J chuckwagon. they serve you a "cowboy dinner" and entertain with music and stuff, a really funny show. I OC'd there without a problem. The rest of Jackson is fine, except for one store (stone drug). Other then that, no one has ever had a problem with my OC'ing. If I'm still here in June (college and stuff), I'll let you know. hope this helps a bit |
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vonu Regular Member
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mdguy90 wrote:I live in Jackson, so I can tell you what i know from my experiences here. The last time I was in Jackson, there were rumors going around that there was going to be a Walgreen's built across the creek from the Dollar Tree. Was that true? If so, maybe Stone's will become more OC friendly, if they survive. Last edited on Sat Nov 29th, 2008 05:33 pm by vonu |
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mdguy90 Regular Member
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Well there is a construction site being built, not near dollar tree though. I don't think its a walgreens. I've only been living here since July, so I don't quite know all the news |
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vonu Regular Member
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mdguy90 wrote:Well there is a construction site being built, not near dollar tree though. I don't think its a walgreens. I've only been living here since July, so I don't quite know all the news That was my best thought. I always thought it was strange for a gunshop to have a no-guns sticker on the door, and Stone's had a lot of other rather strange policies for an endangered enterprise. |
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BB62 State Researcher
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mdguy90 wrote: I live in Jackson, so I can tell you what i know from my experiences here. Hey! Thanks for the N.P. information, and the offer - I may take you up on it, depending on how things are going. Do you or anyone else have suggestions (or alternate stopping points) of things to see in WY? Thanks again. |
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opusd2 Regular Member
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Just a little SouthWest of Lusk is the grave of a prostitute on an old unpaved road. When I lived in Cheyenne, I took the motorcycle for a ride one day and visited the sight. I think it is still there... BTW, I never really had any problems OCing in Cheyenne. But then again I never got into any touristy stuff, and pretty much fit in with the locals I met. I highly recommend touring the area on a cycle, there is no finer way to experience the West. |
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BB62 State Researcher
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opusd2 wrote: ...I highly recommend touring the area on a cycle, there is no finer way to experience the West. I agree with you wholeheartedly, and I appreciate the suggestion, but with my wife, son and a fair amount of luggage, now won't be the time. I saw "A River Runs Through It' last week for the first time. WOW. I can't wait for our vacation! |
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vonu Regular Member
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BB62 wrote:opusd2 wrote:...I highly recommend touring the area on a cycle, there is no finer way to experience the West. I don't know about anywhere else, but there's a bicycle rental place in Cody, FWIW. |
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opusd2 Regular Member
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I did mean motorcycle, but I guess if you like going out on a pedal bike then go for it. My main bike right now is a Sportster 883R and I managed to go cross country a few times as well as across the Front Range constantly while loaded up with gear and never had a problem getting on. But you will want to rejet if you go into the higher mountains as you will be running too rich. And a small set of saddlebags draped across the tank will compliment the ones across the rear of the bike, and it also makes for a handy place to set your sidearm. Some saddlebags have a holster built right in, but then you're advertising. |
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vonu Regular Member
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opusd2 wrote:I did mean motorcycle, but I guess if you like going out on a pedal bike then go for it. My main bike right now is a Sportster 883R and I managed to go cross country a few times as well as across the Front Range constantly while loaded up with gear and never had a problem getting on. But you will want to rejet if you go into the higher mountains as you will be running too rich. And a small set of saddlebags draped across the tank will compliment the ones across the rear of the bike, and it also makes for a handy place to set your sidearm. Some saddlebags have a holster built right in, but then you're advertising. I figured cycle meant bicycle. Bike would be different. A motorcycle doesn't really solve the problem of speeding past things instead of proceeding at a more sightseeing pace. Bicycles don't cause grass fires. |
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opusd2 Regular Member
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You don't have to fly on a cycle, and you should ride on the road. As a rider I understand that where others may not. |
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vonu Regular Member
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opusd2 wrote:You don't have to fly on a cycle, and you should ride on the road. As a rider I understand that where others may not. You should see where mountain bicycle riders go. Because they lack the internal combustion engine, they avoid the regulatory nexus which is bedeviling snowmobiles. Last edited on Fri Dec 12th, 2008 11:48 pm by vonu |
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opusd2 Regular Member
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It's also affecting motorcycles as well. The EPA has clamped down on a lot of the technology used in smaller engines, down to lawnmowers. Look for missing carbs on bikes now, it's going to FI. My Hardley runs very clean for a carb'd unit, but then again I've been working on those things since I was a kid. I didn't mean to get off topic or on a flame match. It was a knee jerk reaction to a lot of BS I put up with from SUV drivers getting 17 mpg in their behemoths when my "ancient" 73 Ford PU get's that mileage in a beastly imprint. The topic is firearm related, and so I will keep it there. But on that note, I have never had a problem with carrying in any fashion while living out in WY and wish I was still there and not lured back to WI under false pretenses by the X. I'd still be out there since a lot of WY residents live the way I do; enjoying life in a common (or not so common anymore) sense way. Even open carrying out in the open on a motorcycle has never given me a problem, and I rode all over the area without hesitation. |
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MamaLiberty Regular Member
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I open carry a .45 at all times here in Wyoming and South Dakota. I'm also a certified NRA instructor for handguns, self defense, concealed carry and Range Safety officers. If you'd like to learn more about Wyoming and meet some great people, visit the Free State Wyoming forum and introduce yourself. http://www.fundamentalsoffreedom.com/fswforum/index.php We'll be having a campout in Newcastle, WY (near the NE corner) the third weekend of June. Get the details as they are available at the forum. Hope to see you in Wyoming! |
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opusd2 Regular Member
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Hope to see you all there too! This may just be a pipe dream at this point, but I am working on finding a way to move back out there, hopefully this coming year. At this point it's just a dream, but one I have been secretly working on the details for a while. Since it' no longer a secret, not to everyone - just my girlfriend, all I ask is that no one tells her. Ha ha! She doesn't read the forums or go on my computer, so I think I may be safe... But at the very least, a camping trip on the bike may be a good placation for the time being... |
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BB62 State Researcher
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After reading this thread: http://opencarry.mywowbb.com/view_topic.php?id=16239&forum_id=58&msg=3 I am concerned that OC in WY is not as legally defensible as I previously thought it was. For example, Ohio's preemption clearly states that "carry" is part of the preemption, but Wyoming's does not. IF I choose to OC while in your fine state, and am stopped, what law(s) do I cite as supportive of the legality of my carry method? Thank you! |
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vonu Regular Member
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BB62 wrote:After reading this thread: |
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BB62 State Researcher
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vonu wrote: I would think that this specific language from the Wyoming Constitution might be helpful: I would like to think so too, but that hasn't worked so well with the US Bill of Rights, eh? |
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vonu Regular Member
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BB62 wrote:vonu wrote:I would think that this specific language from the Wyoming Constitution might be helpful: This one is more specific and less convoluted than 2A, so is easier to argue. |
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Paladin Regular Member
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BB62 wrote: The last time I was in WY was about 30 years ago - what a BEAUTIFUL state!Day 1 – Fly into Rapid City, IA (late in day) I would fly into Rapid City, SD. It’s a lot closer to Mt. Rushmore than Iowa. Go to Deadwood in the afternoon and evening. Just kidding about Iowa, but had to mention it. Day 2 – Mt. Rushmore and Devils Tower on the way to Sheridan. It only takes so long to look them over. Figure an hour or so at DT. Day 3 & 4– Once in Sheridan, take a look at the King Rope museum downtown. It’s free and not too big, but is real interesting. Much for the wife and kids to do if they tire of the museum. Lunch at the Sheridan Inn if it’s still open, if not, try Sanford’s downtown. It’s about 45 minutes or so to Crow Agency, Montana and Custer Battle Field. Worth the trip and you will be able to hike all you want there while going over the battle field. Plan on most of the day. Day 4 & 5– Head to Casper. I have a buddy there that was the first one to take real hand built Conestoga wagons to Oregon in modern times. You can ride in hand built wagons (he made all of them) on part of the actual old Oregon Trail. There are several old forts and such to see in Casper. PM me if you want details. He does 1, 3, 5 or 7 day trips in the wagons. I don’t think he’s ever seen me without a sidearm on, so no problem there. Alternate Day 5 – Head west over the Big Horns at Ranchester on the way to Cody. Go due west at Burgess Junction on Alt 14 and stop at the Medicine Wheel. More hiking than you will want, but worth the effort. The view from up there is grand, to say the least. The same when you get to the west side of the Big Horns and look out across the basin toward Cody. Day 5 & 6– Head west out of Casper to Shoshoni. Don’t stop in Shoshoni at the Fast Stop – they are NOT GUN FRIENDLY. I open carried in that store for nearly 30 years until about 8 months ago. Another story. Turn right in Shoshoni north to Thermopolis and the Wind River Canyon – Awesome sights there. Thermop has the world’s largest mineral hot springs. Stay a day and soak up the “health benefits” of the mineral water. See the Dinosaur Museum and the African game animals at the Holiday Inn (ok, not a major tourist sight, but a nice exhibit). Alternative Day 6 – Red Gulch Dinosaur Track Site between Greybull and Shell. Hiking and time spent traveling to and from. Day 7 & 8– Cody. Plan on 2 days. The first day at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center – 5 museums under one roof. The Plains Indian Museum, Winchester Gun Museum, Western Art Museum (Remington, Russell, etc.), Museum of Natural History, and one other that slips my mind. The museum will ask you to remove your firearm, but they provide lockers to place it in so you don’t have to go back to the car. The rest of the day at the Irma Hotel and downtown shops. A gunfight in the street every evening, and a PRCA rodeo every night. White water raft down the Shoshone River with one of the outfitters there. If you make it on June 11-14, come to John Linebaugh’s Handgun Seminar and do some 750 yard pistol shooting. Day 9, 10, & 11 – Yellowstone. Unless you already have reservations in the park, plan on staying either in Cody or Gardner, Montana. Chico Hot Springs is a neat old place. Plan on seeing a lot of taillights from the cars ahead of you while in Yellowstone, stopping every time some living thing gets near the road, or within eyesight of an eagle. Plan on spending a lot of time parked on the road. Day 12 – Gran Teton Park & Jackson’s Hole. I haven’t spent much time there since there’s a lot of other things to do, I end up driving through and not even stopping. I don’t know if there is rafting there or not. As a matter of fact, I live 53 miles from the east gate of Yellowstone and haven’t been there in 20 years. Too many people during the summer and closed in the winter. Besides, there’s a no reason for me to go there as it’s a dead end unless you’re going to Jackson’s Hole as you are. Day 13 – Fly away. Don’t be concerned about open carrying anywhere. I’ve pointed out a couple of open carry items in the itinerary. If anyone should happen to bring anything up about your sidearm, simply remind them that Wyoming’s constitution allows unencumbered use of firearms, and we do in fact have a preemption law, regardless of what the current AG has to say about it. I’ve OC’d all over the state for 30 years and can count on one hand the questions/problems I’ve had, and those should be in a separate post since some may be worth repeating. I hope this helps. I live in Cody and you won't have a problem OC'ing there. There are several of us that OC. I do it every day, and have been in almost every business in town at one time or another. It's just not an issue. Any questions, feel free to PM. Have a good trip, David Last edited on Sun Mar 1st, 2009 06:05 am by Paladin |
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Paladin Regular Member
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Here is a link to my buddies trail rides that do the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, and others. http://www.historictrailswest.com/ |
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BB62 State Researcher
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Paladin wrote: BB62 wrote:The last time I was in WY was about 30 years ago - what a BEAUTIFUL state!...Day 1 – Fly into Rapid City, IA (late in day) ROFL! Hey, I had my heart set on IA, but I guess you're right! hehe Well, at least ONE person read my post carefully. :-) Thanks for the suggestions - I very much appreciate them. I will PM you, hopefully this week. Last edited on Mon Mar 2nd, 2009 09:51 pm by BB62 |
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