|
Post by melcher81 on Jul 22, 2023 1:29:08 GMT
Anyone know if it's illegal to carry a sword into a state park in Virginia? We're looking at doing an armored photo shoot on some trails and google has conflicting information. Sorry if this is the wrong forum section
|
|
|
Post by eastman on Jul 22, 2023 2:25:19 GMT
Depending on the park system and the use for the photos, you may also need a permit from the park to do a photoshoot. That is a side effect of a lot of wedding photographers using parks for photos and leaving a mess behind.
|
|
|
Post by JonSchwertFechter on Jul 22, 2023 10:50:19 GMT
Melcher:- what part of Virginia if I may Ask?
|
|
|
Post by melcher81 on Jul 22, 2023 11:02:47 GMT
Melcher:- what part of Virginia if I may Ask? Virginia Beach First Landing
|
|
|
Post by JonSchwertFechter on Jul 22, 2023 11:05:15 GMT
okay. very cool. I'm in the Central ( a little outside of Richmond) Area
|
|
tera
Moderator
Posts: 1,661
|
Post by tera on Jul 22, 2023 17:08:37 GMT
It might make sense to contact the park authorities and let them know what you'd like to do, ask if it's legal, if any paoerwoek is required, and if they're cool with it.
That way, even if you confirm it is legal from other sources, if LEOs get strange calls about people with armor and swords in the park the day of the photoshoot, they'll know about it instead of showing up all tense and hands-resting-on-pistols.
|
|
|
Post by randomnobody on Jul 22, 2023 18:59:07 GMT
okay. very cool. I'm in the Central ( a little outside of Richmond) Area How far outside? I'm about five minutes down 360 to the city...
As to OP's question, I'm ashamed to admit I've never really looked into the laws for public sword wearing in this state. Well, I might have as a teenager, but that would be decades ago now. I know a lot of knife laws have loosened, and concealed carry has done weird things, but I think the biggest problem you'll have is not the law itself, but bystanders and any private businesses who feel impacted by some guy swinging a sword about.
Seconding the suggestions of contacting appropriate parties (park ownership, if applicable, local law enforcement, etc) to receive written permits, just to be safe.
|
|
|
Post by toddstratton1 on Jul 22, 2023 23:57:48 GMT
Reach out to local PD and let them know you wanted to do a photoshoot with swords and what rules are etc. Also helps to give advance notice because you don't want them rushing over after getting complaints of a crazy person running around with a sword in the park lol
|
|
|
Post by RufusScorpius on Jul 23, 2023 11:32:08 GMT
I live in Virginia Beach and I can tell you that the law is vague at best. Swords aren't really high on the list of weapons that interest law makers and law enforcement.
Generally speaking, it's permitted except for the usual places where all weapons are banned (hospitals, courthouses, etc). However, CONTEXT IS KEY. If you are clearly dressed accordingly and taking photos or engaging in martial arts or reenactment, then nobody is going to bat an eye. If you are waving it around at the 7-11 or down on 17th street, then no, that's going to involve you having a conversation with law enforcement.
As mentioned, contact the park and get permission for the photo shoot, that's the bigger issue here.
Behave yourself, don't conceal it, and you shouldn't have any problem.
|
|
|
Post by melcher81 on Jul 30, 2023 1:10:29 GMT
I actually lost this thread as I think it was moved. Thanks everyone, we ended up not doing a photoshoot but get get a nice hike in armor. The few weapons carried never created an issue and we ran into two types of people. Most said hi and chatted the rest completely avoided eye contact. It was a lot of fun
|
|
|
Post by randomnobody on Jul 30, 2023 1:56:13 GMT
Most said hi and chatted the rest completely avoided eye contact. Sounds about right. Where'd you go? Somewhere local? My girlfriend has an on-and-off interest in hiking; if it's a place nearby we haven't been, we might check it out.
|
|
|
Post by treeslicer on Jul 30, 2023 4:48:19 GMT
I actually lost this thread as I think it was moved. Thanks everyone, we ended up not doing a photoshoot but get get a nice hike in armor. The few weapons carried never created an issue and we ran into two types of people. Most said hi and chatted the rest completely avoideSCd eye contact. It was a lot of fun Contact your local SCA group and ask them where it's cool to carry swords. VA is in the Kingdom of Atlantia, so you'll be looking for a shire or barony in that kingdom. atlantia.sca.org/ SCA
|
|
|
Post by melcher81 on Jul 30, 2023 14:34:59 GMT
Most said hi and chatted the rest completely avoided eye contact. Sounds about right. Where'd you go? Somewhere local? My girlfriend has an on-and-off interest in hiking; if it's a place nearby we haven't been, we might check it out. First Landing park I believe was the name
|
|
|
Post by melcher81 on Jul 30, 2023 14:36:01 GMT
I actually lost this thread as I think it was moved. Thanks everyone, we ended up not doing a photoshoot but get get a nice hike in armor. The few weapons carried never created an issue and we ran into two types of people. Most said hi and chatted the rest completely avoideSCd eye contact. It was a lot of fun Contact your local SCA group and ask them where it's cool to carry swords. VA is in the Kingdom of Atlantia, so you'll be looking for a shire or barony in that kingdom. atlantia.sca.org/ SCAI'm actually part of Atlantia, I only do horse events with the SCA though
|
|
|
Post by randomnobody on Jul 30, 2023 14:38:57 GMT
First Landing park I believe was the name Ah, out in Virginia Beach. Bit of a trek for us (2 hours in good traffic) but we get out that way sometimes. If we go again soon, I'll have to remember to check out the park. Seems like you had a good time, anyway.
|
|
|
Post by JonSchwertFechter on Aug 1, 2023 21:30:43 GMT
okay. very cool. I'm in the Central ( a little outside of Richmond) Area How far outside? I'm about five minutes down 360 to the city...
As to OP's question, I'm ashamed to admit I've never really looked into the laws for public sword wearing in this state. Well, I might have as a teenager, but that would be decades ago now. I know a lot of knife laws have loosened, and concealed carry has done weird things, but I think the biggest problem you'll have is not the law itself, but bystanders and any private businesses who feel impacted by some guy swinging a sword about.
Seconding the suggestions of contacting appropriate parties (park ownership, if applicable, local law enforcement, etc) to receive written permits, just to be safe.
Hi RAndom: appologies for the delayed response.that's cool, i know that area. At first I thought Mechanicsville but as you said about five minutes to the city then maybe closer to East Highland Park or Raceway area? -just curious- for me Im at about 6'O'clock from you - Eastern Henrico- other side of the Airport- Kinda near the boonies. but still not far, Nice to know another member is nearby.:)
|
|
pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
|
Post by pgandy on Aug 1, 2023 22:38:00 GMT
Those names bring back memories. I grew up there. But that was ¾ of a century ago and the last time through I could hardly recognize the place. ☹
|
|
|
Post by randomnobody on Aug 2, 2023 0:46:31 GMT
How far outside? I'm about five minutes down 360 to the city...
As to OP's question, I'm ashamed to admit I've never really looked into the laws for public sword wearing in this state. Well, I might have as a teenager, but that would be decades ago now. I know a lot of knife laws have loosened, and concealed carry has done weird things, but I think the biggest problem you'll have is not the law itself, but bystanders and any private businesses who feel impacted by some guy swinging a sword about.
Seconding the suggestions of contacting appropriate parties (park ownership, if applicable, local law enforcement, etc) to receive written permits, just to be safe.
Hi RAndom: appologies for the delayed response.that's cool, i know that area. At first I thought Mechanicsville but as you said about five minutes to the city then maybe closer to East Highland Park or Raceway area? -just curious- for me Im at about 6'O'clock from you - Eastern Henrico- other side of the Airport- Kinda near the boonies. but still not far, Nice to know another member is nearby. Actually, you were right the first time. Been here in Mechanicsville for nigh-on 18 years. I may have undershot the time into the city proper, but it's not long at all. I just changed jobs from the shopping center on Bell Creek to a place off Parham and Staples Mill; my commute went from 8 minutes to 25, but I go back roads to miss traffic. 95 is not my idea of smooth travel. I'd suggest we meet up at some point but I don't know where lol. Those names bring back memories. I grew up there. But that was ¾ of a century ago and the last time through I could hardly recognize the place. ☹ Small world. Heck, this town has changed drastically just in the last five years, I can't imagine how different it was 75 years ago. Shoot, Dave Kelly lives in the Petersburg area and used to work not far from where I live now. Crazy how tiny this world really is.
|
|