Lawful Carry of Weapons at Pennsylvania Game Commission Rifle and Pistol Ranges

We, the undersigned, being interested parties from within and without the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, who make use of Rifle and/or Handgun Ranges situated at State Game Lands, do hereby petition the Pennsylvania Game Commission to make important clarification of the commonly understood enforcement practices of its WCOs and DWCOs, with regards to the possession of loaded firearms away from range firing lines. To wit, Title 58, 135.181 (b)(1), which is linked to from the PGC website, reads:

(b) Prohibited acts. At a rifle and handgun range located on land under Commission ownership, lease or jurisdiction, except when authorized by the appropriate regional director or a designee for military or law enforcement training, it is unlawful to:

(1) Possess a loaded firearm, except at an established shooting station on the firing line.

http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/058/chapter135/subchapJtoc.html

This regulation, while historically on its face in the best interests of peace and order at PGC ranges, is dangerous for those who abide by it as it is commonly understood to still be enforced by WCOs and DWCOs, as shooters must relinquish viable means of protection and then proceed by foot through a considerable distance to and from their targets in order to place, score, and remove same from the backers. Moreover, the PGC regulation is apparently at odds with Title 34, 2525, also linked from the PGC website, which reads:

(a) General rule.--It is lawful for a law enforcement officer or any person who possesses a valid license to carry a firearm issued under 18 Pa.C.S. 6109 (relating to licenses) to be in possession of a loaded or unloaded firearm while engaged in any activity regulated by this title.

(b) Construction.--

(1) This section shall supersede any prohibition on the possession of a firearm or ammunition contained in any other provision of this title.

(2) This subsection shall not be construed to permit the hunting or harvesting of any wildlife with a firearm or ammunition not otherwise permitted by this title.

(c) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:

"Firearm." As defined in 18 Pa.C.S. 6102 (relating to definitions).

"Law enforcement officer." As defined in 18 Pa.C.S. 6102 (relating to definitions).

(Nov. 29, 2006, P.L.1462, No.162, eff. 60 days)
2006 Amendment. Act 162 added section 2525.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=620852&mode=2#2525

Although some details are still sketchy, Todd Getgen, a 42 year old man from Enola, PA was murdered on July 21, 2010 at the PGC range in North Middleton Township, Cumberland County, and an AR-30 type rifle with a .308 caliber silencer in his possession was apparently stolen. One can only surmise that Mr. Getgen, reportedly shot at a distance with his own rifle, was away from his position and at his target, as he was found some 100 yards away from the firing line.

Given the contradictory nature of the two sets of statutes from Titles 34 and 58, we ask in the strongest terms possible that the Pennsylvania Game Commission assist those engaged in the shooting sports at their public ranges to be within the law, while also being in a position to actively defend their lives and the lives of others from those who would prey upon them while at the range.