Per the National Forest Service, state law controls on this issue: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5066182.pdf Shawnee National Forest specific: http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/shawnee/recreation/hunting It sounds like they want firearms unloaded and cased when in recreational areas. Not sure if this is a mandate or a request. There is a number you could call to ask. For National Parks, the NRA has a good webpage: http://www.nraila.org/news-issues/fact-sheets/2010/firearms-regulations-in-national-parks.aspx Here is a line copied from the first link: The second exception to this law allows people with a concealed weapon permit to carry a loaded, concealed, handgun either on their person or in their vehicle while on National Forest. This does not apply if the person is engaged in a primitive weapons season or chase only season. But, as always, state and local laws apply. http://dnr.state.il.us/law3/Documents/ConcealedCarryQnA.pdf