Has anyone out there been stopped on Indian reservation land? I have a Enhanced Concealed Carry Permit from the state of South Dakota which gives me reciprocity in 32 states. Since we have several Indian reservations in our state I feel it would be important to get an answer to this issue. This last year they had blocked traffic out in western South Dakota. There are also Indian casinos in a lot of states, so what would happen if your EDC was stored in your vehicle if visiting one? I would hate to be stopped by a Tribal Officer and find out that I was in for a long and costly ordeal.
I worked for a company that sold goods to the businesses on Indian land, and know that they will cross out any terminology referring to collections, payments, or repossessions by any state court and only honor decisions by federal courts.
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Welcome to the community!
I have done a lot of work on tribal lands. Believe most tribes have different rules. Some follow the state laws in which they are located. Though even on those that do I have heard of tribal officers confiscating firearms and requiring the people to return with proof of ownership in order to hopefully get their firearm back. I have a copy of the purchase receipt that I carry in my vehicle just in case. But not disclosing that you are carrying MAY be the best bet if state and tribal laws allow you not to and the situation allows for discretion.
Probably best to contact the authorities for the tribal lands you are passing through for specific info. If they give you a positive email response it is a good idea to print it out and carry it with you.
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Good advice from shamrock.as far as I know if on state road mostly ok on tribal land not so much. Best to check out your area beforehand as stated.
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According to my USCCA instructor, it’s illegal to carry on tribal land.
Here in New Mexico, it’s almost impossible to go anywhere without crossing tribal land. Just driving between Santa Fe south to Albuquerque or north to Taos, you’ll pass through several pueblos.
Some parts of roads like NM-599 between Santa Fe and Taos are patrolled by tribal police. They can cite you for moving violations on the state highway, for example. But… are interstates and state highways tribal land or state property? And what is the extent of tribal police powers? I think the answer isn’t necessarily clear, but what I wouldn’t do when pulled over is turn off the state highway onto a side road that will definitely put you on tribal land.
Years ago, I’m told, one pueblo tried to restrict travel on 599, claiming it was tribal land, but that didn’t last long. It didn’t stop them from the attempt, though.
Here’s a brief article from Vigilant Firearms, where I took my USCCA CCW class, that may help a bit:
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Welcome to the family brother @Randy86 and you are blessed to be here.
Thanks for the info Alces_Americanus. This seems to be a very gray area as was the case when I received my first conceal carry permit here in SD in the 70’s. At that time I was told by more than one attorney and law enforcement officers that the tolerance in one city and another would vary, and you could be detained for a concealed firearm. Since that time I have always carried concealed, and adhered to the mindset that I do not advertise that I am carrying. Adhering to the speed limits and laws has enabled me to remain free of trouble with authorities.
Years ago I operated a wrecker picking up cars, tractors for several freight lines , and doing repossessions for a finance company. This involved crossing state lines (3 states) to pick up vehicles at all hours by myself, and in the case of repossessions extremely unhappy I was taking their vehicle. There was a retired Sherriff that frequented the establishment I worked at, and I had asked him about carrying across state lines to which he came back with an answer I’ve heard many times since then. “I’d rather have it and need it, that not have it and need it.”, and then added that if I quoted him he would deny it.
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IANAL. Do the speed limit, do nothing stupid, and just get from one side of the rez to the other. You can’t be stopped without cause.
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I’m planning to visit parts of Arizona, particularly Sedona, from Las Vegas.
I’ve been to the Grand Canyon twice in the past so I’m now headed in the other direction.
Call me ignorant but I must ask, how does one know they’re crossing reservation land?
Thanks in advance.
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Watch for road signs. We have them here in NM: Entering the Pueblo of Pojoaque. You are subject to all tribal laws… etc. etc.
I think you’re okay if you remain on state or federal highways, but I’ve heard people say don’t get off federal property (like an off ramp) if a tribal cop pulls you over, or else you are on tribal land. Sure would be great to get a definitive answer about this scenario, however.
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There are signs on all the main throughways as far as I can remember. But sometimes they are small and easy to miss when you are looking at the scenery. The most direct route from Vegas to Sedona does not cross any reservation lands.
I use a map app called Gaia that allows me to load layers that show reservation lands and public lands. It also has trail, road and a whole bunch of other layers which can come in very handy. But it is expensive and there may be cheaper options.
Enjoy Sedona. The main attractions can be super busy, especially on the weekends, though often worth dealing with for the views. But there are lots of areas where you can get away from the bigger crowds and really enjoy the canyon and desert country. Might want to bring some Orange to wear if you plan on backcountry hiking away from the tourist zone. Too many hunting seasons to keep track of in AZ.
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