Proper transport of privately owned weapons Published Aug. 30, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Roger Butler 5th Security Forces Squadron MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- With hunting season coming up, it's time to reflect on what Airmen and their families can and cannot do in regards to carrying and transporting privately owned firearms on base. It is important base personnel are aware of base rules and regulations concerning privately owned firearms. Pistols and revolvers are to be holstered or cased. When transporting firearms, personnel will carry them in an unloaded and unconcealed manner. All firearms will be transported in the trunk or rearmost interior part of the vehicle, however gun racks may also be used with vehicles if equipped. The only exception to this rule applies to federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel who may carry firearms in a concealed manner for official duty purposes. Off-base military or civilian personnel may only transport firearms on-base to engage in authorized activities such as target shooting, skeet, trap shooting, and hunting immediately after duty hours. These personnel are allowed to store their weapons in the trunk or rearmost interior part of the vehicle where it is out of sight and must be secured, preventing access to the stored weapons. Personal weapons may only be stored like this during duty hours on the days the owner is to participate in such events. If properly licensed, hunters may only store legal hunting weaponry, ammunition, and knives in this manner as well, only during valid North Dakota state hunting seasons. If it becomes necessary for an off-base resident to store their firearm on-base overnight, the 5th Security Forces Squadron armory will be utilized for storage. Such an event may occur due to inclement weather. Transporting, carrying or storing weapons in a vehicle on base is the same for everyone military or civilian. Personnel living in military family housing are authorized to transport personal firearms from their housing to an authorized facility or directly off the installation. All other personnel are authorized to transport their personal firearm to an approved facility, directly off base or the 5th SFS armory for storage. The same rules apply for those returning from off base and entering the installation with a firearm. Stopping for a quick shop at the Exchange, Shoppette or Commissary is not an authorized reason when transporting a firearm. Proper firearm storage must be made prior to entering the installation and it must be taken directly to the armory or to MFH. Conceal to carry permits are not valid once on base. On-or off-base military or civilian personnel are not authorized to carry or transport concealed weapons on base. For further information regarding ownership of privately owned firearms, please contact 5th SFS police services at 723-2727/3092.