LAST EDITED ON Jun-07-06 AT 09:35AM (MST)[p]Here is the law in Utah:
"It is unlawful to carry a loaded firearm in or on any vehicle, on any public street, or in a posted prohibited area unless otherwise authorized by law. A pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, or other weapon is deemed to be loaded when there is an unexpended cartridge, shell, or projectile in the firing position. Pistols and revolvers are also deemed to be loaded when an unexpended cartridge, shell, or projectile is in a position whereby the manual operation of any mechanism once would cause the unexpended cartridge, shell, or projectile to be fired. A muzzle-loading firearm is deemed to be loaded when it is capped or primed and has a powder charge and ball or shot in the barrel or cylinders."
Here is the link I got it from:
http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/StateLaws.aspx?ST=UT
So, that means that Bess is right.
I don't currently possess a handgun and have been on the streets in some dangerous place sof cities like Miami, Houston, San Antonio, Midvale, Altamont, Rangley and Meeker, and have not had any occasion to need one. I have also worked in the High Country of Utah extensively and though we had one at all times - there was never a need for it. However we weren't facing grizzlies or wolves - just a few mean looking rock chucks with really sharp teeth! I will definitely carry one whenever I am on horses though - more for humanity than for safety. My uncle had a horse break its leg up there once and he didn't have a pistol - just a knife so he had to cut the horse's neck - he had nightmares about that until the day before he died.
UTROY
Proverbs 21:19 (why I hunt!)