The Legal Risks of Traveling to Ohio Cowboy Mounted Shooting Events: What You Need to Know

The Potential Legal Risks of Traveling to Ohio Cowboy Mounted Shooting Events

Cowboy mounted shooting is a very popular sport. In fact, the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (https://cmsaevents.com/) states that it is the "Fastest Growing Equestrian Sport in the Nation." It combines fast horsemanship with precision shooting. For competitors in the Midwest, Ohio is a major hub for these exciting events.

We actually wrote a blog about this back in December 2024 called "What Is Cowboy Mounted Shooting" (https://srdennisonlaw.com/news/what-is-cowboy-mounted-shooting-39104). Our very own Ohio defense attorney Sallynda Rothchild is a skilled and experienced Cowboy Mounted Shooting cowgirl. You can check out that previous post to learn more about the rules and the types of guns used.

We actually wrote a blog about this back in December 2024 called "What Is Cowboy Mounted Shooting" (https://srdennisonlaw.com/news/what-is-cowboy-mounted-shooting-39104). Our very own Ohio defense attorney Sallynda Rothchild (seen in this photo) is a skilled and experienced Cowboy Mounted Shooting cowgirl. You can check out that previous post to learn more about the rules and the types of guns used.

However, traveling to these competitions comes with responsibilities. Ohio recently shifted to permitless carry. But the laws for transporting firearms remain highly regulated. This applies even to guns used strictly for sporting events. Depending on the details of each case, a simple misunderstanding of the law may lead to trouble. A traffic stop on the way to a shootout may quickly escalate into a weapons charge.

The Draw of Ohio Mounted Shooting Events

Competitors from all over the country travel to Ohio. They participate in events sanctioned by major national organizations. One is the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (https://cmsaevents.com/). Another is the Single Action Shooting Society (https://www.sassnet.com/). According to their official website, SASS is an "international membership organization formed in 1987 to preserve and promote the sport."

Ohio regularly hosts big draws for the sport. This includes CMSA World Qualifier shootouts. Here is the link to the schedule of Events posted by CMSA (https://cmsaevents.com/events/)  These often happen during the annual All American Quarter Horse Congress (https://www.quarterhorsecongress.com/). This event is hosted by the Ohio Quarter Horse Association (https://www.oqha.com/).

Local affiliated clubs run complex arena courses at regional weekend events from April through October. Notable Ohio clubs include:

• The Northern Ohio Outlaws (https://www.nooutlaws.com/). They hold events at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Wooster.
• The Mid Ohio Marauders (https://www.midohiomarauders.com/). They regularly compete at the Madison County Fairgrounds in London and the Ohio State Fair.

Thousands of competitors haul horses and tack and firearms across county and state lines to these events. Local law enforcement is highly active. Ensuring your firearms are transported carefully is just as important as ensuring your horse is ready to ride.

Transporting Firearms and Ohio Revised Code 2923.16

There is a big misconception about Ohio gun laws. Many think that permitless carry means you can transport firearms however you see fit. Transporting your competition revolvers improperly may lead to a serious charge. You could face a charge of Improperly Handling Firearms in a Motor Vehicle.

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.16 (https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2923.16), the rules are strict. It may be illegal to transport a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle if the firearm is accessible. This means accessible to the operator or any passenger without leaving the vehicle.

Even if your firearms are unloaded, Ohio law dictates rules for transport. You will want to read info further to see how the law applies to your specific setup. But generally, an unloaded firearm may need to be carried in specific ways unless you meet exemptions. Here are some of those ways:

• In a closed package or box or case.
• In a compartment that can be reached only by leaving the vehicle. A trunk is a good example.
• In plain sight and secured in a rack or holder made for that purpose.

A competitor might throw a loaded competition revolver into the center console. Or they might leave accessible firearms unsecured in the cab of their truck with their tack and whatnot. In these situations, they may face criminal charges. Potential penalties might range from misdemeanors to felony charges. This depends on the details of each case and the exact circumstances of the traffic stop.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It strictly does not constitute legal advice. Ohio gun laws are highly complex and subject to change. They are applied differently depending on the specific facts of a situation. Reading this article or interacting with this content does not create an attorney client relationship. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this article. You should always seek legal or other professional advice regarding the details of your specific case.

Protect Your Second Amendment Rights

You might be an Ohio resident. Or you might be an out of state competitor traveling to Columbus for a CMSA shootout. Either way, a routine traffic stop should not cost you your freedom. It should not cost you your right to bear arms. Law enforcement may not treat a weapons charge lightly simply because the guns were intended for a sporting event.

You may have been arrested. Or you may be facing weapons charges related to firearm transportation in Ohio. If so, you may need an aggressive defense. Contact criminal defense attorney Sallynda Rothchild at SRD Law Office (https://srdennisonlaw.com/). You can set up a consultation to discuss the details of your case and explore your legal options. To learn more about how we fight for your freedoms, visit our gun rights practice area page (https://srdennisonlaw.com/practice-areas/gun-rights).

Contact Information for Ohio Mounted Shooting Events and Legal Defense

If you are looking to get in touch with local organizations or need legal assistance in Ohio, use the directory below.

• What is the number for SRD Law Office? Call (614) 228-3413 to reach criminal defense attorney Sallynda Rothchild in Columbus OH.
• What is the number for the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association? Call (888) 960-0003 for the national CMSA administrative office.
• What is the number for the Single Action Shooting Society? Call (877) 411-7277 to reach SASS headquarters.
• What is the number for the All American Quarter Horse Congress? Call (614) 505-7200 for event and organizational information in Columbus, OH.
• What is the number for the Northern Ohio Outlaws? Call (330) 205-2054 to connect with this club based in Minerva OH.
• What is the number for the Mid Ohio Marauders? Call (740) 206-7214 to reach this central Ohio mounted shooting club.