Apparently Bush has decided to allow concealed loaded guns in our National Parks now.
Stryker
Guns in National Parks
system
#3
I have not heard any thing about Bush allowing guns in NP. Where did you get your information at stryker?
tigger
system
#4
US Dept. of Interior pdf: http://www.doi.gov/issues/Final%20Rule.pdf
US Dept. of Interior news release: http://www.doi.gov/news/08_News_Releases/120508.html
The new rule applies to both national parks and federal wildlife refuges. The requirement is possession of a concealed weapons permit for the state in which the park is located. Most states have strict licensing and training requirements for concealed weapons permits.
Existing laws regarding poaching, target practice and guns in federal buildings still apply.
grannyhiker
system
#6
Cowards carry guns… Why in the world would you even want to visit a park that you think you might need a gun??
Bubble Boy
system
#7
just like a seatbelt…if you need it and dont have it, you might not live to tell the tale.
jimmy
system
#8
This outta bring all the fear mongers out from under their rocks … ;^)
That “you’re more likely to kill family members & friends” stat is total BS - everybody knows that … but they keep saying it over and over hoping it will eventually become a fact.
Let’s get some religion mixed with in this discussion - don’t wanna leave any rocks undisturbed.
SloHiker
system
#9
Hey Bubble Boy! I guess the couple that was attacked on the AT by a guy with a knife which resulted in her rape and murder and her boyfriends death were cowards? How about the female hiker that was beheaded in Georia? It might be a very good idea for the bad guys to wonder if hikers have protection. Be real
fast eddie
system
#10
Has everyone lost their insight. I can carry a gun anywhere in the U.S. as a retired Federal Agent. Why would I add to the weight as an ultra light backpacker. Makes no sense. Get a life and get off this issue. This is a hiking forum. Golite!
Ned the Fed
system
#11
It’s a bit disquieting to be reading some of the comments here. This is a solution looking for a problem. What exactly was wrong with old policy?
As for carrying guns for “safety”… Two incidents - while tragic - don’t change the big picture fact that such incidents in the backcountry are rare, and could possibly have been more effectively prevented with via a small pepper spray canister.
If gun-carrying were to really become widespread in the hiking community, it’d be the end of trail magic, hitchhiking, and just plain old conversation with people you hardly know. Do you really think that paranoia and fear leads to peace? A lethal arms race is not a solution to this non-problem.
Jonathan
system
#12
Actually I posted this as it was fresh news. Read the article on the link and the date. This is just one example of some of the regulations that are being pushed out the door at the last minute. Some of the other regulations have to do with air and water quality.
This does have something to do with hikers as it is a change in regulations that could impact hiker safety.
Finally; My personal view is that it is wrong to pass last-minute regulations without proper review and oversight and the public should be made aware of this. Ask some of your ranger friends whether they want more guns in the parks.
Stryker
system
#13
Ranger opinions do not overrule the the constitution. The folks murdered on the AT were not protected by Rangers. Rest assured plenty of folks have hand guns on the trails and they do not hurt anyone.
wild one
system
#14
Stryker, as a matter of fact, they don’t mind a bit! My brother-in-law is a Ranger, and is perfectly comfortable with the fact that a person who has obtained a CCW permit can carry in “his” park. Why? Because that person has attended a firearms class, had a background check done, has been fingerprinted, and is probably the safest and most law-abiding citizen in the park.
BTW, I still haven’t seen a reply from Big B citing his source for the “statistics” he mentioned…
Bottom line, this is a personal choice. There are some light-weight options out there for those who go through the hoops to have a concealed weapon permit and choose to carry while hiking. The federal government has eased the weapons restrictions in national parks, and for the majority of hikers it won’t change a thing. Meanwhile, the trail beckons…
bugleboy
system
#16
Real LEO’s (the one’s that do the real work) don’t have any irrational concerns about law abiding citizens carrying guns. However, the “Admins” for most agencies are mostly screw-ups, political appointees, talking heads, etc, etc, and don’t have a real clue about anything. I know, I worked at a staff level the last 8 yrs of my 24 year LE career. It’s worse than anything you could ever imagine, and the reason most LE agencies are dysfunctional.
SloHiker