Hiking with a gun

imported
#1 
									The Trail is NOT a National Park:  Copied from NPS

Firearms Information

New Firearm Regulations for the National Park Service

As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms on portions of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

This applies to:

This only applies to lands owned by the U.S. Government and managed by the National Park Service, Appalachian Trail Park Office. This includes 428 miles of trail, 25 % of the trail’s length in 9 of the 14 trail states.

This does not apply to:

This does not apply to the Appalachian Trail located on lands owned and managed by the more than 90 other federal, state and local agencies. This includes 1747 miles of trail, 80 % of the trails length across all 14 states. Rules and regulations on these lands are determined by the individual agencies.

Please note:

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, a unit of the national park system, is administered by the National Park Service, Appalachian Trail Park Office. The Appalachian Trail spans 2,179 miles across lands administered by 6 other national parks, 8 National Forests, 1 National Wildlife Refuge, and 75 other federal, state, and local agencies. Each one of these agencies has their own rules and regulations which contributes to the complexity of legally carrying a firearm on the Appalachian Trail.

It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before visiting the Appalachian Trail.

What has not changed:

•The use of weapons are still prohibited on Appalachian Trail National Park Service lands
•Hunting is still prohibited on Appalachian Trail National Park Service lands
•Firearms are still prohibited inside National Park Service federal facilities

									_gzjudi_
#2 
									ok, so it's not illegal, just really stupid.

If you’re really truly afraid of something out there, get a can of bear spray. Or better yet, stay home

									_kwijibo_
#3 
									Ok, if your not hunting any anmimal for food than why the heck you need a gun.  Many accidents happen from firearms being in the wrong place.  This is the wrong place.  If someone had fears in the wild they should take up a differant hobbie.

									_pacemaker_
#4 
									We were just talking today about how that is one of the most common questions we get from non hikers, whether we're carrying a gun or not.  Someone asked us today, "Are you packing?". "Heat? No!" It's not necessary unless you're a hunter (another common question: are you subsisting on what you can hunt and gather in the forest?  Please.)

-Jeff

									_Chipper and Jeff_
#5 
									 Obviously just unnecessary weight.

									_lemonb_
#6 
									What are you going to do with it on the 80% of the trail that has other regulations from 90 different agencies? I have the feeling you would carry it anyway, whether or not it was legal or necessary.

It is not necessary even if you ARE a hunter --who would want to acquire and carry proper licensing for 14 states?

									_Wild Hare_
#7 
									"If your scared,buy a dog!"

									_Virginian_
#8 
									Carrying a gun while hiking - A topic such to get folks up on their soapboxes. It is not generally a good idea to carry while hiking to carry a gun. Now folks will do as they please, that's obvious.

Several suggestions were put forward - carry Pepper_spray, have a dog with you, stay home - all suggestions not necessary right or wrong - my thought is if a person is carrying a gun while hiking, then it is best that that person is fully trained in the function of the gun and shooting of the firearm.
As I often think - It is not the gun that kills it is the idiot pulling the trigger that kills.
Slane ayd.

									_10Penny_