Since late February it's been legal for properly permitted concealed weapons owners, and rifle and shotgun owners, as well, to bring their weapons into a national park if the surrounding state law allows such carry. Has that change in national park gun regulations changed your thoughts about visiting a national park?
There was quite an uproar over this rule change, on both sides of the issue, with more than a few folks saying they wouldn't want to be in a park where some folks might be armed. Has the issued turned into much ado about nothing? Or, if you opposed the rule change, are you changing your plans to visit a national park?
Comments
No change in plans. We never felt threatened in a NP because of the no carry/carry issue. I am curious whether the parks see an increase in gun related vantalism, increase in poaching or similar related discharging of a firearm; and for the record I am considering encroachment on an animals natural habitat or negligence on the part of humans as part of this issue; increase in threats towards park personel and others with a weapon, this is a big issue at Lake Mead National Recreation Area; and any other weapon/firearm related statistic now that it is state regulated. This includes where the mere presence of a firearm caused the situation to come out positive. Hopefuly these will be reported to park personel so the perpertrators can be apprehended.
No change in plans. Doesn't bother me. I'm in favor of responsible gun ownership, and if otherwise responsible people need their precious firearms as security blankets, then so be it. And has been often said on this forum and others, few laws are going to prevent irresponsible gun ownership, even in national parks.
Now if they allowed OPEN CARRY in parks, then you'll see me get riled up. Open carry, in my view, is pursued by folks who want the "right" to bully folks through intimidation. It's a blatant way of saying "get out of my way or I'll shoot you". I find it horribly irresponsible in the same way as a person running around yelling profanity at people. It's free speech, so it's protected, but it's irresponsible, juvenile, and shameful.
I'm irritated as hell about the recent open carry protest in Virginia, that's why I bring this up today.
Barky, open carry is permissible if the surrounding state's gun laws allow open carry.
Barky
It is a little difficult to conceal carry a shotgun or rifle. Conceal carry only pertains to hand guns. Rifles and shotguns are permitted per state law.
My plans to visit aren't changing. However, I will be more cautious visiting the parks. Even if the chance is tiny, the chance of getting shot in a park has increased. One thing I'm going to do is make more noise while hiking (I don't want to surprise a gun toting hiker).
Heading for Arizona 6/3 to 6/19. In the middle of that trip taking a 7 day raft trip through the Grand Canyon with Hatch. Wouldn't be doing it if I couldn't take my firearm with me.
Gary Slider: what exactly are you afraid of? Are you going solo?
Kurt & Jim, backcountry shotgun/rifle carry doesn't bother me too much. What bothers me is folks who want open carry, including rifles/shotguns, in places frequented by the public. I would include standard hiking trails in national park units. I can't think of a single need to carry a gun in any non-backcountry area in any National Park. But if you feel you must, keep it outta my face.