Loaded Firearms in National Parks!

Grab your bear can or camp chair, kick your feet up and chew the fat about anything Sierra Nevada related that doesn't quite fit in any of the other forums. Within reason, (and the HST rules and guidelines) this is also an anything goes forum. Tell stories, discuss wilderness issues, music, or whatever else the High Sierra stirs up in your mind.
User avatar
maverick
Forums Moderator
Forums Moderator
Posts: 11821
Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 5:54 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer

Loaded Firearms in National Parks!

Post by maverick »

So the U.S. House has slipped in an amendment, under the radar, tacking it on to a
bill aimed at tightening credit regulation, what else is new.
The Coburn amendment which passed, allows loaded firearms in National Parks, is this
a good thing in your opinion, or not?
What do our ranger members think about this?
Will this make there job even more dangerous?

http://www.seattlepi.com/national/1153a ... parks.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
User avatar
The Other Tom
Founding Member
Posts: 968
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2005 6:06 pm
Experience: N/A
Location: Upstate South Carolina

Re: Loaded Firearms in National Parks!

Post by The Other Tom »

Previous discussion:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=3532" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
User avatar
maverick
Forums Moderator
Forums Moderator
Posts: 11821
Joined: Thu Apr 06, 2006 5:54 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer

Re: Loaded Firearms in National Parks!

Post by maverick »

I missed that Tom. Thanks
User avatar
dave54
Founding Member
Posts: 1327
Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2005 10:24 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer
Location: where the Sierras, Cascades, and Great Basin meet.

Re: Loaded Firearms in National Parks!

Post by dave54 »

maverick wrote: Will this make there job even more dangerous?...
No.

National Forests and BLM public lands have always allowed firearms. They have not turned into the wild west with widespread gunfights and poaching. Why does anyone think it will now start occurring in National Parks? The arguments against have no factual basis.

Existing state laws regulating concealed carry and firearm possession will apply.
=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~
Log off and get outdoors!
~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=
User avatar
caddis
Founding Member
Posts: 263
Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2005 7:01 pm
Experience: N/A
Location: Lemoore
Contact:

Re: Loaded Firearms in National Parks!

Post by caddis »

maverick wrote:loaded firearms in National Parks, is this
a good thing in your opinion, or not?
I think it's a great thing since unloaded firearms have no value
Image
User avatar
oldranger
Topix Addict
Posts: 2861
Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2007 9:18 pm
Experience: N/A
Location: Bend, Oregon

Re: Loaded Firearms in National Parks!

Post by oldranger »

Poaching in NF and BLM lands not a problem? Since when? How many NPS signs are full of bullet holes? Virtually impossible to find a BLM sign without a bullet hole. I've seen many signs on Forests and BLM lands completely destroyed by gunfire. I've come across trees cutdown by gunfire. Never seen any of that in a National Park. I do know that Poaching has been an issue in National Parks. Almost every year someone gets caught in Yellowstone.

Mike
Mike

Who can't do everything he used to and what he can do takes a hell of a lot longer!
User avatar
frediver
Topix Regular
Posts: 268
Joined: Sat Jan 13, 2007 11:15 pm
Experience: N/A
Location: n.cal

Re: Loaded Firearms in National Parks!

Post by frediver »

Having a loaded weapon in a Park does not bother me a bit.
User avatar
toejam
Topix Acquainted
Posts: 81
Joined: Sun Oct 05, 2008 7:47 am
Experience: N/A
Location: Pismo!

Re: Loaded Firearms in National Parks!

Post by toejam »

I had a friend accidently shoot himself at Rocky Mountain NP. If anything, you have more of that.
User avatar
BrianF
Topix Regular
Posts: 295
Joined: Thu Jul 06, 2006 1:29 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer
Location: Santa Barbara,Ca

Re: Loaded Firearms in National Parks!

Post by BrianF »

I am against it myself, I am curious though: if not hunting, what is the need/justification for carrying loaded firearms that pepper spray wouldn't serve for? Those of you who do carry firearms, how or where do you carry them? I have never noticed anyone hiking with a sidearm strapped on, if I did I would clear out fast as it would make me nervous.
The direction you are moving in is what matters, not the place you happen to be -Colin Fletcher
User avatar
Bad Man From Bodie
Topix Regular
Posts: 365
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2008 10:46 am
Experience: N/A
Location: Lee Vining/Reno

Re: Loaded Firearms in National Parks!

Post by Bad Man From Bodie »

Why do guns make folks nervous? Are you afraid of the gun or the people who use them? I think most of the murders in YNP have been conducted with weapons other than guns.

The need/justification for carrying firearms is because we have this thing called the 2nd Amendment. National Parks are exactly that, “National” which means they are recognized as within the United States of America which is governed by the Constitution of the Untitled States of America of which the 2nd Amendment is a part of. So my question is the National Park System not part of the United States? Should they operate under other laws and regulations aside from the Constitution of the United States of America?

This is a good regulation and I support it!
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 52 guests