Lets talk about firearms in National Parks

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HiredHand

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Late to this thread I posted, but I do have to give an update.
People do not randomly shoot animals in National Parks. In normal situations, firearms would only be used to defend one from an attack. Millions of people travel through these parks annually and the incidents of attack are very rare, but they do happen. Mostly caused by dumb arse humans encroaching into the animals safe space.
There are exceptions though where defending oneself from a predator may become necessary. Although those parks are built to preserve and protect those animals, humans do need to monitor and control the populations so they don't overpopulate, become diseased and spread that disease amongst the overall herd.
On occasion as biologist monitor the wildlife, hunters are allowed in to harvest enough animals to keep the food sources inline with the animals that feed from them. If food sources are over sourced, the herd overall suffers.
That happens nation wide for the most part. The elk hunt at the Wichita Mountains National Refuge is an example.

I take no issue with people being armed to protect themselves from 2 or 4 legged creatures should it be necessary.
 

Pstmstr

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Bears gotta eat too. Just be sure to video the encounter and have your surviving relatives post it. If it’s me, I’m shooting the bear if I can’t get away otherwise.


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nic6

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Every state has their own regulations, but the National parks fall under Federal Law.

Fair enough. I learned state law before traveling through. That said in the National Forest we were in if I read it correctly; if I am not in a building, it doesn't apply, then go to state laws, which; see federal laws. Again not legal advice.
 
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dennishoddy

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I copied this from the National Park website.
https://www.nps.gov/articles/firearms-in-national-parks.htm
Firearms in National Parks
Possession of Firearms in National Park Units
In areas administered by the National Park Service, an individual can possess a firearm if that individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm and if the possession of the firearm complies with the laws of the state where the park area is located. 54 U.S.C. 104906.

It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable Federal, state and local firearms laws and regulations, including laws authorizing or prohibiting concealed carry, before entering a national park. Some parks are located in more than one state or locality which means that the applicable laws may change depending upon where you are located within a park area.

If a park is located in a jurisdiction where the applicable state and local laws grant reciprocity to non-resident firearm owners, then consistent with the applicable law, the park will equally recognize the reciprocity. For information on state and local laws, please contact the state and locality where the park is located.
Possession of Firearms in Federal Facilities
Unless expressly authorized, Federal law prohibits the possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon in NPS facilities. These buildings include, but are not limited to, government offices, visitor centers, ranger stations, fee collection buildings, and maintenance facilities. 18 U.S.C. 930.
Use of Firearms
Unless authorized, the use or discharge of a firearm within a park area is prohibited. 36 CFR 2.4(b) and 13.30(c). In parks where hunting is specifically mandated or authorized by federal statute, firearms may be used to hunt in accordance with NPS regulations and state laws. 36 CFR 2.2.

Visitors should not consider firearms as protection from wildlife.
 

nic6

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"If a park is located in a jurisdiction where the applicable state and local laws grant reciprocity to non-resident firearm owners, then consistent with the applicable law, the park will equally recognize the reciprocity." Again I ask where?
 

nic6

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NPS facilities. These buildings include, but are not limited to, government offices, visitor centers, ranger stations, fee collection buildings, and maintenance facilities.
 

dennishoddy

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confusing isn't it.
The feds hated that law being passed but couldn't do anything about it so they make it difficult.
You can carry anywhere in the park how I read it, but not federal buildings.
 

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