This has been discussed at length over at GlockTalk in the past. I'll post some recollections, and try to find a URL link to Park Service info etc.
* Firearms are prohibited for carry in Nat'l Parks, period, except for LEO rangers and others on official business. OK in Nat'l Forests.
* One recommendation was, if you DO decide to carry and a ranger were to say to you "do you have any firearms?" is to reply "Well, that would be illegal, wouldn't it. sir?" No risk there, imo, because as we know ignorance of the law is no excuse anyway, so the fact that you're saying you know it is illegal isn't incriminating or an admission of guilt. It also doesn't give him probable cause, which he still needs to search you. Keep the gun well-hidden.
* Several at GT recounted encounters with Ricky Rangers who were very hostile...taking their LEO role a BIT too seriously. Be cool, don't provoke them or be hostile, and you'll probably avoid a problem. If you're in the backcountry, you may never see a ranger.
* If you're in or traveling thru a Nat'l Park w/ a firearm in the vehicle, it's supposed to be unloaded, and locked in the trunk (and maybe even disassembled).
* In bear country, or in the backcountry where "human animals" are the risk, I'd pack probably (with my CCW for ID... you never know if it MIGHT get you off the hook).
* I've wondered about LEO's and LEO reserves being able to carry there... might make that reserve badge even more valuable.
UPDATE:
From
http://www.nps.gov
and
http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/e-mail/weapons.htm
Weapon Regulations
Possession or use of firearms or other weapons in all National Park System (NPS) areas is
prohibited (except as otherwise provided in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36 parts
7 (special regulations) and 13 (Alaska regulations). With rare exception (such as times when
controlled hunting is allowed) weapons are to be dismantled completely and cased while
visiting in NPS areas in the United States. In order to transport weapons through NPS areas
they must be dismantled and adequately cased or packed in such a way as to prevent their
use. Loaded weapons are subject to confiscation by park authorities.
Please contact the Chief Ranger or Superintendent of the park(s) you will be visiting for
additional information concerning weapons, traps and nets.
Following is a reprint from the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36 - Parks, Forests, and
Public Property. It is Section 2.4 Weapons, Traps and Nets.
Code of Federal Regulations
Title 36, Volume 1, Parts 1 to 199
[Revised as of July 1, 1998]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 36CFR2.4] [Page 19-20]
TITLE 36--PARKS, FORESTS, AND PUBLIC PROPERTY
CHAPTER I--NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
PART 2--RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION
Sec. 2.4 Weapons, traps and nets.
(a)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section and parts 7 (special regulations) and 13
(Alaska regulations), the following are prohibited: (i) Possessing a weapon, trap or net (ii)
Carrying a weapon, trap or net (iii) Using a weapon, trap or net (2) Weapons, traps or nets
may be carried, possessed or used: (i) At designated times and locations in park areas where:
(A) The taking of wildlife is authorized by law in accordance with Sec. 2.2 of this chapter;
(B) The taking of fish is authorized by law in accordance with Sec. 2.3 of this part. (ii) When
used for target practice at designated times and at facilities or locations designed and
constructed specifically for this purpose and designated pursuant to special regulations. (iii)
Within a residential dwelling. For purposes of this subparagraph only, the term ``residential
dwelling'' means a fixed housing structure which is either the principal residence of its
occupants, or is occupied on a regular and recurring basis by its occupants as an alternate
residence or vacation home. (3) Traps, nets and unloaded weapons may be possessed within a
temporary lodging or mechanical mode of conveyance when such implements are rendered
temporarily inoperable or are packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their
ready use. (b) Carrying or possessing a loaded weapon in a motor vehicle, vessel or other
mode of transportation is prohibited, except that carrying or possessing a loaded weapon in a
vessel is allowed when such vessel is not being propelled by machinery and is used as a
shooting platform in accordance with Federal and State law. (c) The use of a weapon, trap or
net in a manner that endangers persons or property is prohibited. (d) The superintendent may
issue a permit to carry or possess a weapon, trap or net under the following circumstances:
(1) When necessary to support research activities conducted in accordance with Sec. 2.5. (2)
To carry firearms for persons in charge of pack trains or saddle horses for emergency use.
(3) For employees, agents or cooperating officials in the performance of their official duties.
(4) To provide access to otherwise inaccessible lands or waters contiguous to a park area
when other means of access are otherwise impracticable or impossible. Violation of the
terms and conditions of a permit issued pursuant to this paragraph is prohibited and may
result in the suspension or revocation of the permit. (e) Authorized Federal, State and local
law enforcement officers may carry firearms in the performance of their official duties. (f)
The carrying or possessing of a weapon, trap or net in violation of applicable Federal and
State laws is prohibited. (g) The regulations contained in this section apply, regardless of
land ownership, on all lands and waters within a park area that are under the legislative
jurisdiction of the United States. [48 FR 30282, June 30, 1983, as amended at 49 FR 18450,
Apr. 30, 1984; 52 FR 35240, Sept. 18, 1987]
Back | Home | Search | Visit Your Parks
Last Updated: 12/3/99
http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/e-mail/parkemail.htm
[This message has been edited by Covert Mission (edited April 27, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Covert Mission (edited April 27, 2000).]
