Gun Carry in National Parks Becomes Legal Today

[gvaldeg1]

Gun carry in National Parks becomes legal today. Today, for the first time in 25 years gun owners can carry firearms in a National Park in accordance with the gun laws of the State in which the Park is located. If open carry is allowed in the State, it's also allowed in the park. The State laws for concealed carry also apply in the park. This law applies to rifles, handguns, and shotguns. This is a decisive victory for the Second Amendment and citizens fundamental rights.

[HanniganMan]

Everyone be wary of your states concealed carry laws when entering the national parks!!! It hasn't been determined yet as to whether the lodges are considered federal offices yet or not. Remember that no firearms are allowed in federal offices. Also when you enter the park, most states require you to notify the law enforcement officer who officially contacts you upon first constact, so where does that leave you when you stop at the gate to get your permit to enter the park? (another possible booby trap for the CCW carrier).

Would just like clarification on these types of incidents before I ever enter the park while carrying. Will be much cheaper and much less time consuming knowing the law than just interpreting it for yourself and getting caught.

[AvidshooterTX]

There's nothing like freedom. And that's nothing like freedom.

[LDaniel]

The news said don't carry a weapon into the Ranger's Office or Visitor Center, that they are Federal Facilities.

[mrjam2jab]

The news said don't carry a weapon into the Ranger's Office or Visitor Center, that they are Federal Facilities.

Any building that has a Ranger stationed as a post....is how I heard it.

[g30sheepdog]

Oh no! Guns now allowed in National Parks?? What are we ever going to do? All those crazy gun-carrying right-wingers have been given a free pass to cause havoc and destruction in our beloved National Parks. The bodies are going to start piling up any day now. I’m sure there is going to be daily shootings over parking spaces, complete destruction of the wildlife, and utter lawlessness! For your own safety stay our of the National Parks from this day forward, or risk getting hit by a stray bullet. Oh the horror, oh the humanity!!

Ha ha ha!!.... That was my attempt to sound like an anti. How did I do?

[ricardo900]

A snippet from their link states:

"Federal law continues to prohibit the possession of firearms in designated “federal facilities” in national parks, for example, visitor centers, offices, or maintenance buildings. These places are posted with “firearms prohibited” signs at public entrances. The new law also does not change prohibitions on the use of firearms in national parks and does not change hunting regulations."
National Park Service Press Releases

Now, from my understanding if your state allows "open carry" with out a license, ie. Virginia. IMO, you should be allowed to "open carry" in the federal park, but in their state park it appears you cannot carry without a license.

"Firearms: Law enforcement officers and those with a concealed weapons permit may carry firearms. During hunts, hunters may have firearms, which should be unloaded and properly stored when outside designated hunt areas. Target shooting is prohibited. Air guns are prohibited."
Virginia State Parks - FAQs

You also cannot carry in any New York State parks!
Also, if you are carrying and camping and hiking, it would be prudent to know where the state borders are located, because there is no doubt in my mind that some park rangers would try and jam you up!!

[HanniganMan]

would the main lodge at Yellowstone be considered a visitor center since that is where you check in to rent a room? It does conduct business there!!!

[gvaldeg1]

would the main lodge at Yellowstone be considered a visitor center since that is where you check in to rent a room? It does conduct business there!!!

Here's a link to the new law as applied to Yellowstone:

Yellowstone National Park - Laws & Policies (U.S. National Park Service)

If the main lodge is not posted with a sign as specified here; "Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park (such as visitor centers, government offices, etc.); those places are marked with signs at all public entrances.", you can reasonably presume that it's not considered a prohibited facility.

[AvidshooterTX]

Guess I'll have to pee on a tree.