Guns in parks rule reaches one-year anniversary

National Parks Examiner ^ | 22 February, 2011 | Randi Minetor

[marktwain]

One year ago today, on February 22, 2010, the National Park Service lifted the ban on carrying concealed weapons in the parks for those who have permits to do so.

The change came about when the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act was signed into law on May 22, 2009. The bill contained a line item added at the last moment by a Republican senator, specifically allowing people with concealed carry permits to carry their guns into national parks in the states covered by their permits.

At the time, critics predicted that the new rule would frighten families away from the parks, and that the number of animals shot by gun owners in the parks would increase exponentially.

So what actually happened?

Not much at all, noted David Barna, spokesperson for the National Park Service, in an email. There was “really almost no impact,” he wrote.

One specific incident made national news last year on May 28, when a pair of hikers in Alaska’s Denali National Park drew a .45-caliber pistol and fired on a grizzly bear charging toward them from out of a thicket. The bear was wounded and later died, and after an investigation, park officials ruled that the shooting was a legitimate act of self-defense.

“The only other incident that I’m aware of is a couple of boys target shooting with a .22 caliber rifle on the side of a road along the Blue Ridge Parkway,” Barna said. “A ranger stopped and asked them to leave, and they did.”

[marktwain]

I forgive the author her slight error. No permits are required in most states. She gets most of it dead on. It was always about control, and setting precident.

[Jeff Winston]

“The only other incident that I’m aware of is a couple of boys target shooting with a .22 caliber rifle on the side of a road along the Blue Ridge Parkway,” Barna said. “A ranger stopped and asked them to leave, and they did.”

Which has what exactly to do with permit holders carrying concealed firearms in the national parks?

[Islander7]

Imagine that, law abiding citizens abiding by the law. Who’d a thunk it?

[West Texas Chuck]

WHERE ARE THE RIVERS OF BLOOD, AND ALL THE VIOLENCE PEOPLE LIKE ME WERE SUPPOSED TO CAUSE? WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?

One thing I really like about Texas, I can carry concealed in state parks and they don’t think about, no hassles and no problems.

A lot of places I like to camp you better believe I am packing. Padre Island NS, Big Bend NP, places where there are bad guys. I think we CHLers are off the hook, or should be.

[goldstategop]

Its the next best thing to federal national carry that would pre-empt state laws that ban it.

[FreedomNotSafety]

Not much but it was still good commentary since it adds some levity. How many years or decades has it been since you heard such a common sense outcome involving guns? Boys shooting guns in a park and the ranger told them stop and leave? WOW.

No arrests, swat teams,...wonder were at on the Blue Ridge Parkway this occurred?

[CodeToad]

OH, THE CARAGE, THE KILLINGS, THE???? what? Nothing happened???? Really? Liberals are idiots.