[MineralMan]

"That IMO is where the battle needs to be waged, and the border groups need to be acutely aware that their opponents are waiting to pounce on the SLIGHTEST misstep, as this incident aptly demonstrates.

"

Bingo! Every time one of these folks gets arrested, it diminishes their message. While they may well feel that they have a right to go armed into the Nat. Parks, the law says that they do not. As you say, private land and publicity are going to be the keys here to winning public opinion over.

Given the general conservative nature of farmers, ranchers, and other large landowners, though, I wonder about that statement that most ranchers don't want these folks on their property. There's something here that's not being said.

[azsportsterman]

Recent articles in the Sierra Vista Herald and the Tucson Citizen quoted several ranchers on this point. I agree that incidents like this provide ammunition, but limiting the activities of the watch groups to certain areas would probably render them useless. It won't take the coyotes and drug runners long to learn what areas are open to them, and they'll avoid the patrolled areas. No detections, no news coverage. As you stated, the groups will have to be more aware of the situation and act accordingly.

[Poohbah]

Given the general conservative nature of farmers, ranchers, and other large landowners, though, I wonder about that statement that most ranchers don't want these folks on their property. There's something here that's not being said.

Like what?

There are plenty of folks who I love as brothers and sisters in Christ...whom I would NOT allow onto my property if they are carrying weapons. This says far less about their character than it does about my perception of their ability to safely handle firearms.