Maine_iac_Mom wrote: If more people carried arms while camping, wouldn't there be a rise in accidental shootings? Things happen. Some people aren't responsible. Some drink to excess. Kids get into things. I don't have any statistics or articles, but this was my first thought. And personally, I'm a Mom who camps alone with 3 kids. I wouldn't want camper neighbors with guns.
Jessy, Most folks that I have seen over the years that carry weapons are knowledgeable and careful people. I do recognize that maybe not everyone would be. However if you are around a reckless type of person, they probably don't care about the law anyway.
One other thought... I hope that you able to live your entire life in peace and raise your children in peace as well. That will probably be the case from a statistical standpoint. However what if you fall into the category of someone who falls victim to a violent crime? You must admit to yourself that it is a possibility however remote. If that happens... might it be comforting to know that there is the possibility of a neighbor stepping in to help? I'm sure the police will show up within minutes of being called... however whatever is happening is usually over in seconds.
Sure ---- guns for everybody!!!! That way if I'm in, say, a mall or a college and somebody starts shooting at me, I can at least return fire! Not to mention the numerous times we read of campground shootouts!............
Law abiding citizens should have the right to transport legal firearms if they so choose. If they use their firearms in a manner that is illegal then their firearms should be taken away and they should suffer the consequences of the law.
I'd be for it if each person doing so had a concealed carry permit from the state that they reside in, i.e. no open carry allowed, just concealed carry with the proper permit. And then be only allowed to carry concealed so as not to alarm those that don't choose to.
Most folks that have a carry concealed permit have had to take a gun safety course and know basic law regarding said use. Used improperlly in our NPs and suffer the consequences that one would suffer in their own state for violation of infractions.
I have thought long and hard about getting my cc after an incident that happened to me, my wife, and our neighbors while out kayaking. My state(Florida) has a good concealed carry law and I intend to follow it.
JMHO...............
Paul B
2001 Excursion-Powerstroke Diesel 2000 Honda CRV 2006 Flagstaff 31' - 7.5k lbs. 2004 Two Honda EU2000i's/parallel cables/extra fuel tank
The Texan wrote: You go to Alaska and 4 out of every 5 people at the favorite fishing sites have a firearm strapped on their side. Would you like to go to Yellowstone NP or Yosemite NP and see 1/2 the people walking around with a firearm strapped on? You laugh at the thought, but pass a law like he proposes and you will see them. Firearms have a place and I believe in the 2nd amendment, but not to carry in a place like a NP with so many children and foreign tourist around.
Wouldn't bother me any. But then I'd be one of 'em, .45 ACP in my belt holster. I like the idea of having a deterrent in case I cross paths with a predator out in the woods.
My oldest brother had a handgun with him while hiking in the Yellowstone area a while back... a bear came along, running fast... the bear was headed right in his direction but probably didn't realize he was there. A couple of shots in the air caused the bear to change its course, which seemed beneficial to my brother at the time.
Why do I feel it's ok to allow loaded firearms in national parks? Because I am responsible for maintaining my own safety to a great degree. Police and guards and such can't be around 24/7 to protect me in the woods. A firearm is a useful tool in that task. It is always possible to come around a rocky outcrop, or even a cinder block CG building, and run smack dab into a startled critter that might decide to fight instead of flee. Why take away a tool that can help me protect myself in the wild, just because someday someone somewhere just might hurt another person with a gun? The rationale seems to be that you have a lot of people visiting the national parks and therefore loaded weapons create an unusual danger risk. Yet that rationale falls apart when one considers that:
1. concealed carry is legal in plenty of big, much more crowded cities, and even open carry is legal in NM cities, but it has not created such inordinate danger there; and
2. the vast bulk of national park land is wilderness, populated not by people but by animals with long fangs and sharp claws.
Mike & Sherry
2000 Mercury Mountaineer
2008 Toyota Highlander
2005 Rockwood 2304s
= Equal-i-zer hitch =
I am not a gun owner, but I just have to wonder why do we get caught up in these type of forums? A responsible gun owner is not gonna be out there flashing their firearm at tourists or shooting elk, bear or bison for the fun of it in the middle of a National Park. I truly don't feel threatened in National Parks, therefore I don't feel the need to carry a gun in them. If you research the facts, animal attacks rate up there with lightning strikes, crime in National Parks is not that outrageous, murder is a very small occurance, but these things do happen. I would be much happier hearing that those of you
who will be carrying your guns into the parks will have them somewhere safe. The fear I have with guns being allowed is not the gun, it's the mentality of the owner. I hope that those of you who are packing in the parks for you personal safety are also handing off your keys to a designated driver after having a couple for our safety, and please remember that guns and alcohol really don't mix.
How often we feel threatened from one end but we become the threat on the other end. Enjoy and have fun! I drive through and have driven through some of the toughest neighborhoods in Chicago on a daily basis and have never needed a gun, I really don't think I need one in our National Parks. Jim
Jim,Patti,Jimmy & Christopher
2004 Outback 28BHS
1999 Chevrolet Suburban
Camping is about the experiences and memories, hopefully you will all enjoy as many as we have! Let's do all we can to keep our National Parks as wonderful as they are!
I have a friend who carries, legally. Unless you were to ask, or look real close, you would not even know it. I see no problem as long as KIDS aren't allowed to play with them, and if nuts shooting wildlife are given serious jail time.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Lovely German Shepherd.
1999 Mercedes ML320 TV
2003 Wanderer 187TB Toybox (3620# UVW, 4800# loaded) Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories. I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
OK, I just want to chime in with my take on this topic. Time and time again I read about people complaining about the amount of alcohol consumed by people on campgrounds and about all the "drunks" wandering around...now you want to give them loaded guns? Good grief...why do I not see this ending well?
My world consists of 1 boyfriend, 1 grandson and a Bernese Mountain Dog named Tucker!
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