National Park Service releases rules

[armedandsafe]

Service Announces Firearms Rule Change for Possession in National Wildlife Refuges

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced that effective February 22, 2010, the rules governing possession of firearms on National Wildlife Refuges will change as a result of legislation enacted by Congress. After this date, the law allows an individual to lawfully possess a firearm within the boundaries of a National Wildlife Refuge in accordance with federal, state and local firearms laws.

As directed by this new law, the Service will look to the laws of the state and locality in which the refuge or refuge unit is located to govern possession of firearms on the refuge. Visitors will be allowed to possess firearms on National Wildlife Refuges provided they comply with applicable provisions of federal, state and local law. Persons with so-called firearm "carry" permits will be able to possess firearms on a refuge in accordance with the provisions of the state issued permit. The new law applies to all 551 units of the National Wildlife Refuge System, as well as the National Monuments and the 392 units of the National Park System.

While the law will change the application of rules regarding possession of firearms, it has no impact on the authorized uses of firearms on National Wildlife Refuges. The law does not allow visitors to fire or discharge the firearms in any way, brandish the weapon in the view of others, or any other use of the firearm. Enforcement of regulations concerning firearms use remains under the purview of the Department of the Interior.

While possession on a refuge may generally be allowed under state law, possession of firearms will remain prohibited in Federal facilities. Examples include: visitor centers, refuge administrative office buildings, refuge maintenance offices and workshops, field and backcountry offices, ranger stations and fee collection stations.

Refuge visitors wishing to possess firearms on any unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System should carefully read and understand the laws of the state in which the refuge they plan to visit is located -- as well as applicable local and county laws and ordinances that derive from that respective state's law. The laws of the states in which they reside, or from which they may have received firearms permits, do not apply when they are away from those states, although some states offer reciprocity and allow possession based on another state's permits.

Hunting, trapping and fishing are considered to be a legitimate, traditional recreational and wildlife management use of renewable natural resources on refuges. However, this new law does not change or expand hunting opportunities on national wildlife refuges or exempt hunters from state or federal hunting regulations.

Each person who hunts on a National Wildlife Refuge must have the required state license(s) required by the refuge, as well as any permits and/or user fees. The National Wildlife Refuge System Act of 1966, other laws and the Fish and Wildlife Service's policy permit hunting on a refuge when it is compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established and acquired. For additional information, go to: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/hunting/.

The law does not differentiate between concealed handguns under state permit and long guns (rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders) and it applies to all firearms, which are defined as a weapon designed to fire a projectile by the use of an explosive charge. All Federal firearms statutes remain unchanged.

Nearly 40 million people visit National Wildlife Refuges each year, generating almost $1.7 billion in sales for regional economies. In additional to wildlife observation, many refuges provide rich opportunities for hiking, canoeing, hunting and fishing. To learn more about visiting a National Wildlife Refuge go to: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/visitors/.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

-FWS-

Pops

[wpage]

Thats is interesting. So if your in Yellowstone for example better be conversant in Wyoming Montana statues.

[pickenup]

Originally Posted by armedandsafe

The law does not allow visitors to fire or discharge the firearms in any way, brandish the weapon in the view of others, or any other use of the firearm.

So now you can "posses" a firearm, but the bears can still eat you, the criminals can still rob, rape, murder you, because you can not discharge or brandish the firearm IN ANY WAY. Or you will go to jail.
Hmmmmmmmmm..........OK.

[Eddie N]

Originally Posted by pickenup

So now you can "posses" a firearm, but the bears can still eat you, the criminals can still rob, rape, murder you, because you can not discharge or brandish the firearm IN ANY WAY. Or you will go to jail.
Hmmmmmmmmm..........OK.

Exactly! Guess I won't be visiting any national parks for a while.

[Terry_P]

They would be hard pressed to deny you the right of self defense if you shoot a mugger particularily if the state law allows your actions. We are travelling to several National parks this summer and I should be ok in all except the left coast ones.

[armedandsafe]

"Brandishing" does not include display and use during self defense.

Keep in mind that this specific law does not authorize any use of the weapon, because that is covered in the laws of the state in which you stand at the time.

Possession of a driver's license does not cover DWI, use of public streets and roads, carrying passengers for hire and other such uses of your vehicle. Those are covered under other laws.

Let's keep things straight, here. This law and the resulting rules cover only whether you can be in possession of a loaded firearm while in a National Park, Monument, Reserve, etc.

Pops

[OcelotZ3]

Interesting though, you can't be carrying when entering the park (fee collection stations). You are okay right before the station, and right after...

[armedandsafe]

That will have to be clarified. I think that those fee collection stations where you drive up and pay without getting out of your car would not be off limits under the definition.

Pops

[ponycar17]

Originally Posted by armedandsafe

That will have to be clarified. I think that those fee collection stations where you drive up and pay without getting out of your car would not be off limits under the definition.

Pops

Exactly, because the law says 'in' the facilities. That's my interpretation anyway. I think that the provision to deny brandishing and/or discharging the firearm covers someone setting up a makeshift target range in the middle of the park, or at least that's how I'll interpret it until otherwise told. It'll be interesting to see all those stories of danger to park visitors as these crazy concealed weapons permit holders swam the parks. It's going to get to where the antis are going to have to admit that firearms aren't the problem.

[bcj1755]

Originally Posted by ponycar17

...It's going to get to where the antis are going to have to admit that firearms aren't the problem.

I wouldn't hold my breath on that one

[45nut]

Originally Posted by bcj1755

I wouldn't hold my breath on that one

If he does, he will be as blue as Papa Smurf! LMAO