Thread: Guns in National Parks

Well Congress just passed it. So off it goes to the President.

Will he sign it?

Do we need guns in national parks? I for one know that the AT is a haven in some spots for people running from the law, so yes no matter what I would carry. If I was backpacking in the heart of Yellowstone bear country. It would do me little good to go plunking away at a brown bear with a 45 or 10mm. So I do not know if I would carry.

I think it is a good thing and I hope he signs it. I read that he will for whatever that is worth. As for bear and such, that is not something I have to contend with but If I did I have a 44mag with a 2 1/2" barrel that would be better than nothing.

I generally don't bother with a gun when backpacking as nothing that is portable will damage a bear sufficiently. maybe one of the new .500mag pieces, but I usually just carry a can of the strongest bear mace I can find.

Originally Posted by jockeys

I generally don't bother with a gun when backpacking as nothing that is portable will damage a bear sufficiently. maybe one of the new .500mag pieces, but I usually just carry a can of the strongest bear mace I can find.

Likewise. Then again, I am unlikely to meet anything meaner'n a black bear in my neck of the woods.

In response to this thread generally, I have to say that, not having the benefit of an accurate poll, I would think most regular users of the National Parks (like myself) are probably not in favor of this law. Defending myself against aggressors (ursine, human or other) is not foremost in my mind when I am backpacking through our nation's beautiful unspoilt places. And if I get in a jam, my pepper spray should be weapon enough. I have to suspect that this law is being pushed by lobbyists with an agenda that has nothing to do with the NPs themselves. Thoughts?

Bear tastes good or so I'm told.
A shooting freind of mine (named Lynn ironicaly)has a relation somewhere in th US with access to bear hunting. He never misses an invite.

Originally Posted by littlesilverbladefromwale

Bear tastes good or so I'm told.
A shooting freind of mine (named Lynn ironicaly)has a relation somewhere in th US with access to bear hunting. He never misses an invite.

I've eaten bear meat before. I didn't like it at all.

It had a very gamey taste to it. The good thing? Once I ate the bear, I assumed his strength and power!

Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

I've eaten bear meat before. I didn't like it at all.

Yes, but then again, you are just a monkey in a spacesuit.

Originally Posted by igitur55

Yes, but then again, you are just a monkey in a spacesuit.

Ape in a space suit.

Lions and Tigers and Bears oh my

Farthest thing from my mind, two legged predators would be my primary concern...

An animal attack is rare indeed and actually I would assume any wildlife risks being as I put myself into a wildlife situation...
But man made risks I would not assume and I would be armed in any other place I might be, so why shouldn't I be when out in nature....
Needless to say I haven't camped in a National Park in many, many, years just for this reason...
If you want to take away my rights, you obviously don't want me to visit....

Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

I've eaten bear meat before. I didn't like it at all.

It had a very gamey taste to it. The good thing? Once I ate the bear, I assumed his strength and power!

I LOVE gamey tasting meat