Thread: Guns in National Parks

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?