Gun Rules in National Parks | Take but DON'T Use!
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- Опубликовано: 5 фев 2025
- Firearms are allowed in U.S. national parks, but possession is subject to federal, state, and local laws. Visitors can carry firearms if they comply with the laws of the state where the park is located. However, firearms are prohibited in federal facilities within parks, such as visitor centers or ranger stations, even if state laws allow carrying.
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Possession of firearms in U.S. national parks is governed by a combination of federal, state, and local laws. Since 2010, visitors are allowed to carry firearms in national parks, but they must follow the specific firearm laws of the state where the park is located. This means that gun owners must be familiar with the state's open carry, concealed carry, and other firearm regulations, as those rules will apply when entering a park within that state.
However, federal law places certain restrictions on firearm possession within national parks. Firearms are strictly prohibited in federal facilities, which are defined as buildings where federal employees work regularly. This includes visitor centers, ranger stations, government offices, and other such structures. These facilities are typically marked with signs at their entrances to inform visitors of the prohibition.
Additionally, hunting is not allowed in most national parks, though some parks may permit it in designated areas or under specific conditions. Firearm discharge is also prohibited except in self-defense situations, and simply possessing a firearm does not grant the right to use it.
It's essential for visitors to be aware that firearm laws can vary significantly from state to state, including regulations on magazine capacity, types of firearms, and how the firearm must be transported. Some parks straddle more than one state, so different regulations may apply in different areas of the same park. Travelers crossing state lines should ensure they comply with both states’ firearm laws to avoid legal complications.
In summary, while firearms are permitted in national parks, visitors must adhere to state and local regulations, cannot carry them into federal buildings, and should be mindful of specific park policies on hunting and discharge.
#secondamendment #2ndamendment #gunrights #guncontrol #usconstitution #billofrights #gunsinnationalparks
Although I’m a native and resident of a Constitutional Carry state, the logic bending nature of restrictions on law abiding citizens makes my blood pressure rise. The analogy that comes to mind is having fire extinguishers in public buildings, yet make it illegal for anyone to use them for the purpose of protecting themselves and others from fire. The simple fact is that both firearms and fire extinguishers are tools built for specific purposes. Just because an inanimate object may be used for other purposes by criminals isn’t sufficient reason to restrict or ban their use, IMHO.
You absolutely nailed it!!!!
Is not the use but the abuse of the tools that brings these rules.😊
To hell with that. If it's concealed the park rangers aren't going to know about it UNLESS I'm confronted by wildlife. You can arrest me or kick me out but at least I'll be alive for those repercussions.
I think many/most will agree with you.
That is until they make up some BS reason to search you or your bag.
@@kimdearrington258 That only happens when you say or do something really stupid - or continue to say or do stupid things after being asked or told not to. I've witnessed several scenarios like that. Rangers don't just go around provoking people for no reason. You flip them shit - you get the business. LEO's are not trained to back down just because you have a Mouth. It almost always involves alcohol.
@@kimdearrington258 They better have a warrant!!!
Ya then you get stabbed in prison, so
The government needs to read the bill of rights. Then they need to follow it.
You act like the gov't cares about the bill of rights. We deserve the gov't we allow to exist.
@@212caboose I don't deserve the government others allow to exist.
The government knows the Bill of Rights. They are deliberately ignoring it because your rights do not fit in with their plans. It is not that they are incompetent, it is that they are malevolent. This is why the Declaration of independence said...
_"That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government"_
We're past saying what the government 'should' or 'needs' to do. It's time we start looking at what We-the-People need to do. It's time the people take responsibility for the world they live in.
Har, har. Tell that to the bureaucrats like Newsom and Biden. All parks should allow self-defense against human or animal predators.
@@oddoutdoorsunfortunately since you also allow it to exist, that means that's the government you deserve 😊
Bear spray is what comes out of a 357 or 44
The ultimate repellent
No, bear “spray” (sometimes called “mist”), is what comes out of the back of a bear’s head… AFTER a .357 or 44 enters the front.
10, 44, 357, 500 is a must in bear country, bear spray isn't going to work on a piss off charging bear
My 357 identifies as bear spray.................hey, it works for certain people........why not for my gun?
Lately 10mm has become the spray of choice in Idaho. I went to Al's sporting goods and they only had one box of 10mm in the store and it was holowpoints. No hard cast bear rounds in any where in Idaho falls.
i would rather be alive and in trouble. then bear scat.
*than
Better to be judged by 12 than carried out by 6.
Bros ok wirh being bear scat after being in trouble 😂😂
Not even sticking around for that bs tbh, as long as theres no cams, i dont actively seek to do crime
Just like Frost says in the classic movie Aliens,”what are we supposed to use? Harsh language?”
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@@TheSecondAmno, that was Hudson's line ..
No, it was frost's @@jeffanon1772
So basically parks are like Europe, Canada, Australia. People from those countries love to insist "you're not better than us, we have firearms too," except self defense is expressly forbidden, so whatever firearms they're allowed to own by their masters will never be more than toys.
Good comment!
Well I’m taking that as insulting! Because I’ve lived next to ‘these’ people. Human like the rest of us with common sense and knowledge! Doubtful they don’t get to use them! Human nature says we do it here it’s everywhere! Not surprising each govt body puts restrictions and rules for a PUBLIC place. I’m not concerned with nature, I’m concerned with my fellow humans!!! Gird your loins period-your ways and rules not much different than ours!🙏🏻😎
@@lindabuck2777thats even worse, that means you know they know and refuse to do anything 😂
I work in a tourist crowded NP. I'm not a gov employee. We used to Open Carry, because it's legal in our state. They, the NP, sent a letter informing us that as contractors we could not longer do so. Therefore we conceal carry. It's not for wildlife or even personal protection, but for potential terrorism, or violent hostage situation... Like I said, it's a VERY crowded park; looks like Disneyland most months.
Most of The Park's LEOs know we are veterans, and we're armed.
This is a great comment.
Dumb reason
@@professionalpookieWhy???
All I can say is THANK GOD it’s veterans!!! I KNOW I’ll be ‘safer!’ Especially Marines-my DAD was one! Semper Fi!!! Thank you for your services!!!🙏🏻😎❤️
@@lindabuck2777 please list 3 terrorist attacks in National Parks. Also who cares if they're veterans? Does that automatically mean they they're proficient in weapons handling?
Park visitor: Help, this bear is chewing off my leg!
Park Ranger: You're under arrest for feeding the animals.
I've never been too worried about 4 legged animals. They usually display a lot of good sense.
It's the 2 legged "animals" that may be encountered in the middle of the forest that concern me.
I do NOT disagree. Thanks for the comment.
Many forest hermits too. Be careful
Agreed!!!🙏🏻😎
@@TheSecondAmnor me!!! 🙏🏻😎
I legally conceal carry and even open carry when I ride my Adventure bike in Rural areas of Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas, especially when I'm off-road taking pictures of Farm Animals, old barns and farmhouses, etc which is a hobby of mine, because one never knows when someone guarding their illegal WEED Farm may take offense! Some METH heads confronted me once but I was able to quickly get away; That event led to me getting a CCW! I always carried FULLY loaded Glock 10mm when hunting.
The knowledge of knowing criminals will adhere to the rules makes me feel so warm and fuzzy❗️🥰
"The Constitution of most of our states (and of the United States) assert that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed."
- Thomas Jefferson, letter to to John Cartwright, 11th
I've carried in the Rocky Mountain National Park (camping in Nov at altitude). And the Rangers couldn't have been nicer about it.
Remember you have no duty to self report. If you use it don’t selfie, don’t post, utilize your 5th.
Yeah, bring extra bear spray and a friend who runs slower than you as a backup. Ha.👀💯
Maybe the best response so far.
Bring two friends slower than you. Gotta have a backup plan.
I've seen people stealing stuff out of the cabins in a National Park. Of course I'm bringing protection or I'm just not going.
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"for more confusion, contact the park service"
lol ain't that the truth.
that's why you should contact a lawyer in the district the park is in, instead.
a paper pusher at yellowstone, likely doesn't know the actual laws.
You could not be more correct. Thanks.
The federal government shall make no law abridging the rights of the people as it pertains to the second amendment. They have zero authority to tell me where, when, or how i can carry my firearm.
Take but don't use I like it. Carried for over 30 years and never once needed it. I just want to be ready on the day I DO need it.
exactly.
Subscribed. Thanks for putting up great videos. Sharing with friends
Thank you very much. It’s hard to know how these are being received so I appreciate the comment. 👍🏻
Good thing I stopped asking government for permission a long time ago.
This is just lunacy
In my neck of the woods, I've heard. Theres more than a few 2 legged "animals" running around.
They like to grow things.....like fields of marijuana.
Complete lunacy
I've heard the same things...and seen these same things in federal court (believe it or not)
The difference between black bear scat and grizzly scat;
Black bear scat usually has berries , leaves ,and sometimes fir in it.
Grizzly scat usually has small bells, leather ,and smells like pepper spray
No sh*! Just kidding and thanks for the comment...I saw some grizzlies in Jasper NP this spring I didn't stick around to examine their poop - amazing animals (from afar).
😂😂👍👍👍👌👌
Frankly, I NEVER fire a gun unless I am at a range or have justification greater than the effort of cleaning it. If I were to fire one, I would be to save my life, and in that case I would consider it right to self-defense, which is a right given to me by God. I respect wardens and rangers, and I would hope they would respect my right to live as a human being as well. Anyone who disregards anyone’s right to live should consider their own right null and void. If the rules ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’, I would think it would be unwise to negate anyone’s human rights, as that would also, by rational of reciprocation, devalue their own. Just a thought.
Last time I looked,National Parks are in the U.S.... I Constitutionality carry my arms Everywhere!... Even Banks and Every other Federal buildings...
Bad Characters do Not care about signs saying that firearms are banned and Will be carrying... And so will I 👍😎🇺🇸
Smith & Wesson MP is my choice of bear spray in Yosemite or Los Angeles
Short, precise, and informative. Thank you, sir
If Congress can make no law, what makes bureaucrats think they can? And why would state or local laws matter? You're not in the state, does federal government pay state & local property taxes?
1:55 Actually, bear spray is ALSO illegal in National Parks unless the park has received a waiver, and very few parks have applied for a waiver.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a waiver, but it took the death of a hiker to finally motivate them to apply for a waiver.
Bear spray is good for humans AND bears, but the NPS hasn't figured that out, yet.
Some national parks permit bear spray - Glacier, Grand Teton and Yellowstone (maybe others?). The information center in the video (Grand Teton) rents bear spray - just out of view. I rented some bear spray there earlier this year. I'm not familiar w/ the waiver requirement.
@@TheSecondAmI discussed this with the then-superintendent of Lassen National Park, and if you look at the Great Smoky National Park case you will see that I am correct, but also...the prohibition against weapons (firearms are excepted) is found in CFR Title 36 Part 2.4, and the definition of "weapon" is in Part 1.4 (bear spray is an "irritant gas device"):
"Weapon means a firearm, compressed gas or spring-powered pistol or rifle, bow and arrow, crossbow, blowgun, speargun, hand-thrown spear, slingshot, IRRITANT GAS DEVICE, explosive device, or any other implement designed to discharge missiles, and includes a weapon the possession of which is prohibited under the laws of the State in which the park area or portion thereof is located".
There is no "waiver" that has to be applied for. It is up to the Superintendent of the Park and laws of the State that the Park is in.
@@timriggs8651 How sure are you of this?
Not saying you are wrong, but seems odd that an individual superintendent could just choose to ignore federal law like that.
What would be the point of having federal laws if local superintendents weren't obligated to follow them ( without a waiver)?
@jerrysmith5782
Superintendents Compendium allowing Bear Spay in Great Smoky Mountains National Park www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/management/compendium.htm#:~:text=As%20outlined%20above%2C%20the%20NPS,used%20during%20this%20process%20are
Bear Spray...don't bet your life on it!
Yeah I heard that two people got killed by a bear and they had bear spray too and we'll that didn't stop it.
I have heard stories like this too
I rather be judge by 12 than to be carry by 6
You can carry them but only use them in cases where your life or someone else's is in danger, the burden of proof would be on you to prove that you had no other choice to use the firearm to stop an imminent threat to life or limb and if you really are threatened then it is worth using a firearm even if you get into legal trouble because of it which is unlikely if you really were in danger. We do have a right to life which includes a right to protect human life, if you were prosecuted for discharging a weapon inside park property but you could prove that it was a reasonable and necessary measure to take to protect human life it might be a long court battle but you would likely win.
Agreed!
When you’re attacked at a national park by a two legged or four legged creature, remember to tell them that you’re armed, but you’re not allowed to shoot😂.
Right to bear arms shall not be infringed
My 2a rights do not stop at any border within the US just as my 1st doesn’t.
I guess your supposed to show the bear the gun like look mofo I got this 44 mag don't make me point it at you 😂😂😂
Yup! 🙄
Once again. Infringe, Infringe, Infringe.
“Firearms are prohibited in all buildings, including visitor centers.” Bruh, NOBODY is checking inside a visitor center, I guarantee it, lol
Yup. There is no real enforcement at all.
Which is worse, and why?
1) Unjust (False) DUI arrests that strip non-violent citizens of their gun rights and their right to home protection!
2) Paying income taxes when the IRS code doesn't define income!
3) Returning to common law and abolishing the UCC statutory revenue code!
Great comments!
Actually 18 U.S.C. Paragraph (d) (3) the lawful carrying of firearms or other dangerous weapons in a Federal facility incident to hunting or other lawful purposes. So the SCOTUS has ruled that self defense is a lawful purpose and cannot be banned in a Federal facility except for Federal Court houses.
I thought I read in some .gov site that if it comes down to u or the bear that u can shoot it. I Take that to include national parks, but tbh, If a bear attacks me, I use my firearm to preserve my constitutional right to life, they can take me to court over it. I'm not about to let myself get killed just uncle sam likes smokey more than me
@toddsanders9931 that is correct. But you still may be facing charges, if something happened, and you needed to use the gun. You would be actions would be greatly scrutinized. Like, did you do everything possible to avoid attracting a bear to begin with.
When I did it. I open carried an AR15 pistol in .458 socom. I built it just for the camping trip as it was a solo trip.
I also conceal carried a .40sw Glock. Which would be more of a signaling device, if I became injured and was immobile.
I talked with the Rangers when I got to tje park. And I gave them the opertunity to inspect anything they wanted. They were super chill and didn't give me any hassle at all. And since I was the only camper in the park at that time, I invited them to check in on me if they wanted.
There is no doubt. The language on the national parks website is curious as it says “visitors should not consider firearms as protection from wildlife.” The website at least, does not use the language, prohibited, or shall not, but “should not consider.”
@TheSecondAm i read that as, "Don't be stupid and lazy. A firearm isn't a replacement for good camping hygiene. " And I agree with them. If I had put myself in a position in which I had to kill a bear; it would represent a major failure on my part. It's the bears home. I'm just a visitor.
Honestly I never saw a bear there. I did have a visit from a unhappy Elk. But I made a bunch of noise, and he left. But it was during the rut. And based on how much scat he left around my tent. I think I was in his territory.
@@stabbyjosh7931you know how the constitutiin talks about god given rights wells heres one that isnt in the constituition it from a set of doccumenta nearly 9000 years old god gave man dominion over the land. Soooooo i mean not so much in its territory as it gets to exist in ours i do agree about good camping hygene but at the same time have been charged by a pissed male grizzly while simply trying to fish my dad shot the fucker three times with a 44 mag lever action (i now own that gun) i saw the first and third hit square in its chest neck region i wasnt looking for the second we made it to the truck and hauled ass and it chased us for nearly a .5 mile before sauntering off and probably dying we hadnt caught any fish we were just fishing and it came out of the bush across the river at us we didnt have food or even bait just artificial flys. Wheb we reported it to the authorities theyd mentioned there was a large male in the area becoming an issue with peoples houses even being broken into
We’re from the government and we’re here to help. 😂
🤣
aside from the sheer stupidity of CFR 2.4(b) & 13.30(C)...
you can carry a gun in a national park but can then be arrested if you carry into the outhouse?!! SMH
Yeah - try to make sense of that! I can't!
Of course. Responsibility is the key..
Last time I talked w a ranger they said its ok to shoot as long as you are 150 yards squared from any trail, waterway or building and target needs to be on a backdrop. Im in CO and i often hear people practice in White River natl forest. I have a free open range thankfully so I only take my rifle when camping and my ccw for normal hiking.
I dunno other states but CO is an open carry place
Thanks for the comment - really helpful.
The if’s are where the government breaks the law.
“..shall not be infringed.” Does not include any “if’s”….
Does this apply to criminals who do not comply with rules or any law regarding guns?
And you're thinking they'll comply in a national park?
Great comment.
Carry for protection. Only use if necessary. That incident at The Canyon Village in Yellowstone? Pepperidge Farms remembers. 😅
🤯
last I checked... Facilities with Federal Employees....
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We allow the federal government to manage some lands within our state’s borders. That could change someday.
"For more confusion" read the 2A😂
To err is human to really screw things up it takes U.S. Government Intervention!!!
So, I can’t enter a facility in a national park? I am a dangerous weapon.
Not surprisingly, I guess they didn’t get the memo as to “shall not be infringed”. And the pure bureaucratic confusion and contradiction is to be expected, as well.
Sic Semper Tyrannis
So I guess the purpose of carrying in a NP is so that you have something to club the Grizzly with as he eats you, yes!?!?
Funny you say that because if you read the NPS language - " visitors should not consider firearms as protection from wildlife" - then using your firearm to club the grizzly is not permitted either.
@@TheSecondAmVery Good point!! LOL, I stand corrected! Ok so maybe the point would be to use it as something to bite down on as the bear eats you? That’s probably not allowed either because that may be considered “protection. I got nothin, completely stumped 😂😂😂
Don't they have to comply with Bruen?
The 2nd Amendment is for protection and that includes animals. Four and two legged kind.
AND THE ANIMALS IN THE PARKS ARE TO BE PROTECTED! If ya can’t handle the risks or consequences-DONT GO IN!!
@hkvp9tactical418 I guarantee you that no one that gets attacked by a bear is thinking about the protection of the bear when they're being attacked. I think you may want to do some studying on what the founding fathers talked about when it came to the second amendment.
So consider my axe as personal protection against aggressive wildlife, got it 🙄
I'll choose to exercise my right to have "judicious shot placement" to protect my God-given right to life wherever I travel.
I live near joshua tree national park in Southern California, I pack my. 357 magnum always when I'm camping or hiking there
Does NPS facilities include any structure with bathrooms?
Great question. The NPS website doesn't specifically mention bathrooms but does use the language, when refering to NPS facilities as "these building include, but are not limited to..." The language "not limited to" suggests any federal building if it falls within federal law. The Federal Statute 18 U.S.C. 930 uses language to define a Federal facility, "where Federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties." I would say it's clear that a bathroom within a federal facility is a place where you cannot take a firearm. But what about a stand-a-lone bathroom? This is perhaps less clear - are "federal employees regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties?" Well, I guess someone (Federal employee) needs to inspect and clean these bathrooms so if that is the case (I'm sure it is), then I would think the Government would believe ANY structure with bathrooms is included under the term "federal facility."
@@TheSecondAm so in order to play it safe and avoid getting arrested on a gun crime, we have to pee and poo in the woods and risk getting arrested for that 🤦♂️
All laws restricting gun carry are unconstitutional until an individual has been legally deemed incompetent or otherwise 'dangerous' by court evidentiary hearing and declaration, that being subject to appeal.
For more confusion please contact NPS...😅.... like it
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NPS.gov .... Handgunlaw.us is handy too. Laws or policy might change. Some states or AGs revise laws on short notice or avoid any real public notices 📂 ....
I carry my 10mm and .357 Mag in Yosemite and the rest of the National Parks near me. My lawyers carry the Constitution for the rest.
During hunting season: Bow and Rifle, everyone I knew carried a concealed handgun for extra protection, just in case that Bow didn't stop an 800 lb Brown or Black bear or a close encounter with a 200lb Cougar!
Sounds like the NP say “should not be used for protection from wild animals”. It does not say “shall not be used for protection from wild animals”.
That is how I read it too!
Any law prohibiting using or carrying firearms is unconstitutional in this country, because the Right of the people to keep and bear arms Shall Not Be Infringed means exactly that!
The government is not going to protect you and they have no obligation to do so in the first place, even though that is one of the primary reasons for government to exist in the first place.
I always ignore the firearms signs . I carry everywhere .
if you dont ask permission, no one can say no.
Good point
Yup, you can possess your CCW in the park but you can't use it to put holes in ANYTHING. When you consider that you're not even supposed to pick wildflowers, stack rocks or leave designated trails in the park that's not really surprising. But when they say that you can't use your firearm for self defense against bears or whatever inside the park its because it is illegal to shoot their animals, obviously - but they will most likely OVERLOOK that particular felony because you shot a bear who was trying to kill you. Worst case you get to go to court but at least you're still kicking.
Ah, yet again a reminder that despite our federal tax dollars paying for .... everything... our rights to do whatever are restricted just because somebody else thinks so.
Second only to the grief I had to go through just so I could watch this informative video. Small channel but RUclips was relentlessly shoving ads for the 2 minute feature.
No where in the Constitution or Bill of Rights have I seen references to restricted places. So I will carry and use it if necessary to save a life.
National parks are federal. State laws, especially when boundaries are not marked within the park, should not apply.
Alright a new channel in Washington
Yup - up here in Skagit County (not far from North Cascades NP - which I love!).
2:01 or throw honey at it. Winnie the po was obsessed with it. Why not a real bear. 😅
You gotta love the US's gun laws, Freeeee, Don't EVER let them take it away from you.
If I had a nickel for everytime I carry somewhere I wasnt supposed to, well.. I'd definately own even more firearms...
So if open carry is not permitted in a state, you cannot open carry in a national park in that state?
I travel a lot around the Western USA. I find it very ironic that the entity which enacted the 2nd Amendment is the most restrictive with respect to firearms. The fed government is practically the only organization that restricts our self-defense rights.
I carry wherever I want to, barring metal detectors.
Can't use my gun and can't feed the wildlife, what a pickle I'd be in
Rather be arrested alive than arrested dead....
Seriously though - protecting yourself is just common sense.
I hope all criminals are aware of your gun rules. I follow the constitution 2A. I can carry anywhere..😮😊
Not my gun rules! Only reporting what is on the National Park website.
The prohibition is the anti-gunners victory, we let them rule us.
EVERY US citizen is lawfully able to carry a firearm. The 2A says so, even those previously convicted. Because, EVERY citizen has a right to self-defense.
I abide to some firearm laws. Where the law infringes on my rights, I dismiss the illegal law.
I’m less concerned about protection from wildlife and more concerned with cases like the July 4th attempted mass shooter incident at Canyon Village in Yellowstone National Park
I do what I want...
Sounds like the people who make the rules for the national parks, must have seen the movie Catch 22,,, one too many times!
My uncle has worked for the BLM for about 45 years now and he, just like his mother who was a fire lookout, always brings a gun when he goes into the woods. BLM isn't the same as Natonal Parks Service but im pretty sure plenty of the guys working at Crater Lake stay strapped lol
Going into the backcountry/woods without some sort of protection makes no sense to me - venturing into the backcountry requires food, structure, proper clothing and protection. This is smart and necessary (and obvious).
don't ask..don't tell
YEA SHOW A GRIZZLY YOUR GUN ! HE MIGHT WALK AWAY ROFL 🤣
I know you are just the messenger but if I go to these places and a criminal decides to rob or shoot up the place in these gun restricted or gun free zones they better have armed guards and be ready to payout when something bad happens. Where as if I was allowed to carry and protect myself in these areas I would not hold the NPS responsible for any issues. Our 2A does not end at the entrance of NPs.
I don’t disagree
Congress shall pass no law respecting the rights of the citizens
Sadly inconsistent rules and regulations. Bad laws making criminals out of the innocent and ignorant. 🤔🤪
Self defense should be considered an "affirmative defense" regarding the prohibition of discharging your firearm in a national park, correct? I know that's how it works regarding discharging a firearm within city limits in many jurisdictions.
Fear not, common sense is making a comeback
Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6
Bring someone slower than yourself
Best response!
"permitted" its a fucking RIGHT, no one is allowed to take it from you, God Gave It.