- Feb 4, 2013
- 28,175
So the Park Service does enforce state laws.
No, they enforce the Federal law that says that National Parks follow the laws of the state where they are located.
A seemingly slight, but actually significant difference.
So the Park Service does enforce state laws.
I wish that were true. Carry in national parks is up to the laws of the state it is in. For example, to carry in Acadia you have to have a Maine permit. Maryland law states specifically no carry in State or Federal parks even if you have an unrestricted W&C permit.
Dolly Sods is a designated wilderness area which is inside a National Forest. National Forests are managed be the US Forest Service, an agency within the dept. Of agriculture.
The above mentioned 2009 Credit Card Act provisions only pertain to National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges. Both types of public lands are managed by their respective agencies within the dept. of the interior.
It would have to be some other law or regulation that permits one to carry on National Forest lands. I am not aware of that sort of law but that does not mean it does not exist.
Laws Regarding Firearms on National Forest Lands
First, the primary laws governing possession of firearms and other weapons on National
Forest are State Laws. These laws were developed by the states following establishment
of our Cooperative Wildlife Management Agreements. Most notable of the state laws
concerns controlling firearms on the National Forest are “cased gun laws”.
Cased Gun Laws: As the name implies, this law requires that all firearms on National
Forest be unloaded and kept in a case. Virginia and West Virginia have similar “cased
gun laws”. In order to allow hunting, these laws make an exception.
• It is legal to have loaded firearms on National Forest during the authorized
general firearms and muzzle loading gun seasons for bear, deer, grouse, pheasant,
quail, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, turkey, or waterfowl. This exception is very
specific and applies only during the period when it is legal to take these listed
species and doesn’t include carrying the loaded weapons in a vehicle.
• Because hunting on Sunday is prohibited, carrying a loaded gun on National
Forest is not legal on Sunday even if it is the Sunday in the middle of the general
firearms deer season.
• The second exception to this law allows people with a concealed weapon permit
to carry a loaded, concealed, handgun either on their person or in their vehicle
while on National Forest. This does not apply if the person is engaged in a
primitive weapons season or chase only season.
• People muzzle loading or bow hunting may carry a concealed weapon as long as
they possess a concealed weapon permit.
Discharging a firearm, crossbow, or bow and arrow in or across a road or within
the right-of-way of any road is prohibited by both State and Federal Law.
Any person convicted of a felony may not legally possess firearms on National Forest.
Reckless use or handling firearms: It is a violation of both Federal and State law to
handle any firearm in a careless and reckless manner or hunt while under the influence of
intoxicants or narcotic drugs.
And forum rules prohibit advocating illegal acts
.
how about this? even a question asking about something illegal is a bad idea.Who is advocating for illegal activities?
Having just gotten my national parks card, if like to visit some national parks and am planning on getting a Virginia permit. To me, it's horribly unfair that some people can carry guns in a wilderness area with no cops and few rangers, and others can't.
Is it a good idea to carry anyway and be discreet, or is it a bad idea?
Thanks!
#6 Question: Can I carry in a National Park/National Wildlife Refuge?
Answer: Yes on February 22, 2010. The law was struck down and then passed again and does not take effect
till February 22, 2010. When the law goes into effect if you can legally carry a concealed firearm in the state
the National Park/National Wildlife Refuge is located in you are legal to carry in NP’s/ NWMA’s in that state.
If you can not legally carry concealed in the state you are in then you can not carry in the NP’s/NWMA’s in that
state. You can not carry into any federally owned buildings in National Parks/National Wildlife Refuges as
other federal laws ban the carrying of firearms in federal buildings.
Note: National Monuments, National Preserves, National Historic Sites/Parks, National Rivers, National
Memorials, National Recreation Areas and National Seashores all fall under the National Park Service which
the Department of Interior operates. This means all these places listed allow carry there if you can legally carry
in the state the above mentioned are located. Do be aware that all buildings used for official business are off
limits. See 18 USC Sec 930 below. Federal Buildings must be posted or you must be informed they are a
federal building.
#7 Question: Can I carry in National Forests?
Answer: Some states have state laws against carrying in a National Forest. You must be aware of the state
law. There is no Federal Law restricting Concealed Carry in a National Forest. You can see if carry in National
Forests in any state is legal by clicking on the state on the main page map you want info about. That states page
will open when you click on the map. Do be advised that any building on the National Forest belonging to the
Federal Government is off limits to concealed carry even if you can legally carry in the National Forest in that
state. They are considered Federal Buildings.
Carry Allowed in these Areas:
State Parks: YES WVDNR St. Park Carry
State/National Forests: YES Per WVDNR
State WMA’s: YES Per WVDNR
Road Side Rest Areas: YES §61-7-11a.
Holy Shit am I confused!
If carry is prohibited in "state parks"
Then carry is prohibited in the "national park" in that state.
Carry is prohibited in state parks in MD.