Gun Rules in National Parks | Take but DON'T Use!

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

[@larryjanson4011]

i would rather be alive and in trouble. then bear scat.

[@professionalpookie]

*than

[@rmcgraw7943]

Better to be judged by 12 than carried out by 6.

[@pinetreepizza]

Bros ok wirh being bear scat after being in trouble 😂😂

[@nooneinparticular7980]

Not even sticking around for that bs tbh, as long as theres no cams, i dont actively seek to do crime

[@PoliticallyInsensitive]

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.

[@TheSecondAm]

I think many/most will agree with you.

[@kimdearrington258]

That is until they make up some BS reason to search you or your bag.

[@theknowbot5000]

Bear spray is what comes out of a 357 or 44

[@TheSecondAm]

The ultimate repellent

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

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.

[@DonutVIP]

10, 44, 357, 500 is a must in bear country, bear spray isn't going to work on a piss off charging bear

[@CGT80]

My 357 identifies as bear spray.................hey, it works for certain people........why not for my gun?

[@joshuathomas8529]

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.

[@drozzmojenkins9605]

Just like Frost says in the classic movie Aliens,”what are we supposed to use? Harsh language?”

[@TheSecondAm]

👍🏻

[@timsmith1125]

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.

[@Marine450x]

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.

[@TheSecondAm]

This is a great comment.

[@professionalpookie]

Dumb reason

[@herbderbler1585]

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.

[@TheSecondAm]

Good comment!

[@minerblue9641]

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.

[@TheSecondAm]

I do NOT disagree. Thanks for the comment.

[@chuckh4077]

Many forest hermits too. Be careful

[@skydivingcomrade1648]

"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

[@oddoutdoors]

The government needs to read the bill of rights. Then they need to follow it.

[@212caboose]

You act like the gov't cares about the bill of rights. We deserve the gov't we allow to exist.

[@oddoutdoors]

@@212caboose I don't deserve the government others allow to exist.

[@MonkeyMind69]

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.

[@stabbyjosh7931]

I've carried in the Rocky Mountain National Park (camping in Nov at altitude). And the Rangers couldn't have been nicer about it.

[@Yan_Rasso]

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.

[@TheSecondAm]

🏞️

[@nobody8717]

"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.

[@TheSecondAm]

You could not be more correct. Thanks.

[@ecobasetech4558]

This is just lunacy

[@minerblue9641]

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.

[@TheSecondAm]

Complete lunacy

[@TheSecondAm]

I've heard the same things...and seen these same things in federal court (believe it or not)

[@jerrysmith5782]

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.

[@TheSecondAm]

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.

[@jerrysmith5782]

@@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".

[@gridtac2911]

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.

[@johnscranton8365]

Bear Spray...don't bet your life on it!

[@jem6669]

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.

[@TheSecondAm]

I have heard stories like this too

[@kenstone8998]

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?

[@TheSecondAm]

Great comment.

[@mrj10101]

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

[@TheSecondAm]

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).

[@itsmightydusty1996]

Right to bear arms shall not be infringed

[@mithrandir1313]

last I checked... Facilities with Federal Employees....

[@TheSecondAm]

👍🏻

[@mtower235]

Remember you have no duty to self report. If you use it don’t selfie, don’t post, utilize your 5th.

[@juice6459]

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.

[@kimdearrington258]

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.

[@jeorgedavid3239]

I rather be judge by 12 than to be carry by 6

[@clwomble]

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”.

[@TheSecondAm]

That is how I read it too!

[@slowturtle6745]

Federal land, Federal law and the Constitution should supercede any state or local ordinances.

[@YTsux24-7]

I'll choose to exercise my right to have "judicious shot placement" to protect my God-given right to life wherever I travel.

[@toddsanders9931]

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

[@stabbyjosh7931]

@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.

[@TheSecondAm]

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.”

[@stabbyjosh7931]

@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.

[@todydn]

​@@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

[@sheepdog457]

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.

[@itsmightydusty1996]

Sic Semper Tyrannis

[@idahoshoter]

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 😂😂😂

[@TheSecondAm]

Yup! 🙄

[@oldamerican8070]

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.

[@chuckh4077]

2:01 or throw honey at it. Winnie the po was obsessed with it. Why not a real bear. 😅

[@craig9309]

Antelope may have horns, but not use them.

[@remaguire]

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.

[@montecraig7032]

We allow the federal government to manage some lands within our state’s borders. That could change someday.

[@protectyour2a482]

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

[@mrj10101]

Alright a new channel in Washington

[@TheSecondAm]

Yup - up here in Skagit County (not far from North Cascades NP - which I love!).

[@stormlakebobcat9058]

Carry for protection. Only use if necessary. That incident at The Canyon Village in Yellowstone? Pepperidge Farms remembers. 😅

[@TheSecondAm]

🤯

[@btb6011]

Can't use my gun and can't feed the wildlife, what a pickle I'd be in

[@rmcgraw7943]

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.

[@mini14head]

If I had a nickel for everytime I carry somewhere I wasnt supposed to, well.. I'd definately own even more firearms...

[@m444ss]

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

[@TheSecondAm]

Yeah - try to make sense of that! I can't!

[@alvinkong6528]

Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6

[@bavondale]

park service will not prosecute you for defending yourself. They just don't want people firing at animals long range saying they were in danger. They don't want people firing at animals approaching cars just checking you out. Basically, the rule is there to throw out irresponsible shooters

[@TheSecondAm]

👍🏻

[@Galensgab]

Don't they have to comply with Bruen?

[@silverhorder1969]

I abide to some firearm laws. Where the law infringes on my rights, I dismiss the illegal law.

[@Beaver108]

"Shall Not Be Infringed" Pretty Simple.

[@TheSecondAm]

That's what it says!

[@robertsmentkowski312]

The regulations prohibiting firearms in federal buildings are unconstitutional based upon the text, history and tradition of the 2nd amendment. It will require a lawsuit challenging these regulations brought by a citizen supported by the Firearms Policy Coalition or Gun Owners of America or 2nd Amendment Foundation or . . .

[@elfinmagic3111]

if you dont ask permission, no one can say no.

[@TheSecondAm]

Good point

[@jermccann7425]

I hope all criminals are aware of your gun rules. I follow the constitution 2A. I can carry anywhere..😮😊

[@TheSecondAm]

Not my gun rules! Only reporting what is on the National Park website.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Bizzaro world rules. Who would've thought.

[@TheSecondAm]

Yup, that's the government for you.

[@ErikS308]

I do what I want...

[@larrybenedict4984]

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!?!?

[@TheSecondAm]

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.

[@larrybenedict4984]

@@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 😂😂😂

[@blue6gun]

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

[@TheSecondAm]

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).

[@LordSStorm]

So if open carry is not permitted in a state, you cannot open carry in a national park in that state?

[@guildig1]

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.

[@TheSecondAm]

I don’t disagree

[@randalhampton2966]

Rather be arrested alive than arrested dead....

[@TheSecondAm]

Seriously though - protecting yourself is just common sense.

[@jimjones9239]

The prohibition is the anti-gunners victory, we let them rule us.

[@robertdonovan3986]

So in Yosemite you can bring your lawfully carried firearm but can’t use it. And you also cannot bring bear spray. Wtf are you supposed to use, harsh language?

[@TheSecondAm]

That's right about bear spray - I always thought that was so odd that some National Parks permit bear spray and others, don't. Illogical.

[@bunnyg2331]

Does NPS facilities include any structure with bathrooms?

[@TheSecondAm]

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."

[@bunnyg2331]

@@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 🤦‍♂️

[@calebdoner]

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.

[@larrylynn5047]

As long as this old man is breathing, and paying The park Rangers wages. By my tax dollars. The better think twice... The 2nd. Amendment covers that!!! End of story..

[@robinshull6510]

That is the most stupid thing I think I have ever heard. I can carry a gun but I can't use it. The reason to carry a gun in the forest is for defense against the wild life.

[@Makaveli_AZ]

Guess we’re supposed to throw our loaded gun hoping it goes off on its own? How stupid!

[@stevebratten6592]

38 States will solve most of this insanity

[@silentpatriot3509]

You're wrong nothing is above the law not even a national park study more your Constitution

[@TheSecondAm]

I am only parroting what the NPS says - so, they would be wrong, not me.

[@geminilonebear]

Always remember this if you carry a gun in a national park and a grizzly bear attacks you and you have to kill it. (It is better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6)