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Feds to Allow Guns Inside National Parks

NRA backs move to overturn 100-year-old ban on loaded firearms

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 23, 2008 11:57 AM CST
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(Newser) – The federal government is preparing to loosen a ban on bringing loaded guns into national parks, reports the Los Angeles Times. The NRA has been pushing for the ban to be eased, saying it violates the right to bear arms and puts citizens at risk of attack from savage wild animals—and humans. Others say letting guns in would spoil the park experience.

The new regulations, which could be in drafted by April, would bring gun restrictions in national parks in line with laws in some states, which allow weapons. Nine Democrats joined 41 Republicans in supporting the repeal, but many park workers and nature lovers aren't on board. "How many of you would want to go out there if you knew that people were running up and down the Appalachian Trail with guns?" asked a retired park ranger.

A woman points a handgun at a wall display of other guns during the National Rifle Association's 2007 convention. The NRA have been among the most vocal advocates of easing a ban on guns in national parks, saying that it infringes people's 2nd amendment rights. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
A woman points a handgun at a wall display of other guns during the National Rifle Association's 2007 convention. The NRA have been among the most vocal advocates of easing a ban on guns in national parks,...   (Associated Press)
Federal officials are considering easing a ban on loaded guns in national parks. Some of the bans date back many years, and were first put in place to prevent the poaching of wildlife.
Federal officials are considering easing a ban on loaded guns in national parks. Some of the bans date back many years, and were first put in place to prevent the poaching of wildlife.   ((c) the_lazy_daisy)
Yosemite Falls. Bringing national park regulations on guns into line with state law will not affect the situation in California parks, but rangers worry that visitors from other states might think it's OK to bring loaded guns into Yosemite.
Yosemite Falls. Bringing national park regulations on guns into line with state law will not affect the situation in California parks, but rangers worry that visitors from other states might think it's...   ((c) the_lazy_daisy)
A grizzly bear moves through the brush in Yellowstone National Park in this 2005 file photo. Advocates of lifting the gun ban in national parks say they might need guns to protect against animal attack, although one survivor of a bear attack said he doubted a gun would have made...
A grizzly bear moves through the brush in Yellowstone National Park in this 2005 file photo. Advocates of lifting the gun ban in national parks say they might need guns to protect against animal attack,...   (Associated Press)
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Gun rights advocates want to shoot down ban
Knoxville News Sentinel

It's all about politics, argues outdoorsman
New West

Park rangers' association wants to keep the ban
National Parks Traveler

 
NRA • gun control • Department of the Interior • national park • guns

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