Flathead Beacon | Fight Rages Over Guns in Parks

Comments on: Fight Rages Over Guns in Parks

By garyt on 03-05-08

If people are allowed to have guns in their possession there will be shootouts reminiscence of the OK corral. The gun-control crowd use the same argument every time and it is yet to happen. Why should we have to give up our constitutional rights to satisfy a few people who have no clue of the real world? Are you aware that the areas with the highest crime rates are those that have the strictest gun control laws? New York, Washington DC and San Francisco are some that come to mind. Everytime that you travel from Kalispell to Browning and you don’t take apart your gun do you know are breaking the law? The gun-free zones are just inviting these criminals to make headlines.

By Denny on 03-05-08

What is their argument for not allowing guns in the park? I always assumed it was to prevent poaching. I am an honest do-good citizen that contributes positive influence on my community. I have never in my life committed a crime past j-walking, and have never been involved in a firearms accident or offense. I have and hold a concealed carry permit for a pistol. I ask those who oppose the legalization of firearms in the parks this, “On what grounds do you deny my right to carry?” I desire to protect myself and my family. Bear-spray is not always 100% deterrant. I have utilized the modern techniqu of pistol shooting for around 20 years now and can pretty much guarantee that I could effectively eliminate a threat if it were to occur in a national park. Fear, government bureaucracy should not intrude with my right to self defense and the ability to maintain my own species. I’m sure legalizing guns in the park will not cause a spike in crime there, in fact it will if anything deter it, and with wildlife, I guarantee that the only shots that would ever be fired would be in complete self preseration. Thanks.

By Wendy Weinbaum on 03-06-08

As a Jewess in the US, I want to remind everyone that America wasn’t won with a registered gun. Nor are criminals stopped by talk, but rather by FIREARMS. That is why all REAL Americans put our 2nd Amendment FIRST!

By Uncle Lar on 03-06-08

In 2006, criminal activity in our national parks included 11 killings, 35 rapes or attempted rapes, 61 robberies, 16 kidnappings and 261 aggravated assaults.
A tiny number, hardly significant, except to all the real people victimized by these crimes. Tell me again why I should surrender my only true means of self defense for your convenience. You want to catch poachers? Arrest them when they shoot.
And please explain if it’s so safe why then do your rangers go armed?

By Addicus Daily on 03-06-08

I carry a gun in the parks any way. I have for years. It is concealed and ready for bear or criminal. If you try to take it from me I may confuse you with a criminal.

By Average American on 03-07-08

So let me get this right! The Second Amendment of the Constitution does not apply in National Parks? I did not know the government could abrogate my constitutional rights to effectively defend myself. I understand that Park Rangers may feel more comfortable if they are the only ones armed in the Parks, but they really need to “man up”. People have a right to defend themselves. And what is this crap about “agressive people” don’t you really mean “depraved criminals”. Parks are often far from the police station and a 911 response. Enforcement authorities cannot be everywhere, and the graveyards of full of people who are evidence of that. Get a clue people- government cannot solve all your problems sometimes you have to be self reliant.

By Walt on 03-07-08

As a both a current and retired law enforcement officer, I have authority to carry a concealed weapon under HR-218. I recently took an 11 State trip including going through Yellowstone, Jewel Caverns, Custer State Park and many other State and Federal Parks and properties. Carried my firearm with me to all locations for personal protection. At none of the sites was I asked if I was carrying a firearm. I assumed the philosophy of “don’t ask, don’t tell”.
It would be my bet that many firearms are carried within these areas much like I did, without problems.
Those that are intent in misusing a firearm are those that don’t care what the rules are anyway.

By Gery on 03-08-08

I live near the Rocky Mtn. National Park. I am also a U.S. Forest Service volunteer. I carry concealed in both instances. Why? Wolves, grizzley bears, mountain lions and evil humanoids. The aforementioned three have fangs, claws, stealth and speed that I do not have and the fourth is ruthless, cunning and without consience (sp?). To do otherwise would make me stupid and a helpless victim. (Not sure I want to eat at Wendy’s or visit an educational campus either.)

Curious that when interacting with outfitters, etc. while with the Forest Service they do not care much for Forest Service Rangers but loathe National Park Rangers. They find them uppity and overbearing like they have their own fiefdom and you the citizen are lucky they let you into their park.

By Did they forget something? on 03-10-08

Glacier National Park had a ranger abducted from the entrance station. She was assaulted and raped before she could escape. We always carry in GNP and don’t care about the rangers discovering. The ones you meet in the field are usually very young, still going to school. The rest are bureaucrats, sitting in the office, bitching about something. It’s ok for them to carry, but not the public which owns the park?