Time Will Only Prove Folly Of New Gun Law For U.S. National Parks

We'll know in a few years

As a point of historical fact and reference, Yellowstone was created, in part, to serve as a refuge from market hunters who were decimating wildlife in the later half of the 19th century. In fact, the impetus for the federal Lacey Act (a benchmark anti-poaching code) was born in Yellowstone and embraced by President Theodore Roosevelt. During the 20th century, the prohibition on tourists bringing rifles and shotguns into Yellowstone was imposed and re-ratified in response to persistent poaching problems. Some can argue that all gun owners will be responsible citizens and, with their freedom to carry, will refrain from shooting park wildlife. Rangers hope that will be the case, but they have a suspicion the new law will lead to increased poaching incidents as well as unnecessary wildlife killing. Fortunately, statistics in the months ahead will settle this debate, in addition to demonstrating whether or not there are positive or negative implications for park visitor safety.

Self Protection

Sir/Madam:
Gun free zones are impossible to enforce and only serve to make one a target for the insane and criminal intents, think Ft.Hood or Va, Tech. for prime examples. I have carried (legally) for over 20yrs and the only time I have had to defend my family was in a national park from a crackhead (who was armed with a knife) and thankfully the incident ended with the doper fleeing. You can weep for the loss of another gun free area if you wish, just don't try to infringe upon my rights.
Respectfully,
Wm. Mackay

Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh MY!

I spend a fair amount of time in Yellowstone and the surrounding Wilderness areas. I am also an avid hunter. But when hunting season is over, or when visiting the Park, I leave my guns at home and will continue to do so, despite Public Law 111-24. There is something about an encounter with someone carrying a gun who is not hunting, that gives even this seasoned outdoorsman the creeps. I wonder how it will effect the park experience of a family, from say the east coast, that came out here in part as a reprieve from urban crime and gun violence. But what about all those dangerous wild animals you might say. Lions and tigers and bears Oh My! That's what makes a trip to a national park so memorable. While the chance of a wildlife attack is slim to none, most park visitors feel a sense of accomplishment after "surviving" a hike in bear country, or a close encounter with a bison that wandered through their campground. Packing heat, for me anyway, would diminish that sense of awe and respect for wild creatures that could potentially hurt you, but seldom do. But with a gun, you could most certainly hurt them and I fear that people will shoot first and judge their real chance of a serious attack later.

No, I like to say that real men don't carry guns in the Wilderness, unless its hunting season. Even the cowardly lion found that much of what he feared in the forest was a figment of his imagination. Though he might want to carry non-lethal but effective bear spray, just in case.

The Happy Wonderer