| Page 1253 | National Parks Traveler

Paul "Barky" Dionne, I have carried a firearm for 30 years. It is not a firearm that makes you safe. It is your mental preparation that keeps you safe. But if you need a firearm to protect the ones you love nothing else will work. A firearm is just a tool. A tool that I don't want to use but will if called upon.

Apr 22nd - 06:32am | Barky

Kurt & Jim, backcountry shotgun/rifle carry doesn't bother me too much. What bothers me is folks who want open carry, including rifles/shotguns, in places frequented by the public. I would include standard hiking trails in national park units. I can't think of a single need to carry a gun in any non-backcountry area in any National Park. But if you feel you must, keep it outta my face.

Apr 22nd - 06:05am | Barky

Gary Slider: what exactly are you afraid of? Are you going solo?

Apr 21st - 22:04pm | Gary Slider

Heading for Arizona 6/3 to 6/19. In the middle of that trip taking a 7 day raft trip through the Grand Canyon with Hatch. Wouldn't be doing it if I couldn't take my firearm with me.

Apr 21st - 19:50pm | HightechParks

My plans to visit aren't changing. However, I will be more cautious visiting the parks. Even if the chance is tiny, the chance of getting shot in a park has increased. One thing I'm going to do is make more noise while hiking (I don't want to surprise a gun toting hiker).

Apr 21st - 19:23pm | jim.hiker

Barky It is a little difficult to conceal carry a shotgun or rifle. Conceal carry only pertains to hand guns. Rifles and shotguns are permitted per state law.

Apr 21st - 18:44pm | Kurt Repanshek

Barky, open carry is permissible if the surrounding state's gun laws allow open carry.

Apr 21st - 18:39pm | Barky

No change in plans. Doesn't bother me. I'm in favor of responsible gun ownership, and if otherwise responsible people need their precious firearms as security blankets, then so be it. And has been often said on this forum and others, few laws are going to prevent irresponsible gun ownership, even in national parks.

Apr 21st - 17:11pm | jim.hiker

No change in plans. We never felt threatened in a NP because of the no carry/carry issue.

Apr 21st - 16:25pm | AZ Hiker

It's beyond me the fear that some people feel where ever they go. I have been to about 125 NPS sites, including almost all of the big western parks. I have camped, hiked, and backpacked in the frontcountry and the backcountry and not ONCE have I EVER felt threatened by another human. The parks are one of the safest places an American citizen can be.

Apr 21st - 15:49pm | Paul

I have worked as a Campground Host at several State Parks and a couple of N.P's and I must say, that for the most part campers were good decent people. But, I will not forget the summer I worked at Sol Duc Campground in Olympic National Park. Some of the local Washingtonians were so upset about the amounts of foreign visitors quote " taking up all those campsites".

Apr 21st - 15:10pm | Anonymous

I've visited approximately 100 NPS sites and have never felt threatened or the need for a gun. I'm not against guns, my husband is a hunter and I've taken an NRA-sponsored shooting class, but I"ve never felt the need, whether in the city or the wilderness, to be armed.

Apr 21st - 12:01pm | Fred Miller

There are a number of National Parks here in Washington not far from where I live. I have not visited them YET. One big reason was that I don't go in to the woods without my firearm. Now that I can legally carry it with me concealed, I'm planning on visiting as many Parks as I can as soon as I can.

Apr 21st - 09:46am | 4permits

Yes, it has. Where as I was NOT going because I could not have my gun, I will be going with my family now becase I will have the ability to defend them. Google Dr. Gaery Kleck. With 2.5 MILLION defensive uses of a firearm in this country every year Guns SAVE Lives!!

Apr 21st - 09:29am | TrailMonster

I'd prefer if everyone had a gun, then maybe those that can't read the laws or refuse to follow the laws regarding guns would be less inclined to pack them around or even think about pulling one out for fear of like retaliation. Get real this ain't your Grandpa's National Park anymore.

Apr 21st - 09:28am | Anonymous

Yes, I am more likely to feel safer knowing that law abiding citizens may be armed in National Parks. Before only criminals an Park rangers, who are few and far between, were armed.

Apr 21st - 05:18am | Volpe

Was never a factor on any planned visit.

Reader Participation Day Bonus: How Many National Park-Designated Units of the National Park System Have You Visited?

Apr 22nd - 06:18am | Connie Hopkins

Hey Sparky, Don't feel bad! I am amazed at how many people I personally know that haven't been to ANY of our Parks!! I am always shocked! If they have been to any of the parks, it's usually the Grand Canyon. I can strike up a conversation with someone and if the subject of vacations comes up, I always put in a plug for the Parks. My standard answer:

Apr 21st - 13:32pm | xnprngr

40. More to come.

Apr 21st - 13:12pm | Sparky

Well, folks, it looks like I am at the low end of the thread at 10. Kind of sad - but I'm working on it! At least I have made it to some of the blockbusters from east to west like Acadia, Yosemite, Hawai'i Volcanoes, Zion, and the Grand Canyon (but not Yellowstone yet?! WHAT?) We'll be going to Crater Lake and Redwoods this summer.

Apr 21st - 08:52am | RangerLady

20 for me and I returned to many of those parks time and time again. Hoping to hit Arches and Mesa Verde again this summer.

Apr 21st - 08:20am | Jon Sparks

14 and looking to do more. And I've now done 56 of the NPS sites. Would love to do them all.

Apr 21st - 00:03am | Karen

33 parks so far. Thankfully, there are more beautiful places to look forward to :)

Apr 20th - 22:58pm | beschundler

This is testing our memory...but we have been to 45 definitely, and maybe another two. And we've enjoyed them all---some more than others---but nevertheless, they all are impressive, inspiring, and different!

Apr 20th - 17:20pm | y_p_w

19 for me, although it would have been an even 20 had a tropical storm not got in the way a scheduled visit to Fort Jefferston (Dry Tortugas). I would admit that a few of those visits were exceedingly short. The same storm canceled the snorkeling boat trip I had planned at Biscayne, as well as reduced the number of tourists later that week for the glass-bottomed boat tour.

Apr 20th - 15:33pm | Bob

Exactly half, 29, if I'm allowed to count parks that I visited before they were designated parks (Cuyahoga, Death Valley), and the Channel Islands VC. Can a judge issue a ruling on these? :)

House Republicans Say Interior Secretary's Proposed Snake Ban Bad for Business

Apr 22nd - 00:51am | Anonymous

I actually do support a ban of breeding of all animals. I didn't think I had to share all of my views because this discussion of this board was about reptiles. We do not NEED dogs, cats, hamsters, turtles, cows, chickens, and any other animal to survive. They are merely entertainment for us. Tell me im wrong.

Ranger Confidential, Living, Working, and Dying In the National Parks

Apr 21st - 23:44pm | Joe Rabon

This book did not impress me though I hold many of its characters in high regard. Working in a national park is not easy.

Apr 20th - 23:35pm | Field Ranger

I loved the book. It was the mythology of the NPS told on paper. Ms. Lankford comes through again with, in my humble opinion, her best book yet. Having heard and known many of the tales in the past, it was wonderful to learn the details that were exaggerated or glossed over. I stood on the rim for Cale's funeral and shed tears when the helicopters passed overhead.

"Upper Lot" At Ridge Trailhead on Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park To Be Permanently Closed

Apr 21st - 17:01pm | Anonymous

The closure of the upper lot has nothing to do with the USA not wanting americans to freely enjoy the scenery. To the contrary, there will be far more beautiful scenery to see. It is actually the result of the neighboring landowners (they do have rights you know) having problems with trespassing and people trashing their properties.

National Park Quiz 81: Vertigo

Apr 21st - 15:56pm | MRC

Eleven correct answers is a tie for my personal record. [Thanks to MRC for spotting a typo in the answer to #3 (correct explanation of the answer, but wrong letter identifier) that's since been corrected. Ed./Quizmeister]

Apr 21st - 13:39pm | Bob Janiskee

Never have heard of "extra cosmic brownie points" before, but if there is such a thing, I believe you richly deserve some. Heck, you should get at least five or six ECBPs just for knowing that Kim Novak starred in Vertigo. :o)

Apr 21st - 12:56pm | RLMiller

8 correct, plus both extra credit. Do I get extra cosmic brownie points for having been to Balcony House, Painted Wall, Angels Landing, and (I think) various aretes?

Apr 21st - 07:02am | Bob Janiskee

Nice going, Connie. This was a tough one. Eight's a damn fine score.

Apr 21st - 06:17am | Connie Hopkins

WOW! I got 8! I am surprised that I knew even THAT much. Having been born and raised in St Louis, The Arch was a given. If I had missed that one I would have my "Loo" card revoked!

Survey Says National Park Service Is Far from the Best Government Agency to Work For

Apr 21st - 15:19pm | Rick Smith

I concur with the comments of David Smith above. I worked for the NPS for 31 years. Did I have a bad boss or two? Yes, but is that any different than, say, IBM? Were all my training needs met?

Apr 21st - 14:04pm | David Smith

I appreciate the passion so many people have shared on this subject. The NPS draws employees with strong convictions and this is evident.

Apr 21st - 09:44am | NPS Ranger NER

Trust me what this article says is true. I work at a National Historic Site in the North East Region. I have heard it doesn't affect the larger "Parks" such as Grand Canyon. But, it does exist and is only getting worse.

"Hike the Smokies Challenge" Begins on April 25 at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Apr 21st - 08:46am | JimB

Danny - Thanks for bringing the 900 club to our attention. That's a noble and ambitious goal. Kudos to those of you who have completed it.

Apr 21st - 07:41am | Danny Bernstein

Great idea. Unfortunately, the Park completely ignored the Smokies 900 club, www.900miler.com, a club that recognizes hikers who have walked all the trails in the park. There are about 300 of us.

Creature Feature: The American Marten

Apr 20th - 21:12pm | Charles Johnson

I observed an American Marten on the northeast side of Caples Lake, Nevada near the camping area. It was in the early spring of 1999, just after the hiking trails began to become free of snow. It was in a snow mound covering a fallen tree, very visible and only 7 to 8 feet away from me when we came face to face. It's ear shape is what stood out from other mammals I have seen in the area.

Voyageurs National Park To Have New Headquarters Complex In 2011

Apr 20th - 21:03pm | Michael Colter

Maybe with a new building they can return phone call in a timely manor and not take two weeks after your home from your trip to return your CALL.

Bat at Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tests Positive for White Nose Syndrome Fungus

Apr 20th - 17:19pm | justinh

This is indeed very sad news.

What Do You Think About Sightseeing Tours Circling Mount Rainier National Park?

Apr 20th - 16:24pm | Anonymous

I live near Evans Creek near the Carbon River Glacier entrance to the park. We have chosen this spot to live in serentiy with nature and have no love for the flybys we already receive from the Military, Commercials planes or private planes. We are buzzed significantly already. The impact to those that live near the National forest is upsetting.

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