If I were being honest, I would say that I was surprised to learn that guns aren’t already allowed in U.S. National Parks, but my liberal political views won’t allow it. Instead I need to feign outrage that people would ever dream of carrying guns in national parks. A bill snaking its way through congress while the politicians focus on keeping drugs out of baseball (cycling’s okay) would allow hikers and parkgoers to carry guns. The argument is that people in the backcountry need protection from violent crimes since they’re off the grid, but the stats say the chance of getting victimized out there are about 1 in 708,333. Makes sense that people would carry guns out there—I can’t tell you how many muggers I’ve seen lurking on glaciers or around blind switchbacks. What bears?
via GetOutdoors
ByRocky Thompson
In 2006, there were 384 violent crimes, including 11 killings and 35 rapes in the nation’s 390 national parks. Couldn’t find anything more recent. There were only 2 fatalities attributed to wild animals since 2002. So statistically you’re more likely to be a victim of a violent crime than a bear attack. Yet, how many people are carrying pepper spray for bears? If you’re carrying legally, I don’t see what the problem is.
I have gone back and forth on this issue, and I am still undecided. One pro I can think of is that if there is the just the possibility of the victim carrying a gun - would they still become a victim? I once worked as an aquatic biologist, and many times we worked at night on boat ramps in the middle of nowhere that had evidence of drug activities all around. That was the only time I wanted to carry just because there was no help available. That would be the same reason I would want to carry while packing alone. My hope would be that anyone who wanted to carry in the backcountry would have the wisdom to not use unless absolutely necessary, but only if they start giving IQ tests with permits.
I forgot to add that I live in East Tennessee along GSMNP and there have been several incidents lately involving hikers and a supposed serial killer. Again, rare occasion, but gun vs knife (by serial killer) who wins?
Out in the wilderness, there are a number of unpredictable, adverse variables that can ruin your day. I don’t really see the problem with allowing people to carry a gun in attempt to divert the occurrence. We should really stop infringing on peoples right to defend themselves. Remember, no one is asking Congress for permission to hunt or shoot-for-fun in national parks… just to carry for personal protection. I don’t really see the problem with it, and I have a feeling that the bill will pass.
Allowing guns seems absurd to me too. Sadly, we had a [very rare] violent incident in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in MN that will likely spur frenzied support of this bill: http://www.startribune.com/local/11590461.html
…And of course, some of those sentenced have been barred from using the area for a paltry 2 or 3 years.
Well, according to The Onion, bows are no good either….
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/73977
Rocky,
You have no clue! No clue at all!
How you supposed to go around killing things without guns?
If you don’t want loaded guns in national parks, use the following link to send an e-mail saying so to your reps. in Washington.
http://ga1.org/campaign/Coburn_Amendment?qp_source=adv%5fhme
Yeah, pull your gun out faster than Gary Michael Hilton pulls his baton out and hits you in the head. If you carry a gun to protect yourself, what are you gonna do, pull it out every time you see another hiker? That’s impractical. And we don’t need people out there drinking 151 with their hot apple cider doing target practice on mice at the AT shelter.
Folks, bear spray is perfectly acceptable for hanging on your backpack strap, and works superbly on a human with a knife. It’s also great for irate drivers while bicycle commuting. I’m not sure it works so good on a bear.
Maybe if these serial killers and other freaks know that people are carrying guns, they will stay out of the National Parks.
More weapons on the street — that’s sure to help. Hell, nuke the bears! Are you guys nuts? Read the headlines in the papers. More guns has led to more violent death. I live in Japan…virtually zero guns. Probably 10 murders annually in a bad year. H’mmm….
I’m not opposed to hunting weapons and, in my far distance past, have hunted. I used a bolt action rifle. Those are rarely the choice of murders and wannabees because you only get one chance.
For those who say “what about my right to bear arms”, no one wants to take it away. However, you’re not constitutionally guaranteed the right to bear any and all weapons anywhere. It’s always been modified.
If you think you’re the new militia defending your country, take a look at Iraq. They’ve got lots of weapons. They couldn’t get rid of Saddam, can’t get rid of us, but still manage to get rid of each other.
Time, my dear Luddite, has changed.