Concealed weapons in the wilderness

Chicago Tribune ^ | November 26, 2006 | Steve Chapman

[KeyLargo]

Concealed weapons in the wilderness

Steve Chapman

November 26, 2006

Lots of kids, when very young, worry about monsters under the bed. Even when Mom or Dad comes in to reassure them, the kids may still worry. But as they get older, they begin to check under the bed themselves. And eventually, after many monster-free nights, they figure out that the danger is purely imaginary, and they stop worrying.

You would think by now gun-control supporters would have made the same progress on one of their most fearsome demons: the licensing of citizens to carry concealed firearms. But they seem to be trapped in a recurring nightmare that exists only in their minds.

So imagine their alarm at a bill recently introduced in Congress that would allow people with concealed-carry permits to take weapons into their home state's national parks. The indefatigably anti-gun New York Times warned that the measure is a step toward "nationalizing the armed paranoia that the National Rifle Association and its cohorts stand for" and "can only endanger the public."

Such fears may have been plausible once upon a time--when Americans were generally not allowed to carry firearms. But since 1987, when Florida decided to let law-abiding citizens get concealed-carry permits, that has changed. Today, some 40 states have such "shall-issue" laws. They've become the norm, and the fears they inspired have proved unfounded....

[KeyLargo]

Mr. Chapman is one of the very few sensible columnists at the Chicago LIBune.

[Hazcat]

OK, I want this guy investigated! He absolutely cannot be a journalist. I will bet he does not have a degree in communications or journalism. He is MUCH to SANE!

[Recon Dad]

At least someone has it right. Perfectly concise and to the point.

"A Glock in the hand is better than a cop on the phone." - Somebody

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

You mean people DON'T CARRY in National Parks? Am I the ONLY one?

[Hazcat]

It is against the law. My solution is to avoid national parks. Here in FL they recently changed the law for state parks.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***It is against the law. My solution is to avoid national parks. Here in FL they recently changed the law for state parks.***

I have carried in NP areas and kept my mouth shut(and the weapon concealed) for 35 years. Never had a problem.

Somehow being disarmed in bear country upsets me.

[corlorde]

"In fact, one of the most conspicuous facts about handgun licensees is their mild temper. It's rare for them to commit crimes, and even rarer for them to use their firearms to commit crimes."

Largely due in part because us concealed permit holders take it very seriously, and everyone I know doesn't want their permits revoked, so we know and obey the laws. Concealed permit holders are generally the most responsible when it comes to firearms, in my experience.

[Hazcat]

Somehow being disarmed in bear country upsets me.

I agree, that is why I don't go there. If you use that illegal firearm to protect your self you will in all probability; face jail, be fined, lose your permit. I don't like the possible outcomes (maybe dead if unarmed, in trouble if arms used) so I stay away.

[litehaus]

"a degree in communications"

---

Is that the degree that says one has learned, Finally, what one should have learned in High School...to read and write?

[Hazcat]

Is that the degree that says one has learned, Finally, what one should have learned in High School...to read and write?

No, that's the one where you learn to spin the facts to your (leftist) leanings in order to 'make a difference' in the world.

[spanalot]

whats the problem with unconcealed

no one ever hears of hunters killing others - its the safest place to be - something to be said for the 2nd amendment

[Lurker]

no one ever hears of hunters killing others

I guess you missed the story of the Hmong deer hunter who murderd six other hunters in Wisconsin about three years ago.

L

[Hawthorn]

> whats the problem with unconcealed <

As I understand the matter, it's not a question of concealed carry vs. open carry.

It's rather a matter of total firearms prohibition, whether the piece in question is carried on your person or merely in the trunk of your car.

Quote:

"Generally, firearms are prohibited in national parks. If you are transporting firearms, you must notify the ranger or gate attendant on your arrival, and your firearm must be rendered inoperable before you enter the park. The National Park Service defines inoperable to mean unloaded, cased, broken down if possible, and out of sight. Individuals in possession of an operable firearm in a national park are subject to arrest. Rules in various state park systems vary, so always inquire first."

Source:

http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/FederalGunLaws.aspx?ID=59


So presumably Senator Allen's bill would legalize both open and concealed carry. (Let's hope so!)

[bruoz]

"I guess you missed the story of the Hmong deer hunter who murderd six other hunters in Wisconsin about three years ago."

The victims were not armed as I recall.

[2ndClassCitizen]

I have heard that private citizens with concealed carry permits have better records than police.

Police should be forced to keep their firearms at their place of work when they are off duty.

[B4Ranch]

Am I the ONLY one?
I have carried in NP areas and kept my mouth shut

Why are you breaking your silence now?

[2ndClassCitizen]

The operative word is "HMONG". And... he may be a serial killer with a past.

Also, the HMONG's weapon is a rifle. No one gets a carry permit for a rifle.

[spanalot]

""no one ever hears of hunters killing others" "

"I guess you missed the story of the Hmong deer hunter who murderd six other hunters in Wisconsin about three years ago."

I said Hunter - not poacher. That Hmong idiot was NOT a HUNTER - HE WAS A POACHER illegally taking deer on private prperty out of someone elses tree stand.

And if that is the only case you can cite, it proves my point.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***Why are you breaking your silence now?***

Statute of limitations ran out.

[El Gato]

When someone burns a cross on your lawn the best fire hose is an AK-47.)

Not a bad choice. But something with a bit more reach, and a bit more accuracy, would be my choice. Pick off the leaders first. Then the rest as they scatter like the cockroaches that they are.