I know they passed a law a couple years back making it legal for you can carry weapons into National Parks as long as you follow state laws. When refreshing myself on California law I started getting confused.

Can I open carry on the trails through Yosemite with a loaded weapon in a holster or does the mag have to be separate from the pistol?


The only reason I am thinking about taking my pistol is for protection from wildlife (mainly bears). We will be out in the wilderness for 4 days in mid October and this is an active time for bears looking to stock up on food for the winter.

I don't have your answer, but I am also curious. Also, I'm sure you have heard, but there has been several cases of the Hantavirus being contracted there. It is contracted through rodents and I believe Curry Village has had one case and there has been 3 or 4 in the tent cabins. Two people have died so far that I know.

open carry of a handgun is no longer legal in California as of this year. Dirty Red ******* outlawed it.

Based on my experience (only once in Yosemite in September but plenty of trips to other parks with bears), you'll need your pistol more for rodents stealing Gorp than bears. I suggest leaving the extra weight behind if you are doing a backcountry hike. (And not trying to be a jackass, just honest recommendation).

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/weapons.htm

Austinaggie: We have been watching the reports about the Hantavirus and even though its some pretty serious stuff I think we are still planning on making the trip. I don't think the rodents will be so bad out in the wilderness. I think they are worse around the established campgrounds.

RMC: I have thought about leaving it behind but my gf was thinking about some kind of protection since we can not take bear mace.

Mickey: I tried looking on that website earlier but my work has it blocked and listed at "weapons content"

Gotcha, here ya go then:

quote:

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Weapons/Firearms

Firearms
As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park.

It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, visit the California Attorney General's website.

Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances.

Discharging a firearm for any reason is illegal.


Other Weapons
The possession, use, or discharge of pepper spray (including bear spray), pellet guns, and BB guns in Yosemite National Park is prohibited.

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Not sure if your work will let you, but here's the AG link:

http://oag.ca.gov/firearms

"Discharging a firearm for any reason is illegal."

So you can take your gun, but you can not use it. Makes sense to me...

Bear spray would be a better option anyway.

I was thinking the same thing Bunker but if a big teddy bear comes to attack me or my gf I will use that gun. I don't care it its illegal or not when it comes to saving someones life.

The use of bear mace is illegal too but I guess if I am going to do something illegal I would rather do it quietly than having someone hear shots being fired.



[This message has been edited by scottyk4886 (edited 9/11/2012 10:00a).]

It is goofy the bear spray is illegal to possess, but it is highly effective on black bears.

The black bears there would be the last worry I had. Like I've mentioned before on here, and would be especially true in Yosemite, a gun in a black bear incident would be basically worthless. Daytime, actual attacks, pretty much don't happen. Chances are, in the extremely low chance something would happen, it would occur between 10 PM and 4 AM. By the time you know what is happening, you are probably 5 feet removed.

Anyway, back to the arguing about guns in California national parks.