Hikers should pack more than a little pistol out on the trail. There's bears and cats out on the trail. And, when camping out in a lean-to or tent, you're completely exposed to them as well as any person who would do you harm. The Parks shouldn't let anyone go hiking without a rifle and a pistol. It's a matter of self preservation and safety. Without a firearm, you can't signal any distress. In NY, hunters fire groups of three rounds to signal for help or rescue (semi auto is best for this). Cell phones don't work where there's no cell towers. The idea that we need permission from our government to use OUR land (public lands belong to the people) is crazy. Who gave the government the authority to limit or otherwise deny you the right to self protection. Who does the government think it is? Our mommy? Have the Park services ever sought authorization to limit citizen from protecting themselves or did they just assume it themselves ? What ever happened to 'no governance without the consent of the governed' ? The last i heard, we have a Constitution which recognizes our RIGHT to keep & bear arms. I do also beleive, however, that citizens should get training for firearm handling. Local Police and/or schools or other venues could be good places to get training. In NY, adult ed in public schools provides hunter (hiker?) safety courses.
Chattanooga: Hikers packing concealed heat
Hikers should pack more than a little pistol out on the trail. There's bears and cats out on the trail. And, when camping out in a lean-to or tent, you're completely exposed to them as well as any person who would do you harm. The Parks shouldn't let anyone go hiking without a rifle and a pistol. It's a matter of self preservation and safety. Without a firearm, you can't signal any distress. In NY, hunters fire groups of three rounds to signal for help or rescue (semi auto is best for this). Cell phones don't work where there's no cell towers. The idea that we need permission from our government to use OUR land (public lands belong to the people) is crazy. Who gave the government the authority to limit or otherwise deny you the right to self protection. Who does the government think it is? Our mommy? Have the Park services ever sought authorization to limit citizen from protecting themselves or did they just assume it themselves ? What ever happened to 'no governance without the consent of the governed' ? The last i heard, we have a Constitution which recognizes our RIGHT to keep & bear arms. I do also beleive, however, that citizens should get training for firearm handling. Local Police and/or schools or other venues could be good places to get training. In NY, adult ed in public schools provides hunter (hiker?) safety courses.