Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Archery in national Parks?

Discussion in 'Bowhunting Talk' started by DukesArcher, Mar 25, 2014.

  1. DukesArcher

    DukesArcher Weekend Warrior

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2014
    Posts:
    63
    Likes Received:
    0
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    I'm going to be visiting a few national parks over the summer, including Jasper and Yellowstone. I'll be staying in a cabin and fancy taking one of my primitive bows along. Not to hunt of course, but just for targets and stump shooting. Might make a few blunt tipped arrows to be on the safe side. Anyone know what the deal is on this kind of thing?
     
  2. okie_flinger

    okie_flinger Die Hard Bowhunter

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2012
    Posts:
    1,091
    Likes Received:
    46
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Edmond, OK
    New Federal Firearms Law Takes Effect Monday - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

    I assume this regulation is still in effect. it does not specifically address target shooting in campgrounds, but I assume it is prohibited, since it is not specifically addressed as allowed.

    ***************

    Date: February 18, 2010
    Contact: Al Nash, 307-344-2010




    National Park Service
    U.S. Department of the Interior

    Yellowstone National Park
    P.O. Box 168
    Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 18, 2010 10-008
    Al Nash (307) 344-2010

    ----------------------------------------------------
    YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEWS RELEASE
    ----------------------------------------------------

    New Federal Firearms Law Takes Effect Monday
    Yellowstone subject to Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming firearms laws

    A change in federal law effective February 22, allows people who can legally possess firearms under federal, state, and local laws, to possess those firearms in Yellowstone National Park.

    The new federal law makes possession of firearms in national parks also subject to the firearms laws of the states where the parks are located.

    Yellowstone spans portions of the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. All three states allow open carry of handguns and rifles on one’s person or in a vehicle. They all also allow concealed carry of firearms with a permit.

    While the state boundary lines are posted along park roadways, they are not posted along trails or in the backcountry. Each state has somewhat different firearms regulations. Those possessing firearms are responsible for knowing which state they are in, and are subject to the laws of that state.

    Visitors who may wish to bring firearms to the park are encouraged to do their research ahead of time to ensure that they are aware of and abide by the laws that apply. Additional information is available online at Laws & Policies - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service).

    The new federal law has no affect on existing laws and regulations regarding the use of firearms in national parks or hunting. Hunting, or the discharge of a firearm in Yellowstone National Park continues to be prohibited. Other weapons such as bows, air rifles, and slingshots may be secured and transported through the park, but may not be taken on trails or into the backcountry.

    Federal law continues to prohibit firearms in certain facilities, such as park visitor centers and federal office buildings. These facilities are posted with appropriate notices at public entrances.

    Firearms should not be considered a wildlife protection strategy.

    Park regulations require visitors to stay 25 yards away from most wildlife, and 100 yards away from bears and wolves at all times.

    The best defense is to stay a safe distance from wildlife, and use your binoculars, spotting scope, or telephoto lens to get a closer look. Hikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers are encouraged to travel in groups of three or more, make noise on the trail, and keep an eye out for animals. Bear pepper spray has proven to be a good last line of defense if you keep it handy and use it according to directions when animals are within 30 feet.
     
  3. tfox

    tfox Grizzled Veteran

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2008
    Posts:
    5,915
    Likes Received:
    8
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    henderson ky
    I would not even think about doing this. They will assume you are hunting if you don't have a specific target setup.

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
     
  4. Keef

    Keef Weekend Warrior

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2012
    Posts:
    99
    Likes Received:
    1
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Nevada/Missouri
    I know 2 guys who got a ticket for target shooting with their bows. Don't do it.
     
  5. josh97

    josh97 Weekend Warrior

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2013
    Posts:
    104
    Likes Received:
    0
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Ohio
    Yep don't risk it.
     
  6. grommel

    grommel Die Hard Bowhunter

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2013
    Posts:
    2,433
    Likes Received:
    829
    Dislikes Received:
    5
    Location:
    New York
    National Park dude, STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! or you might be wearing the silver bracelets!
     

Share This Page