Wow: DNR lifts ban on handguns in state parks ...

[hippiechick]

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060922/LOCAL19/609220447/1006/LOCAL


Pack a picnic -- or a gun
DNR lifts ban on handguns in state parks for at least 1 year

It's now legal to carry a handgun in Indiana's state parks, a move seen as the latest victory for the gun lobby in Indiana. In the past, you had to keep your piece locked in your car. But under a provisional rule change, announced Thursday by the Department of Natural Resources, licensed handgun owners can pack while birding, hiking, picnicking -- whatever.

DNR Director Kyle Hupfer announced the news a day before Gov. Mitch Daniels was to share the stage with National Rifle Association President Sandra S. Froman at a forum on gun rights at the Dearborn County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceburg.

Hupfer said he came under no political pressure to change park handgun restrictions. "This is just (a regulation) I found and brought to the attention of the governor," he said. "We've been trying to slowly work our way through all aspects of the agency."


... more at link ...


As if we're not having enough success killing each other as it is ??

[benEzra]

1. Only for individuals licensed by the state to carry a gun.

It applies only to people licensed by the state of Indiana to carry a gun. (I think the reporter got confused on what a "handgun license" is in Indiana.)

I have absolutely no problem with someone who has passed a thorough FBI and state background check, mental health records check, been fingerprinted, and jumped through all the other hoops necessary to get a carry license, carrying a gun for self-defense while they are hiking, camping, or whatever. Most states already allow properly licensed individuals to carry for self-defense in state parks and national forests, AFAIK, though Federal regs prohibit carry in National Parks.

All rules prohibiting the discharge of firearms except in lawful self-defense would still apply.

[PVnRT]

2. I think the question is

why, all of a sudden, is the rule being changed? I know plenty of gun owners, and this isn't even an issue, frankly.

The problem is that it smacks of Mitchie-Boy's typical pandering in place of actually doing any work.