Desertdog
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Looks like they are getting gun friendlier in Indiana.
DNR to allow handguns in Indiana state parks
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/local/15579087.htm
By Phil Bloom
The Journal Gazette
You can pack more than a picnic the next time you visit an Indiana state park.
Now you can take a handgun, provided you have a valid license to carry one.
Department of Natural Resources director Kyle Hupfer authorized a rule change Thursday that overturns the prohibition on possessing a handgun at state parks, reservoirs, forests and other DNR-managed properties.
“If a law-abiding citizen has gone through the complete background checks to carry a handgun and can carry one virtually anywhere else in the state, we see no reason not to at DNR properties,” Hupfer said.
Gov. Mitch Daniels was expected to announce the rule changes today at an event at Dearborn County Fairgrounds attended by National Rifle Association President Sandy Froman. The NRA pre-empted the announcement, however, by issuing a news release Wednesday on its Web site.
“Both the governor and myself are very clearly strong Second Amendment advocates,” Hupfer said. “We think that we have a majority of the legislature and the majority of citizens in the state who value that constitutional right, and we think this (prior ban) is something that is unnecessary.”
The DNR manages 24 state parks, nine reservoir properties and 13 state forests. Several are in northeast Indiana, including Chain O’ Lakes, Ouabache and Pokagon state parks; Roush Lake and Salamonie reservoirs; and Salamonie State Forest.
Paul Helmke, president of the Brady Campaign and Brady Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, questioned Hupfer’s action.
“Part of it, I guess, is what makes you feel safe,” said Helmke, a former mayor of Fort Wayne. “I feel safer going to a state park with the idea people aren’t carrying guns.
“Encouraging guns in state parks makes me less likely to use our state parks.”
Hufper also changed three other rules that prohibited the possession of firearms during certain hunting-related activities on private and public land.
Hunters previously could not possess firearms while hunting deer or wild turkeys with archery equipment, nor could dog owners during the dog-running season for opossum and raccoon (typically from mid-February through mid-October).
Now they can carry handguns if they have a valid license.
“It’s already illegal to poach deer, so not allowing them to have a gun goes too far,” Hupfer said. “Being in possession of a handgun will not all of a sudden turn them into poachers.”
Gene Hopkins, legislative director for the Indiana Bowhunters Association, agreed.
“I never really understood what the risk was or what the problem was with carrying one in the first place if you have a license or permit,” he said. “Why not be allowed to carry one?
“My initial reaction is it’s a good thing. I’ve heard occasional stories of a hunter running into a pack of coyotes. Typically they are shy, but every now and then you run into a bold one.”
Hupfer cited another reason.
“In certain areas of the state, meth labs are popping up more and more,” he said. “Folks like to be in a position to protect themselves when bow hunting.”
The rule changes are temporary, meaning they stand for one year, but Hupfer plans to ask the Natural Resources Commission to make them permanent.
[email protected]
DNR to allow handguns in Indiana state parks
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/local/15579087.htm
By Phil Bloom
The Journal Gazette
You can pack more than a picnic the next time you visit an Indiana state park.
Now you can take a handgun, provided you have a valid license to carry one.
Department of Natural Resources director Kyle Hupfer authorized a rule change Thursday that overturns the prohibition on possessing a handgun at state parks, reservoirs, forests and other DNR-managed properties.
“If a law-abiding citizen has gone through the complete background checks to carry a handgun and can carry one virtually anywhere else in the state, we see no reason not to at DNR properties,” Hupfer said.
Gov. Mitch Daniels was expected to announce the rule changes today at an event at Dearborn County Fairgrounds attended by National Rifle Association President Sandy Froman. The NRA pre-empted the announcement, however, by issuing a news release Wednesday on its Web site.
“Both the governor and myself are very clearly strong Second Amendment advocates,” Hupfer said. “We think that we have a majority of the legislature and the majority of citizens in the state who value that constitutional right, and we think this (prior ban) is something that is unnecessary.”
The DNR manages 24 state parks, nine reservoir properties and 13 state forests. Several are in northeast Indiana, including Chain O’ Lakes, Ouabache and Pokagon state parks; Roush Lake and Salamonie reservoirs; and Salamonie State Forest.
Paul Helmke, president of the Brady Campaign and Brady Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, questioned Hupfer’s action.
“Part of it, I guess, is what makes you feel safe,” said Helmke, a former mayor of Fort Wayne. “I feel safer going to a state park with the idea people aren’t carrying guns.
“Encouraging guns in state parks makes me less likely to use our state parks.”
Hufper also changed three other rules that prohibited the possession of firearms during certain hunting-related activities on private and public land.
Hunters previously could not possess firearms while hunting deer or wild turkeys with archery equipment, nor could dog owners during the dog-running season for opossum and raccoon (typically from mid-February through mid-October).
Now they can carry handguns if they have a valid license.
“It’s already illegal to poach deer, so not allowing them to have a gun goes too far,” Hupfer said. “Being in possession of a handgun will not all of a sudden turn them into poachers.”
Gene Hopkins, legislative director for the Indiana Bowhunters Association, agreed.
“I never really understood what the risk was or what the problem was with carrying one in the first place if you have a license or permit,” he said. “Why not be allowed to carry one?
“My initial reaction is it’s a good thing. I’ve heard occasional stories of a hunter running into a pack of coyotes. Typically they are shy, but every now and then you run into a bold one.”
Hupfer cited another reason.
“In certain areas of the state, meth labs are popping up more and more,” he said. “Folks like to be in a position to protect themselves when bow hunting.”
The rule changes are temporary, meaning they stand for one year, but Hupfer plans to ask the Natural Resources Commission to make them permanent.
[email protected]
