Handgun in Big Bend?

[macadore]

As I understand the laws governing National Parks, the firearms laws are determined by the laws of the surrounding state/states. In Texas it is legal to carry a handgun in the vehicle when “traveling”. Would it be legal for a Texas citizen without a CHL to keep a handgun in the vehicle while visiting Big Bend National Park?

 

[Art Eatman]

No CHL? In the car, okay. Out of the car, nokay.

By and large, BBNP is pretty much hassle free. We occasionally get an officious newbie park ranger, but they generally grow out of it.

 

[macadore]

Thanks Art. I just returned and had a great time. I have a CHL, but my daughter and son-in-law are going there in July and neither of them has a CHL so this will be welcome information.

Off the subject, I thoroughly enjoyed Terlingua. I noticed that Terlingua is a former ghost town.

 

[KodiakBeer]

That's kind of sad that Texas gun laws are stricter than federal gun laws!

 

[TexasRifleman]

That's kind of sad that Texas gun laws are stricter than federal gun laws!

They aren't. Federal law simply mirrors state law as far as NP carry goes.

If NP law allowed for carry without a permit it wouldn't matter what Texas law said.

So no, Federal gun laws are not less restrictive than Texas gun laws. They are certainly not like Alaska though, sadly.

 

[KodiakBeer]

They aren't. Federal law simply mirrors state law as far as NP carry goes.

That answer is chasing its own tail... If Texas allowed open carry, the federal land would also be open. I know Texas has pretty good gun laws, but the ban on open carry should be a sore point with residents.

 

[TexasRifleman]

If Texas allowed open carry, the federal land would also be open.

Sure, but that doesn't mean Federal law is less restrictive. You can't carry in an Illinois National Park at all, for the same reason. Nothing to do with Federal law, it's just mirroring the state.

A ban on open carry is VERY much a sore point with us, believe me. It's sickening.

We're very envious of you Alaska guys.

 

[Art Eatman]

Just so we don't drift off into woulda/coulda/shoulda, much as I'd like to...