http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1864856,00.html

This story is about the ban on firearms in national forests and wildlife areas being lifted by Pres.Bush.It could apply to those who trail ride/camp in these areas and want to take a gun or firearm with them.

I have not worried about protection from other people while in National Parks.  But riding back country in Yellowstone with the Grizzly's does concern me.  I would probably use a gun more as a noise maker rather than shoot and piss off a big bear. More so than protection, it's a tool. We have needed a gun several times to euthanized a horse during extended trail rides. Not often, but in the 20+ years that I've riden back country trails, we have had a couple times where the horse were down for some reason and we had to finish them. It's never a pretty picture when hyou have to put down a good horse, but it's even worse if you don't have the proper tools for the job.

I figurd you'd of laughed and said " well I figured so much of you cowpony!' LOL!!!!! How's all been? Pretty darned cold here, but no rain or snow. The sierras are pretty barren.

I believe something else if I remember correctly, that any state park or national park, you had to have a concealed firearms permit. But in the Wilderness areas, or backcountry as long as you have it exposed so someone can see it, you don't need a permit. It would be just like if you were hunting, as long as it's in view, it's legit.....

There was a ban?  Glad no one has looked in my saddlebags.

Seriously though, Ive always carried one for the same reason Paintedhorse said.  As far as Im concerned to ride a horse hours/days away from a vet without a gun to put it down is irresponsible. Never really worried if it was legal or not, lesser of two evils you might say.

$h!t happens, and I sure wouldnt want to have to try and beat a horse to death with a rock.

I have carried a firearm for years and years.  I travel and ride alone most of the time, and a firearm just gives me a little added security.   After a robbery at a restaurant I used to manage, I vowed that I would never be that helpless again.  I had a little 38 that lived in the false bottom of my purse.  Nearly went through an aiprort security checkpoint with it!  The gun had to stop living in my purse, but I still carry it with me when riding or when driving out of town.  And for those who think they simply couldn't pull the trigger, get over that notion.  Being scared shi***less and totally helpless will eliminate any doubt about your ability to pull the trigger on some deadbeat that is threatening your life.

Marla

Marla 

I personally would prefer to carry the gun on me instead of in a pommel or saddle bag. I might have horse to human seperation at some point and that might leave me SOL. What about the laws concerning rifles? If I ever have the privilege to ride in such rustic beauty, I definately would pack a firearm.

I have read several accounts of marijuana smuggling becoming a serious problem in the national forests in your part of the world.  Pretty dangerous people involved in that lifestyle.    My parents had a close shave down in the Big Bend of Texas a few years ago due to Mexican drug smugglers.  Have you had any problems in that regard?

Marla

New President Obama has put a freeze on all of Bush's pending regulations for "review." So,I imagine that this is one legal right that can be kissed goodbye.