VA Governor lifts open-carry ban in State parks

[AzNMpower32]

The governor lifts ban on open-carry in VA state parks, probably to expand to state forests as well.

McDonnell order OKs openly carrying firearms in state parks | Richmond Times-Dispatch

RICHMOND, Va. -- It is now legal to openly carry firearms in Virginia's state parks, and state forests are likely to be next.
...
"Lacking specific legislative authorization to further regulate firearms, the the Department of Conservation and Recreation cannot promulgate a regulation that does so," the governor's letter states.


Previously, firearms could be taken into parks as long as they were concealed and the carriers had permits to do so. McDonnell's order opens up the parks to the open carrying of weapons.
....

"These regulations, once finally approved, would simply allow law-abiding Virginians who legally own a firearm to exercise the same rights in a Virginia state forest or state park that they already possess while elsewhere in the commonwealth," Martin said.

This guy is great. Too bad governors can only serve one term in Virginia. I'd reelect him in a heartbeat.

[justben]

Probably the reason he is so great is because of the term limit

[Quicksilver]

What's the point of carrying firearms in state parks?

[Meiac09]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

What's the point of carrying firearms in state parks?

For when someone who brought a shotgun, regardless of the law comes up on you in a meth induced rage. Moonshine does crazy things in VA.

[statdoc]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

What's the point of carrying firearms in state parks?

You think crimes don't occur in parks?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by statdoc

You think crimes don't occur in parks?

Firearms reduce crime?

[Quicksilver]

Oh that's right smokey the bear hijacking pickups....

Originally Posted by statdoc

You think crimes don't occur in parks?

[Dannyell]

We always seem to learn the hard way...I guess we'll see how much safer we are when everyone brings their guns at the sunday picnic...

[nom3rcy]

There are wild animals that could pose a threat while hiking or camping, carrying a firearm isn't a bad idea.

Crime probably isn't a concern, but you never know. Better to be prepared than not, and if they already allow open carry elsewhere in the state, banning it in a state park is illogical.

[Krimson X]

Originally Posted by nom3rcy

There are wild animals that could pose a threat while hiking or camping, carrying a firearm isn't a bad idea.

Crime probably isn't a concern, but you never know. Better to be prepared than not, and if they already allow open carry elsewhere in the state, banning it in a state park is illogical.

I can see having it in the event of a wild animal attack. I also can imagine some fool gunning down a grizzly bear in Yosemite Nat'l Park just for sport.