Yellowstone Questions

Have a few questions for you guys. I am thinking about taking my wife and son 5 years old to Yellowstone this summer for maybe 5 or 6 days. I was planning about sleeping in a tent for a couple of nights this summer out there. My questions is regarding firearms. I know that Obama passed the law allowing people to carry in national parks. Do you guys think there will be any issue with having a handgun "G17" and a remington 870 with me especially when camping in a tent? Any info would be greatly appreciated. We plan on staying in Wyoming side of yellowstone the whole time. The last time I was there was in 1988 when I was only 8 years old so i do not remember much from it.

First: ask the question directly to the people that will know the answers, never go to a general chat forum and take the word of anyone 100% for any subject that can land you a fine or in jail. http://www.yellowstone-natl-park.com/address.htm has the contact information for Yellowstone.

That being said:

http://www.nps.gov/yell/parknews/10008.htm

WYOMING:
Open Carry Allowed
Handgun = Yes
Rifle = Yes
In Vehicle = Yes
Age Requirement = None
Concealed Carry Allowed - Permit Required
Person = Yes
Vehicle = Yes
State Reciprocity = 23 states
Age Requirement = 21 years of age

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Firearms should not be considered a wildlife protection strategy.
Park regulations require visitors to stay 25 yards away from most wildlife, and 100 yards away from bears and wolves at all times.

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No young boy has really lived until he's been to Yellowstone. It was a regular stop when I was a kid in the 60's and early 70's. Funny how the geyser got smaller as I got older though. Hmmmm. Explore every corner, it's an amazing place. Take lots of pics too.

Thanks for the info guys, will post some pics on here afterwards.

Might want to check with the park, just before you leave. In the 70's we were hitch-hiking cross country. We were going to stay in the park in a tent. (sound familiar?)

We got there, and they said there was a problem with bears that year, and would not even let us in the park. Even when we said we would go straight through. Don't know if this is a problem now-days.

We did spend a couple of days in Cody, and visited the Firearms Museum. If you are that close, that is a HAVE TO see.

Some of the campgrounds are hard sided RVs only but there should be plenty that allow tents but yes make sure you check in advance. I have not taken my boys there yet, really need to go.

I spent almost 18 years in the Jackson hole, Driggs and W yellowstone area. (moved to Colorado when I was 18) I used to work for a dude ranch that took folks thru Yellowstone starting at flag ranch over the Teton range and finishing up on the Idaho side.

I return every year for a two week camping trip, and will ALWAYS bring "a" (<- I use that loosely) firearm. I have had bears/wolfs in camp and will be damn'd if me or my horses are ever on the menu.

If you'd like, I can tell you of a few little known spots with outstanding beauty and wildlife and no other tourist :)

Make sure they aren't having a fire the day you show up. [Abused]

for god's sake DON'T GO IN THE SUMMER with 20 bazillion of your closest friends.

go the week after labor day.
almost always the weather is still good
some leaves might be turning
and the park will be relatively deserted.

MUCH better experience.

we usually go in May first week or so no crowds, still cool.
If you want to see a grizz follow the ranger.

Wait...Obama passed a law allowing folks to carry in NP's??

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Originally Posted by Graves

Wait...Obama passed a law allowing folks to carry in NP's??

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Dont give him too much credit. It was attatched to another bill, FAA or something.

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Originally Posted by Graves

Wait...Obama passed a law allowing folks to carry in NP's??

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I think Bush originally passed it, then something happened and Obama had to allow it to proceed or something.

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Originally Posted by JohnTRourke

for god's sake DON'T GO IN THE SUMMER with 20 bazillion of your closest friends.

go the week after labor day.
almost always the weather is still good
some leaves might be turning
and the park will be relatively deserted.

MUCH better experience.

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iv been told this too, would love to go up there soon if i just had more leave[Bang]

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Originally Posted by AMD-65

Have a few questions for you guys. I am thinking about taking my wife and son 5 years old to Yellowstone this summer for maybe 5 or 6 days. I was planning about sleeping in a tent for a couple of nights this summer out there. My questions is regarding firearms. I know that Obama passed the law allowing people to carry in national parks. Do you guys think there will be any issue with having a handgun "G17" and a remington 870 with me especially when camping in a tent? Any info would be greatly appreciated. We plan on staying in Wyoming side of yellowstone the whole time. The last time I was there was in 1988 when I was only 8 years old so i do not remember much from it.

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the supreme court was the ultimate decision maker regarding a tent as eminent domain. Seems a camper has a "small quantity" of controlled substance in their tent while camping. the park rangers entered the tent and proceeded to arrest said occupant as he was in possession of a controlled substance. case went to the SCOTUS with it being ruled a tent like any other dwelling is considered eminent domain and a search warrant should have been used prior to the entering and search of tent. Same law/ ruling applies to your vehicle and any other place you would consider dwelling.

can i quote the SCOTUS law, No but take a spin using the internet search engine. you will be surprised how many folks do not know about eminent domain and illegal search and seizure