|
Contacts
Vanessa Kauffman
703-358-2138
vanessa_kauffman@fws.gov
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today
announced that effective February 22, 2010, the rules governing possession
of firearms on National Wildlife Refuges will change as a result of
legislation enacted by Congress. After this date, the law allows an
individual to lawfully possess a firearm within the boundaries of a
national wildlife refuge in accordance with federal, state and local
firearms laws.
As directed by this new law, the Service
will look to the laws of the state and locality in which the refuge or
refuge unit is located to govern possession of firearms on the refuge.
Visitors will be allowed to possess firearms on National Wildlife Refuges
provided they comply with applicable provisions of federal, state and local
law. Persons with so-called firearm "carry" permits will be able
to possess firearms on a refuge in accordance with the provisions of the
state issued permit. The new law applies to all 551 units of the National
Wildlife Refuge System, as well as the National Monuments and the 392 units
of the National Park System.
While the law will change the application
of rules regarding possession of firearms, it has no impact on the
authorized uses of firearms on National Wildlife Refuges. The law does not
allow visitors to fire or discharge the firearms in any way, brandish the
weapon in the view of others, or any other use of the firearm. Enforcement
of regulations concerning firearms use remains under the purview of the
Department of the Interior.
While possession on a refuge may generally
be allowed under state law, possession of firearms will remain prohibited
in Federal facilities. Examples include: visitor centers, refuge
administrative office buildings, refuge maintenance offices and workshops,
field and backcountry offices, ranger stations and fee collection stations.
Refuge visitors wishing to possess firearms
on any unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System should carefully read
and understand the laws of the state in which the refuge they plan to visit
is located -- as well as applicable local and county laws and ordinances
that derive from that respective state's law. The laws of the states in
which they reside, or from which they may have received firearms permits,
do not apply when they are away from those states, although some states
offer reciprocity and allow possession based on another state's permits.
Hunting, trapping and fishing are
considered to be a legitimate, traditional recreational and wildlife
management use of renewable natural resources on refuges. However, this new
law does not change or expand hunting opportunities on national wildlife
refuges or exempt hunters from state or federal hunting regulations.
Each person who hunts on a National
Wildlife Refuge must have the required state license(s) required by the refuge,
as well as any permits and/or user fees. The National Wildlife Refuge
System Act of 1966, other laws and the Fish and Wildlife Service's policy
permit hunting on a refuge when it is compatible with the purposes for
which the refuge was established and acquired. For additional information,
go to: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/hunting/.
The law does not differentiate between
concealed handguns under state permit and long guns (rifles, shotguns,
muzzleloaders) and it applies to all firearms, which are defined as a
weapon designed to fire a projectile by the use of an explosive charge. All
Federal firearms statutes remain unchanged.
Nearly 40 million people visit National
Wildlife Refuges each year, generating almost $1.7 billion in sales for regional
economies. In addition to wildlife observation, many refuges provide rich
opportunities for hiking, canoeing, hunting and fishing. To learn more
about visiting a National Wildlife Refuge go to: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/visitors/.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish,
wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American
people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife
conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and
natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public
service. For more information on our work and the people who make it
happen, visit www.fws.gov.
-FWS-
|
