---
kind: "section"
citation: "36 C.F.R. § 2.4"
title: "36"
number: "2.4"
heading: "Weapons, traps and nets."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/36/2.4"
---

# §2.4. Weapons, traps and nets.

- (a) None of the provisions in this section or any regulation in this chapter may be enforced to prohibit an individual from possessing a firearm, including an assembled or functional firearm, in any National Park System unit if:
  - (1) The individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm; and
  - (2) The possession of the firearm is in compliance with the law of the State in which the National Park System unit is located.
- (b)
  - (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section and [parts 7](/cfr/36/part7.md) (special regulations) and 13 (Alaska regulations), the following are prohibited:
    - (i) Possessing a weapon, trap or net
    - (ii) Carrying a weapon, trap or net
    - (iii) Using a weapon, trap or net
  - (2) Weapons, traps or nets may be carried, possessed or used:
    - (i) **At designated times and locations in park areas where—**
      - (A) The taking of wildlife is authorized by law in accordance with [§ 2.2](/cfr/36/2.2.md) of this chapter;
      - (B) The taking of fish is authorized by law in accordance with [§ 2.3](/cfr/36/2.3.md) of this part.
    - (ii) When used for target practice at designated times and at facilities or locations designed and constructed specifically for this purpose and designated pursuant to special regulations.
    - (iii) **Within a residential dwelling.** For purposes of this subparagraph only, the term “residential dwelling” means a fixed housing structure which is either the principal residence of its occupants, or is occupied on a regular and recurring basis by its occupants as an alternate residence or vacation home.
  - (3)
    - (i) Traps, nets and unloaded weapons may be possessed within a temporary lodging or mechanical mode of conveyance when such implements are rendered temporarily inoperable or are packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.
    - (ii) An individual may carry or possess an unloaded bow or crossbow when accessing otherwise inaccessible lands or waters contiguous to a park area when other means of access are otherwise impracticable or impossible if:
      - (A) The individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the bow or crossbow; and
      - (B) The possession of the bow or crossbow is in compliance with the law of the State in which the park area is located.
- (c) Carrying or possessing a loaded weapon in a motor vehicle, vessel or other mode of transportation is prohibited, except that carrying or possessing a loaded weapon in a vessel is allowed when such vessel is not being propelled by machinery and is used as a shooting platform in accordance with Federal and State law.
- (d) **The use of a weapon, trap or net in a manner that endangers persons or property is prohibited.**
- (e) The superintendent may issue a permit to carry or possess a weapon that is not otherwise authorized, a trap, or a net under the following circumstances:
  - (1) When necessary to support research activities conducted in accordance with [§ 2.5](/cfr/36/2.5.md).
  - (2) **To carry firearms for persons in charge of pack trains or saddle horses for emergency use.**
  - (3) **For employees, agents or cooperating officials in the performance of their official duties.**
  - (4) To provide access to otherwise inaccessible lands or waters contiguous to a park area when other means of access are otherwise impracticable or impossible.
- (f) Authorized Federal, State and local law enforcement officers may carry firearms in the performance of their official duties.
- (g) The carrying or possessing of a weapon, trap or net in violation of applicable Federal and State laws is prohibited.
- (h) The regulations contained in this section apply, regardless of land ownership, on all lands and waters within a park area that are under the legislative jurisdiction of the United States.

## Notes

### Amendments

[48 FR 30282, June 30, 1983, as amended at 49 FR 18450, Apr. 30, 1984; 52 FR 35240, Sept. 18, 1987; 73 FR 74971, Dec. 10, 2008; 80 FR 36476, June 25, 2015; 83 FR 47073, Sept. 18, 2018]

### Authority

Authority: 54 U.S.C. 100101, 100751, 320102.

### Source

Source: 48 FR 30282, June 30, 1983, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[48 FR 30282, June 30, 1983, as amended at 49 FR 18450, Apr. 30, 1984; 52 FR 35240, Sept. 18, 1987; 73 FR 74971, Dec. 10, 2008; 80 FR 36476, June 25, 2015; 83 FR 47073, Sept. 18, 2018]