FIREARMS AT THE APOSTLE ISLANDS NATIONAL LAKESHORE
CONCEALED FIREARMS –
CAN A PERSON POSSESS A CONCEALED FIREARM?
NO. IT IS ILLEGAL FOR ANY PERSON EXCEPT A PEACE OFFICER TO CARRY OR POSSESS A CONCEALED WEAPON.
WI STATUTE 941.23: CARRYING A CONCEALED WEAPON is prohibited
WI STATUTE 939.22: PEACE OFFICER - DEFINED
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SAFETY ACT OF 2004: PUBLIC LAW 108-277
On January 9, 2009, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued a final rulemaking which modifies National Park Service (NPS) regulations to adopt state laws relating to the possession of concealed firearms. Under Wisconsin law it is illegal to possess a concealed and dangerous weapon.
The new Federal regulation DOES NOT change any existing requirements or enforcement relating to weapons and firearms at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 2.4(h) reads:
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Chapter, a person may possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within a national park area in accordance with the laws of the state in which the national park area, or that portion thereof, is located, except as otherwise prohibited by applicable Federal law.
TRANSPORTATION OF A FIREARM –
CAN A PERSON TRANSPORT A FIREARM IN A VEHICLE OR VESSEL IN THE NATIONAL LAKESHORE?
YES. THE FIREARM MUST BE UNLOADED AND CASED AT ALL TIMES.
The firearm must be unloaded, enclosed in a carrying case and stored in a location of the vehicle or vessel so it is not immediately accessible.
HOW FAR DOES THE NATIONAL LAKESHORE EXTEND INTO LAKE SUPERIOR?
Approximately 1/4 mile from each land-based unit. All NPS rules apply on Lake Superior within Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. View Park Boundary Map
FIREARMS ARE PROHIBITED IN TOURBOATS AND FEDERAL BUILDINGS -
ARE FIREARMS PROHIBITED IN SPECIFIC PARK LOCATIONS?
YES. FIREARMS ARE PROHIBITED ON TOURBOATS AND WITHIN ALL FEDERAL BUILDINGS, including park headquarters, visitor centers and island facilities including lighthouses and historic buildings.
18 U.S.C. 930 Firearms Prohibited in Federal Buildings
LEGAL USE OF A FIREARM IN THE PARK -
ARE THERE LEGAL USES OF FIREARMS IN THE PARK?
YES. SPECIFIC TYPES OF FIREARMS ARE AUTHORIZED FOR HUNTING ACTIVITIES IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL AND STATE LAW.
Only authorized firearms may be carried while engaged in legal hunting activities during designated hunting seasons. Various firearm and archery restrictions apply for the type of hunting activity.
WISCONSIN HUNTING REGULATIONS: goto Wisconsin D.N.R. website
Hunters can only use the specific type of firearm/weapon that is authorized for hunting activities during the designated season as prescribed by state regulations.
PARK SPECIFIC RULES AND REQUIREMENTS:
Review the Superintendents Compendium §1.5(a)(1) and 1.5(a)(2) for a list of closures, public use restrictions and other applicable park rules.
More information on Hunting in the Park
