Big bend Texas

[ashtxsniper]

Suerte, please trust me that this subject is very near and dear to me. I'm not just repeating something that I heard from somebody else who heard it from someone who went there once or whatever. The NPS Rangers often wear camoflauge and usually carry M16s in BB. There are only a couple of places in the country where they routinely do that. BP also carry M16s or shotguns at all times and often drive armored "war wagons". That should be a hint.

It's your family and your life. Do what you want. But I won't take my family there. There are many other areas where I could travel and avoid the border crime, including most of the other parks and wilderness areas in the southwest. It's sad that it is as bad as it is.

Last post on this subject from me.

Its not all that bad. Yes these activities go on down there but the smugglers and and illegals are not out looking for victims. They try to keep there operations as low key as possible. I don't believe carrying a handgun in a federal park is a felony unless you don't have a CCW. I was told it is a misdemeanor but don't take me at my word. It is a great place to go but go armed. If the park Rangers catch you with a weapon and they run your record they will know if you are a upstanding citizen and if you have a CCL. Most of the time if they know it is for protecting you and your family they will let you go or make you leave the park. If you keep the weapon well hidden it is usually not a problem. Just be respectful and polite to the officers and try to strike up a conversation with them and you will probably never get searched. Also feigning ignorance can help. They say that sometimes it is better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission. I have carried full sized handguns in probably the last 20 state and national parks I have been to with not even a second look from the park authorities. I also wear a one of my Fire Dept. t-shirts and most leo have respect for fire fighters and know we are the good guys so they don't even bother me other than the occasional friendly conversation. I don't appear to be a threat so they don't harass me. If you don't look suspicious or like a trouble maker then they will leave you alone.I am not trying to steer you in any direction illegal or condoning illegal activity. I just know that my loved ones are worth protecting. Don't shy away from big bend it is a beautiful place and you will most likely not have any problems. That being said I don't go into any type of public park without several firearms.

 

[nemoaz]

I don't believe carrying a handgun in a federal park is a felony unless you don't have a CCW.

OK, I lied. Not my last post. Carrying any firearm in any National Park(concealed or open) is always illegal and it will land you in jail. At least in Arizonia, they don't just issue you a summons. I forget if it is a misdemeanor or felony. Seems like it is probably a misedeamor, if you aren't otherwise engaged in illegal activity or a prohibited possessor (felony, illegal alien, etc.). National forests or wildlife reserves follow the state law so a CCW means you can carry.

Some asked off list about "safe" areas. When I was in Arizona, I always stayed in the various parts of the Coronado. I have no personal experience (beyond our internal reports about criminal trends and violence) with other areas in New Mexico or Texas. Maybe others can chime in about which other parks or areas maybe be nice areas to stay.

 

[pinetree]

I am totally against National Parks from prohibiting the concealed carry of firearms. I can understand against open carry and if they are worried about accidents just impose a no target shooting policy. I also can see controlling hunting via limited or special seasons if warranted.

If you carry, don't look like you carry and don't screw around doing stuff that will get you in trouble. I assume you have a CCW permit. Don't wear Glock hats or Kimber T-Shirts - 511 tactical gear - you know what I mean.

 

[ashtxsniper]

I am totally against National Parks from prohibiting the concealed carry of firearms. I can understand against open carry and if they are worried about accidents just impose a no target shooting policy. I also can see controlling hunting via limited or special seasons if warranted.

If you carry, don't look like you carry and don't screw around doing stuff that will get you in trouble. I assume you have a CCW permit. Don't wear Glock hats or Kimber T-Shirts - 511 tactical gear - you know what I mean.

Good point. Also don't make it obvious that you are trying to avoid authorities or going out of your way to avoid them. They will pick up on this very quickly.

 

[Midnight Scout]

I went to Big Bend about ten years. I loved it. I stayed in a camp site in the desert called Grapevine Hills or something like that. Great hiking at Big Bend and lots to see if you drive too.

Back then the Park acknowledged that Mexicans would cross the river and steal from your camp and cars (hence why we took the camp site farther away from the river).

Next door is Big Band Ranch State Park. I have never been, but friends have and they loved it. If you have a concealed carry license, you should be able to carry your weapon there. Check with the park. At least you can stay there and go to Big Bend National Park for day hikes.

I have not heard that the National Park has gotten overrun with bloodthirsty smugglers, but if it has and the Park Service has not informed the public of such, it is negligence on the Park's part if any visitors get hurt during their stays.

I think banning guns from the National Parks is not a good idea. If the park rangers are carrying, why not the general public too?

 

[nemoaz]

National Park has gotten overrun with bloodthirsty smugglers,

deleted pmail if you have questions

 

[ashtxsniper]

It is not that bad yeah stuff goes on but it is not that bad unless you are trying to find them. They dont want to bring attention to themselves.

 

[Suerte]

The average marijuana load in that area is 400-800 lbs and can be worth more than a million dollars to the drug trafficking operation. They travel with armed security and have armed scouts posted along the route of travel. Usually the arms are AK's, M16s, or G3 automatic rifles. Anyone who compromises their operations-- predominantly their own personnel-- are shot on the spot. Bandit operations are also on the rise on the Arizona border, with about a dozen being shot or killed in the last year. It has become the primary law enforcement priority around Organ Pipe and surrounding areas, even more of a priority than stopping the smuggling itself. It's only a matter of time until the bandit activity migrates the second worst NP on the border-- Big Bend.

Now that was my last post.

Can you cite any substantial factual proof for any of this in Big Bend? Something from TX DPS, Brewster or Presidio County Sheriff, Border Patrol, National Park Rangers, etc.?

 

[Horned Toad]

Can you cite any substantial factual proof for any of this in Big Bend? Something from TX DPS, Brewster or Presidio County Sheriff, Border Patrol, National Park Rangers, etc.?

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/archives/2005_press_releases/072005/07262005.xml

For the record the BP only uses armored vehicles in the heavily populated areas, they are rock proof trucks. They used to have some fully armored rigs but they went by the wayside.

I would not go where I could not take a weapon to protect my family and myself. Not allowing guns in the National parks is the dumbest things ever.

 

[speed01]

Can you cite any substantial factual proof for any of this in Big Bend? Something from TX DPS, Brewster or Presidio County Sheriff, Border Patrol, National Park Rangers, etc.?

Some links have already been posted; here's one from the park service: http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/river-road_advisory.htm

There are other sources. Not trying to scare, but to warn. :thumbup:

Also, this from the same website: "If you are transporting firearms, you must notify the ranger or gate attendant on your arrival, and your firearm must be rendered inoperable before you enter the park. Individuals in possession of an operable firearm in a national park are subject to arrest.
Firearms are NOT permitted anywhere in the park’s backcountry. Firearms brought through Big Bend National Park must be unloaded, broken down (temporarily inoperable), cased, and stored out of sight and reach, with ammunition separated from weapons while in the park (36 C.F.R. 2.4(a)(3))."

 

[Suerte]

5 US citizens in a van from 2005 don't equal a small army of G3s, M16s, or AK47s and multiple murders. I still see no substantial proof that Big Bend is particularly dangerous.

 

[Bob W]

5 US citizens in a van from 2005 don't equal a small army of G3s, M16s, or AK47s and multiple murders. I still see no substantial proof that Big Bend is particularly dangerous.

Never hurts to be careful, but I can't any reports of smuggler-on-tourist violence in the Big Bend National National Park.

 

[Horned Toad]

5 US citizens in a van from 2005 don't equal a small army of G3s, M16s, or AK47s and multiple murders. I still see no substantial proof that Big Bend is particularly dangerous.

Do what you like I don’t have all day to search for you. If you really think that every drug bust makes the news you are sadly mistaken. The only ones that make the news here are the real big one, like a 1000 pounds plus. Here they don’t even get prosecuted unless they are over 500 pounds.

 

[tobyrogers]

I lived outside the park in the 80s and can tell you that thats when the shooting happened.The rafters had been warned that there were drugs being grown above them and not to stop at that spot.I knew all three of the victims and helped look for the shooters.B.B.is a beautiful place.I would be a lot more worried about staying hydrated than about being shot by someone down there.

 

[TEXASTACTICAL]

I tried to find my old post from last years trip but couldn't since my comp or the forums search is acting up.

I'm just gonna repost I hope nobody minds.

Here are some pics my Son and I took from our week long backpacking/camping trip out to the Big Bend Country of West Texas last year. Thought y'all might want to see some pics.

Seminole canyon

Pictographs in some cave shelters along the river.

Pecos River Bridge

Eagles nest canyon west of Langtry (Judge Roy Beans Place)

Horseback in the mountains along the Rio Grande

Old Mexico in the background

Riding along the rim of a deep canyon

 

[TEXASTACTICAL]

Riding off into the sunset

Black gap 4WD trail

One of our spectacular morning views

Abandoned Quicksilver Mine in the middle of the desert

 

[TEXASTACTICAL]

Casey

Ernst Tinaja

Further up the canyon

Natural rock chimney

Another canyon we explored

The view from our tent New Years Day

We had a great time and were serenaded by several groups of coyotes every night and morning.

Hope y'all enjoy!

 

[TEXASTACTICAL]

Snow in the Chisos Mountains

Snow & Cactus (My Sons favorite Pic that he took)

The "Window"

Making hot Tang on the trail

Santa Elena Canyon along the Rio Grande (Mexico on the other side)

Rainbow in the Chisos

Shooting at the base of the Rosillo Mountains

This abandoned car is a rest stop for smugglers and illegals

 

[TEXASTACTICAL]

Last one

A tinaja in the middle of nowhere

 

[psy-ops]

Awesome pics