i originally posted this over in "knife laws" but nobody is in that forum

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WVHILLS

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so does anybody know what the restrictions are regarding large fixed blade knives in state parks/forests? has anyone ever had a "run in" with a park ranger or park official that resulted in confiscation or being asked to leave or remove one's knife? i would like to know because i plan on going to one of our nations larger parks such as glacier or yellow stone and i was wondering if i can take my knife or should i leave it at the house. sorry if this is an inappropriate thread for this forum.
 
I think it all depends on how you carry yourself and the knife. I've had no problems backpacking with a large blade at my side in the parks in New England. Can't imagine it would be any different out there.
 
Varies from state to state, I think. Here, it is considered going armed unless you are engaged in outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, camping, etc. Otherwise a 4" blade is max allowed. I've never been hassled over a six inch blade though. But I don't dress and act like a gangsta, or "frighten the horses" with it either. Federal lands may have their own rules, but you can ask online about any particular park you are going to go to. Let us know what you find out.

Codger
 
IMO, don't ask, don't tell. I'd be damned if I'd go into the hills without a knif;) e.
 
It might depend on which state. I personally have never had a run in with any ranger in any California State Park, or any National Park or Forest area anywhere. There are often no weapons policies, but seem oriented toward loaded firearms rather than knives.
 
In my area, state parks restrict firearms and traps, naturally, but I haven't found any rules about knives. I've had friendly conversations with rangers while camping and hiking, and they didn't look twice at the knife on my belt. Now, if you were cutting down live trees or something, they would sure have something to say, and maybe write you a ticket as well.

It's been my experience that park rangers are outdoorsy types who understand a person might want to have a knife handy when in the woods. They're much more concerned about whether or not you leave a bunch of garbage in the woods, and rightfully so. (I bet a high percentage of park rangers are NRA members, too.)
 
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