Ducks Unlimited applauded a new federal rule allowing firearms on National Park Service land and national wildlife refuges.
A change in federal law effective today allows firearms in many national parks. People who can legally possess firearms under federal and state law can now possess those firearms in the national parks in that state. The new law was passed by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in May.
Prior to today, firearms have generally been prohibited in national parks, except in some Alaska parks and those parks that allow hunting.
Barton James, DU's public policy director, said many legal hunting areas share borders with or can only be accessed from park service lands. Prior to these revisions, the ability of waterfowlers to legally access these areas was in doubt due to uncertainties around whether they could transport their firearms across park boundaries.
Ducks Unlimited advocated for hunter access to legal hunting areas for several years.
Federal law continues to prohibit the possession of firearms in designated places in national parks, such as visitor centers and offices. The new law does not change prohibitions on the use of firearms in national parks and does not change hunting regulations.
The law also does not change or expand hunting opportunities on national wildlife refuges. Hunting, trapping and fishing are legitimate, traditional recreational and wildlife management uses of renewable natural resources on refuges.
Maple tree tapping set for March 6
Maple trees at Botna Bend Park in Hancock, Iowa, will be tapped March 6 for the 17th consecutive year of demonstrating how maple syrup is made.
If sap is flowing, attendees will have the opportunity to taste the treat as it begins to flow up the tree.
Jon Fenner, park ranger, collects more than 300 gallons of sap each spring. Forty to 50 gallons of sap are needed to produce one gallon of syrup.
Demonstrations will be conducted at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Pre-registration is required by March 1. Cost for pre-registered individuals is $3 per person, children 5 and younger are free. Day-of-event registration is $4, if space is available. Call 712-328-5834 to register.
Botna Bend Park is at 42926 Mahogany Road in Hancock. From Interstate 80, take exit 40 and go eight miles south on U.S. 59.
CALENDAR
TUESDAY
• Trout Unlimited Chapter, 710-member meeting, 6:30 p.m. film “Red Gold,” 7:30 meeting, Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District offices, Wehrspann Lake, Omaha.
THURSDAY
• Cornhusker Fly Fishers fly-tying workshop, 6-8 p.m., Cabela's, La Vista.
• Omaha Boat, Sports and Travel Show, Qwest Center Omaha, Thursday-Sunday, $9 adults, $5 students 6-17, kids 5 and younger free. Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
FRIDAY
• Pheasant Fest, Iowa Events Center, Des Moines, Friday-Sunday, $10 adults, $5 ages 6-16, kids 5 and younger free. Friday, 1-9 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SUNDAY
• Indoor Airgun Silhouette. Lincoln Izaak Walton League, 8 a.m.-noon, half mile south of 134th and Hwy 2. Fee: $6 per gun. Contact Mike Kunkee at 402-540-7120 or MHKunkee@gmail.com.
• Intro to firearms, 2 p.m. Contact Mike Kunkee at 402-540-7120 or MHKunkee@gmail.com.
MARCH 5
• Muskies Inc. Chapter 53 lure pool demonstration and pizza dinner, Lied Fitness Center at College of St. Mary 6:15 p.m. Tickets $10 for an adult, $5 for kids 12 and under. Kids 5 and under are free. Dinner is included. Call Matt, 402-493-5286.
Please submit Calendar items to outdoors@owh.com or send to Outdoors Sports, World-Herald Sports Dept., 1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102.
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