I plan on backpacking for a two night trip in Desolation Wilderness starting at the Pyramid Creek Trailhead with a few friends. Being the good law-abiding firearm owner that I am, I called the NF office to assure myself that open carry in the Eldorado National Forest is legal and allowed.

It wasn’t so much that the fact that I can open carry in the National Forest I found interesting (I already knew it, just wanted to assure my tin-foil, hat-wearing self), it was the interaction I had with the operator and Lead Forest Ranger. They’re not worried about folks shooting firearms for recreational purposes or even having possession of them. It’s idiots with firearms - firing into granite and being a nuisance to other people who want to enjoy the quiet scenery. Never did they make any inferences that guns were bad or belittle me with my desire to carry while I enjoy the great outdoors, instead it was just a firm reminder about being safe. Nonetheless, I couldn’t help myself notice her initial reaction.

She wasn’t quite clear herself, so she referred the question to the Lead Ranger.  The Lead Ranger shared stories about “idiots with booze” [yes, that's what she said] and eventually acknowledged, albeit with hesitation, that their current policy allows the use and open-carry of firearms.  She did seemed to lighten up after I casually paraphrased Cooper’s four rules of weapons handing as it related to her narration. It might be me, but I think I’ve imposed a positive impression on that individual.

Though we’re likely to agree that most people, like at a post office, are generally unaware of current gun laws, it remains to be very important we maintain our “high road” in the eyes of those are likely to promote policy based on what they experience.

I know there are stupid people out their with guns, showing no muzzle discipline whatsoever. It is up to us [responsible gun-owners] to show that we are the majority.