Online Extra: Solution to Christmas Mountains dilemma?

With the Second Amendment in limbo at the Supreme Court, there’s a quicker way to resolve the dispute over whether hunting should be allowed in the Christmas Mountains. (See Monday news story “Texas Land Commissioner Patterson’s wait for vindication may be long.”)

Maybe you and Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson just missed some history of what’s available to resolve this polarizing dilemma.

Even if the Christmas Mountains were transferred to the National Park Service, hunting and firearms could be allowed. The national park system has the designation “national preserve,” described as follows:

“National Preserve: National preserves are areas having characteristics associated with national parks, but in which Congress has permitted continued public hunting, trapping, oil/gas exploration and extraction. Many existing national preserves, without sport hunting, would qualify for national park designation.”

The Christmas Mountains, unhindered by undue federal control, can still be transferred and customized with appropriate Texas rules in a compromise to accommodate both firearms rights and the beauty of the place.

Right? Of course.

— Richard M. Holbrook, Weatherford

Comments

[Jerry Patterson, Austin]

Mr Holbrook,
You are absolutely correct. The national preserve idea is exactly what we proposed to Big Bend National Park officials several months ago.
Jerry Patterson
Texas Land Commissioner

[Richard M. Holbrook, Weatherford]

Mr. Patterson:

Thanks for the comment. I think you're on the right track. And I'm now sure that a little more logic couched in the facts that most if not nearly all National Parks administrative rules have catered to those who are stout Bambi Syndrome advocates as well as fearful of anyone with any weapon. As such, it ought to be a logical argument that at least one or two National Parks be set aside for those who prefer to fend for themselves, including being able to carry their choice of the means to defend themselves, since law enforcement is unable to be at all places at all times. Nor would that be a prudent idea to suggest.

Regards,

Richard M. Holbrook,

also author of “Political Sabotage: The LAPD Experience; Attitudes Toward Understanding Police Use of Force."