Gun Rules in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park Gun Rules

Gun rules in Yellowstone National Park are shaped by a combination of federal law and park-specific regulations, and they can be confusing for visitors who assume that national parks either fully allow or completely ban firearms. In reality, Yellowstone follows U.S. federal law regarding possession, while strictly regulating how firearms may be used. Understanding this distinction is essential for anyone planning to bring a gun into the park.

Quick Reference: Yellowstone National Park Gun Rules

Topic	Rule in Yellowstone	Legal Basis	What Visitors Need to Know
Firearm possession	Allowed if legal under state & federal law	Federal law (2010 change)	State laws of WY, MT, or ID apply depending on location
Carrying concealed or openly	Depends on state law	State firearm laws	Yellowstone spans three states with different rules
Discharging a firearm	Prohibited	NPS regulations	No target practice, warning shots, or recreational use
Hunting	Not allowed	NPS regulations	All wildlife is fully protected inside the park
Firearms in federal buildings	Prohibited	Federal law	Visitor centers and ranger stations are clearly marked
Wildlife safety	Firearms discouraged	Park safety policy	Bear spray is strongly recommended instead

You are legally allowed to possess a firearm in Yellowstone National Park if you are permitted to do so under federal law and the laws of the state you are in. Because Yellowstone spans Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, the firearm laws of the specific state section you are visiting apply to possession and concealed carry. This means that if you can legally own and carry a firearm under state and federal law, you may carry it in most outdoor areas of the park. This change came into effect in 2010, when federal law was amended to allow firearms in national parks under state law rather than banning them outright.

However, possession does not mean unrestricted use. Discharging a firearm inside Yellowstone is generally prohibited. Shooting is not allowed for target practice, self-defense against wildlife except in the most extreme, life-threatening circumstances, or any recreational purpose. Hunting is also strictly forbidden within park boundaries. Wildlife in Yellowstone is fully protected, and using a gun to harm, harass, or kill an animal is a serious federal offense that can result in heavy fines, confiscation of firearms, and potential jail time.

There are also important restrictions on where firearms may be carried. Guns are not allowed inside federal buildings within the park, such as visitor centers, ranger stations, and administrative offices. These buildings are clearly marked, and carrying a firearm inside them, even if you are otherwise legally allowed to possess it, is a violation of federal law. Visitors must securely store firearms before entering these facilities.

Yellowstone strongly discourages relying on firearms for wildlife safety. Park officials emphasize that guns are not an effective or appropriate tool for dealing with animals such as bears, bison, or wolves. Bear spray is widely recommended and has been shown to be far more effective at deterring aggressive wildlife encounters without causing permanent harm. Carrying a firearm does not exempt visitors from following all wildlife safety rules, including maintaining required distances and avoiding risky behavior.

Enforcement of gun rules in Yellowstone is taken seriously. Rangers may ask questions if a firearm is displayed or handled in a way that raises safety concerns, and any misuse can lead to immediate legal consequences. The overarching principle is that Yellowstone is a conservation area, not a place for firearms activity, even though lawful possession is permitted.

In summary, guns may be legally carried in Yellowstone National Park if allowed under state and federal law, but their use is highly restricted. Discharging a firearm, hunting, or carrying guns into federal buildings is prohibited, and misuse can result in severe penalties. Yellowstone allows possession, but it demands responsibility, restraint, and respect for both people and wildlife at all times.