The Department of the Interior has concluded its rulemaking and will allow those with state-issued concealed handgun permits to carry in national parks and wildlife refuges. This is a victory for self-defense nationwide. People find themselves victims of predators in state and national parks, of both the two-legged and four-legged varieties. The new rule should take effect in mid-January.

In addition to providing for lawful self-defense, this new rule will prevent citizens from unknowingly breaking the law. Driving with a valid concealed carry permit becomes illegal if you turn on to a road on federal property such as the Blue Ridge Parkway. No notice that your state permit is invalid on this particular road? Too bad, you’re a criminal. Good riddance to bad law and bad policy.

This comes in the wake of the invalidation of the District of Columbia’s gun ban with the Heller decision, detailed in Brian Doherty’s new book Gun Control on Trial: Inside the Supreme Court Battle over the Second Amendment. The Cato book forum is available in video and podcast formats here.