22 CAR § 50-114. Firearms, hunting, explosives, and fireworks

(a) Use of firearms and other deadly weapons. (1) Unlawful use of firearms and other deadly weapons within Arkansas state parks shall be prohibited. (2) Discharging, shooting, or firing a weapon outside designated areas or possessing a weapon in clearly posted restricted locations may result in a legal citation and prosecution under Arkansas law. (3) Possession of firearms or other deadly weapons on state park property that is owned, managed, or operated in conjunction with federal agencies may be further limited or restricted, which restrictions will be clearly posted. (b) Hunting. (1) Hunting is not permitted within Arkansas state parks except in areas designated as a wildlife management area by the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission. (2) Arkansas state parks designated as or containing a designated wildlife management area shall specify hunting seasons and hunting areas through a cooperative management agreement with the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission. (c) Shooting ranges. (1)(A) The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism currently operates shooting ranges at: (i) Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area, a public range; and (ii) Ozark Folk Center State Park, a law enforcement range. (B) Approved firearms and related ammunition are allowed on these ranges, but firearms must be unloaded upon entry and departure from these sites. (2)(A) Ranges operate under National Rifle Association Range Safety Guidelines or National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association guidelines. (B) Rules approved by the Director of the State Parks Division will be posted at each location. (C) Compliance with all range rules is mandatory. (3) Shooting clubs hosting events or law enforcement agencies during qualifications will designate a chief range officer, and assistant range officers as appropriate, to maintain a safe and efficient shooting environment. (4)(A) Abuse or violation of range rules will be sufficient reason for park management staff to suspend clubs, groups, or individuals from the shooting range. (B) Those suspended will only be reinstated upon approval of the director. (d) Explosives. (1) To ensure the safety of visitors, staff, natural resources, and park infrastructure, the possession, use, storage, or transportation of explosives, as defined by Arkansas Code § 5-73-101(7), is strictly prohibited within all Arkansas state parks. (2) Exceptions to this prohibition may be granted only under the following conditions and with written approval from the director: (A) Authorized governmental agencies, such as law enforcement, fire departments, or military personnel, acting within the scope of official duties; (B) Licensed professionals conducting permitted activities, such as construction or demolition, in full compliance with state rules; and (C) Professionals or educators conducting living history programs utilizing black powder per 22 CAR § 50-138 but only pursuant to State Parks Division oversight and training protocols. (e) Fireworks. (1)(A) To celebrate some national holidays and in conjunction with special events, fireworks programs may be established at a park or museum with approval from the director. (B) Public displays of fireworks shall be performed only under competent supervision and after the persons or organizations making the displays have applied for and received a permit for the displays from the State Fire Marshal. (2) However, due to the danger of bodily harm, especially to children, the danger of starting grass fires or forest fires, and the noise and disturbance to park visitors, the division prohibits the individual use and display of all types of fireworks. (3) In addition, the sale of fireworks is prohibited in any park or museum store or any concessions inside park or museum boundaries. (4) Any use of fireworks within the park after a warning is given may result in the confiscation of the items or the issuance of a legal citation.