R12-8-119. Weapons

A. The following definitions apply to this Section: 1. “Improved recreation area” means a camping unit, roadway, amphitheater, boat launching ramp, developed picnic area, developed swimming beach, and any other area within a state park that is designated by the Director and reserved for an assembly or other temporary gathering of persons. 2. “Prohibited weapon” means a firearm as defined by A.R.S. § 13-3101, including a BB or pellet gun, bow, or slingshot. B. A peace officer or private security guard employed by the holder of a park concession is authorized to carry a firearm in a state park if: 1. The peace officer is certified under state law, or 2. The holder of the park concession complies with A.R.S. § 32-2606(3) regarding private security guards. C. Unless authorized under subsection (B), a person shall not enter or remain in an improved recreation area while carrying a prohibited weapon after a reasonable request from a park ranger to remove it. A request to remove a prohibited weapon is reasonable if a park ranger believes that the person carrying the prohibited weapon poses a danger or threat to others lawfully present. If, after a reasonable request is made, a person carrying a prohibited weapon within an improved recreation area chooses to remain in the improved recreation area, the person shall place the weapon in the custody of a park ranger until the person leaves the improved recreation area. D. A firearm may be transported or stored in a vehicle on any state park area as allowed by A.R.S. § 13-3102(F). E. A hunter who holds a current license issued by the Arizona Game and Fish Department may carry a lawful hunting weapon in any state park area designated for hunting and may carry the hunting weapon through the state park to reach the state park area designated for hunting.