weapons barred in N.D. parks

A park manager says North Dakota does not allow weapons in state parks unless they are carried by law enforcement officers or others who are authorized.

Larry Hagen is the manager of Lake Metigoshe State Park. He says one park in the state allows a very limited deer season, but concealed weapons and other types of guns are barred unless authorized.

A federal Interior Department rule issued Friday allows people to carry loaded weapons in a park or wildlife refuge - but only with a permit and only if the state also allows it.

Hagen says officials realize that many North Dakotans carry guns and like to hunt. He says that when they come to parks, they're asked to "take them down, break them down, put them in the case and get them out of view."

- Associated Press