All guns are banned in Delaware state parks and forests unless they are being used for hunting at the time.
A suit has been filed by a group of gun advocates challenging Delaware's rule that weapons are not permitted in state parks unless they are being used for hunting, a report says.
The action, filed in Chancery Court, claims the regulations violate the state Constitution, according to Delwareonline.com.
Current state park and state forest restrictions apply to all guns not used for hunting.
Several sport shooting groups are plaintiffs named in the complaint, according to the report.
There is no provision in Delaware law for those who have a permit to carry concealed weapons to be able to carry them in parks or forests, those involved in the suit say.
Deputy Environmental Secretary Kara Coats wrote in an email: "We intend ... to file a motion asking the court to dismiss the litigation. We believe that the approach the Department has taken is a balanced one and has proven historically that it is in the best interest of all users of public lands. We allow appropriate firearms and archery equipment during seasons for those using these lands for recreational hunting, but do not believe it is appropriate to allow deadly weapons that are not associated with hunting in Delaware state parks," according to Delawareonline.com
In his filing, attorney Francis G.X. Pileggi noted that concealed weapons are allowed in national parks, the report said.
Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @TheSJTimes. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
