Criminals and wild animals (ironically almost the same) don't care about this law or any other gun law.  I believe it is my right to protect myself from these two entities in state parks.  Parks are isolated, situations happen where  one needs to protect oneself through necessity.   Anyone that has ever gone hunting knows that a rifle with a scope is useless at close range with a moving target.  If a wild animal gets close, a pistol is a great weapon to have.  Similarly, if someone is unfortunate to encounter a criminal, it would be hard to defend yourself at close range if they have a semi-automatic pistol and you have a bolt action rifle.  Allow us to defend ourselves in ALL situations, close or far.