Was recently told this was illegal

[KevinC]

Superintendent's Compendium - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

SC15. The use or possession of any radio electronic signal receiving device capable of being set at assigned NPS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Interagency Bear Management Team or any other permitted wildlife research operation frequencies within Yellowstone National Park is prohibited.​

So it's not just listening, but the mere possession of a device "capable" of listening. Interesting...

 

[AJAT]

Nor is eating an ice cream cone in certain areas.

SC11. The possession or consumption of food and beverages is prohibited in all thermal areas, except when contained in a pack like container for carrying purposes. Water is not included in this prohibition.

I totally agree you can trespassed from a park for violating the rules. I specifically said you can. But a Park ranger can not trespass you from the park for any reason they want to. Now not listening to them would probably get you in jail. But a judge can find the officer overstepped their boundaries in doing so.
If you are eating your ice cream cone at your camp sight where it is allowed the ranger can’t trespass you from the park.
If I legally carry a fire arm In the park and the ranger does not like fire arms I can’t be trespassed out of the park. A mall I can be.

 

[mmckenna]

So it's not just listening, but the mere possession of a device "capable" of listening. Interesting...

And before someone brings it up...
Usually when you enter a federal facility, and especially when access is controlled, you agree to the rules/laws/regulations of said facility. Not knowing the rules/laws/regulations is not a valid defense.

One of the reasons that keeping scanners low profile and using earphones is a -really- good idea. Especially when everyone else is there to enjoy the scenery.

 

[GlobalNorth]

There are three types of "park rangers".

1. Interpretive rangers. [tour guides and historical information]
2. Enforcement rangers. [cops]
3. Resource management rangers. [environmental protection]

Which NPS ranger told at Yellowstone you that listening to a radio was illegal? Did he/she cite any section or subsection of 47 U.S. Code § 153? Always politely ask what statute, ordinance, or code you are violating.

 

[mmckenna]

Did he/she cite any section or subsection of 47 U.S. Code § 153? Always politely ask what statute, ordinance, or code you are violating.

I agree.

Answer is:
Superintendent's Compendium - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

SC15. The use or possession of any radio electronic signal receiving device capable of being set at assigned NPS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Interagency Bear Management Team or any other permitted wildlife research operation frequencies within Yellowstone National Park is prohibited.


Note the use of the terms "Possession" and "capable".

 

[GlobalNorth]

...One of the reasons that keeping scanners low profile and using earphones is a -really- good idea. Especially when everyone else is there to enjoy the scenery.

This. Disturb no one - it matters not if it is the NPS on your scanner, your cellphone on speakerphone, or Dr. Dre on your Boom Box.

 

[GlobalNorth]

I agree.

Answer is:
Superintendent's Compendium - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

SC15. The use or possession of any radio electronic signal receiving device capable of being set at assigned NPS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Interagency Bear Management Team or any other permitted wildlife research operation frequencies within Yellowstone National Park is prohibited.


Note the use of the terms "Possession" and "capable".

To clarify, they are enforcing NPS administrative code, under a catch-all rule.

 

[mmckenna]

This. Disturb no one - it matters not if it is the NPS on your scanner, your cellphone on speakerphone, or Dr. Dre on your Boom Box.

I have a strong dislike for hams/hobbyists that blast their radios in a bid to grab attention.

 

[mmckenna]

To clarify, they are enforcing NPS administrative code, under a catch-all rule.

Yes, yes they are.
Usually these rules are there for a reason, usually that reason is because someone abused the privilege. Considering the role of the National Park Service, catering to scanner hobbyists isn't their first priority.

@ the OP,
No one is blaming you for this. You didn't know. You asked a valid question and got a lot of knee jerk responses. For some reason the officer/ranger felt the need to bring it up to you. Might have been the specific situation, might have been something you said/did, might have been a misunderstanding. None the less, the rules are the rules. They didn't confiscate your scanner and they didn't ask you to leave. To me, that's a good learning experience. Shut the scanner off and enjoy the scenery.

 

[KevinC]

I have a strong dislike for hams/hobbyists that blast their radios in a bid to grab attention.

Even if they are wearing hi vis?

 

[mmckenna]

Even if they are wearing hi vis?

If they are wearing hi vis vest, hard hat, ham radio badge and a minimum of 3 HT's all cranked to 11, and if their vehicle has a ton of amber strobes and at least 2 "Amateur radio emergency communications" magnets, then it's OK, they out rank public safety.

 

[AJAT]

Even if they are wearing hi vis?

A ham wearing a high vis vest with a microphone over their shoulder has the ultimate authority to trespass anyone from anywhere.

 

[vagrant]

@KevinC - It is moderators like you that post an off topic, yet on target, comment for a joke that has me enjoying this forum. Good times.

P.S. I leave the vest at home now and use Bluetooth.

 

[nacsr]

I believe most mall properties frown upon two way radios and/or scanners because they believe it could assist professional shoplifting rings in furthering their criminal cause.

With the shootings , stabbings and fights at malls,and the fact that malls are dying across the Country, that should be the least of their concerns.

 

[WB9YBM]

He is incorrect.

who?

 

[WB9YBM]

A mall is private property, so yes they can ban it if it is mall policy.

I thought a federal law over-rides state and/or local laws...

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

I thought a federal law over-rides state and/or local laws...

Seriously dude? Mall cops on private Mall property have more rights and powers than any citizen scannerist waiving their bill of rights, or FCC CFR 47.

 

[UglyBird]

Look at that regulation closely. It mentions Bear Management. I've heard there were people bear hunting the easy way by tracking the collared bears. That's a pretty lowlife way to hunt and I think that's what they're after, or at least where it started. Where it ended is a different question.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Look at that regulation closely. It mentions Bear Management. I've heard there were people bear hunting the easy way by tracking the collared bears. That's a pretty lowlife way to hunt and I think that's what they're after, or at least where it started. Where it ended is a different question.

Look at all the many commas.

SC15. The use or possession of any radio electronic signal receiving device capable of being set at assigned NPS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Interagency Bear Management Team or any other permitted wildlife research operation frequencies within Yellowstone National Park is prohibited.

 

[KK4JUG]

Well, everyone has answered the OP's inquiry but only one or two have REALLY answered it.