dajonga 397 Posted April 15, 2011 So, can I shoot other rimfire calibers at WMAs? I would love to try out .17 HMR and shoot it at a casual place like a WMA, but I want to make sure a DEP ranger is not gonna bust me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MedicYeti 96 Posted April 16, 2011 As I remember the rule is 22 cal rifles only, the law went into place before the 17 was conceived. I personally wouldn't try it but I believe the WMA's around me are only patrolled during hunting season and have seen people out there with non 22 rifles. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rtquig 45 Posted April 16, 2011 While shooting at the Stafford WMA I have seen numerous .223, 45 and 9mm caseings, but I wouldn't do it myself and risk loosing a firearm over it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lunker 274 Posted April 16, 2011 I would think the idea was that you could shoot rimfire. i bring my CZ452 in 17HM2 to Colliers Mills. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MedicYeti 96 Posted April 16, 2011 I would think the idea was that you could shoot rimfire. i bring my CZ452 in 17HM2 to Colliers Mills. I would like th think you are correct, but I wouldn't wan to be the test case. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tony357 386 Posted April 16, 2011 our local fish and game warden has retired, if wayne could figure out a way to give you a ticket he was all over it.. I am so happy this guy retired because running into him was a hassle..Actually one of the reasons i do not hunt as much as i use to he took the intrest out of it especialy duck hunting.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rtquig 45 Posted April 17, 2011 They are specific in the language they use. Muzzleloader is for muzzleloading firearms, shotguns with rifled slugs or buckshot and modern .22 caliber rimfire rifles only. Note they do not say .22 & .17 HMR. It would be nice, but they don't allow it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lunker 274 Posted April 17, 2011 I suspect most of the signs are older than the invention of 17 rimfire. I am not trying to be a rebel or badass, but I will continue to assume that they "mean" rimfire. I will let you know if a Ranger instructs me otherwise. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rtquig 45 Posted April 18, 2011 I suspect most of the signs are older than the invention of 17 rimfire. I am not trying to be a rebel or badass, but I will continue to assume that they "mean" rimfire. I will let you know if a Ranger instructs me otherwise. That comes off of the Fish and Wildlife site that is updated on a frequent basis. They have updated where you can and can't shot certain weapons but who knows maybe they won't bother you. It would be nice to shoot a 17 at the state ranges. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jon 264 Posted April 18, 2011 I've emailed the guy in charge of the Northern Region Office. Will update with his response. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lunker 274 Posted April 18, 2011 I've emailed the guy in charge of the Northern Region Office. Will update with his response. good idea. thanks jon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jon 264 Posted April 19, 2011 good idea. thanks jon To summarize... The code says .22 rimfire only. The state has not said that .17hmr is permitted, nor have they said that it is illegal. A proposal was made to change the code allowing .17hmr however it is still in it's infant stages. I will allow you guys to make your own decision... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jon 264 Posted April 19, 2011 Personally(not speaking from any authority, just speaking as a nobody), I would shoot .17hmr @ a WMA if I owned one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pew Pew Plates 358 Posted April 19, 2011 saw a good share of .17hmr brass at the WMA yesterday Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dajonga 397 Posted April 20, 2011 I think I may take the chance. I don't imagine a ranger would take my gun if I was caught. It's not like I am shooting 30-06. Like my grandma always said, it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crazyboy 13 Posted April 20, 2011 Another possibility, is that .22 is allowed for dispatching trapped animals. They seem to only allow what you can use on state land while hunting/trapping. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dajonga 397 Posted October 11, 2012 UPDATE!!!! jsmit pointed me to this link. Many thanks! http://www.eregulations.com/newjersey/hunting/wildlife-management-area-regulations/# .17 is now good to go at WMAs that allow rimfires. COOOL! Of course, I do not own a .17, but maybe soon? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dajonga 397 Posted October 11, 2012 to quote... Muzzleloading rifle and shotgun range: muzzleloading firearms, shotguns with rifled slugs or buckshot and modern rimfire (both .17 and .22 caliber) rifles only. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites