Firearms allowed @ national parks?

[anabolism 2]

Hello. Going to do some camping next week along the appalachian trail in the NJ side. Will i be legally able to bring my mossberg 500 with me?

[Parker 213]

I would read this link - http://www.nps.gov/n...ms/NJ/index.htm

 

And then read this link: http://www.nps.gov/a...information.htm

[anabolism 2]

Parker, thanks for the info

[NicePants 58]

I would read this link - http://www.nps.gov/n...ms/NJ/index.htm

 

And then read this link: http://www.nps.gov/a...information.htm

 

That first link says it's illegal to brandish or discharge a firearm... So... let's say a bear decides I'm lunch. It's okay to have the gun with me, but if I take it out and shoot it, I'll go to jail? Uh......

[RecessedFilter 222]

I've never seen anyone carry a firearm on the AT and I hike it quite frequently. I am unsure of the laws but I would not bring anything if I were you.

 

What are you scared of, bears? Rattlers? People? All of those can be handled, for the most part, with something simple - bear spray.

[JC_68Westy 1,024]

I've never seen anyone carry a firearm on the AT and I hike it quite frequently. I am unsure of the laws but I would not bring anything if I were you.

 

What are you scared of, bears? Rattlers? People? All of those can be handled, for the most part, with something simple - bear spray.

Is there a maximum amount the container can hold? Bear spray is usually a large canister.

[RecessedFilter 222]

Is there a maximum amount the container can hold? Bear spray is usually a large canister.

 

There may be a 'max legal amount', but honestly, as long as you are using it for backpacking then it is no problem. I believe my canisters are like 13oz or something. I have talked to numerous rangers on the trail and always have my bear spray holstered on on my front pack strap and they will usually say 'glad to see you have bear spray, make sure you know how to use it' or something of the sort. They could care less about the size, they have much bigger issues to worry about (illegal hunting, poaching, guns, trashing the trail, etc).

[Scott204 1]

If you are in NJ on the AT, the legal limit on size is 3/4 of an ounce. anything larger is illegal. bear spray or not.

[Wojo 98]

I forget where I read it, but handguns are only 3% effective in stopping a charging bear, whereas Bear Spray is around 98%. Pepper spray and a SOG Tomahawk are a nice combination on any hike.