Hey guys, I am looking to go camping this weekend with the wife. I am just wondering, since it is summer time, and it is bear season, I would like to bring my shotgun with me just in case something happens, so I was wondering, can I legally bring a long gun to a campsite for protection to NJ, PA, or NY? I know pistols are illegal in NY, but what about long guns?

 

On a side note, does anyone have any suggestions for a great campsite? Requirements....a swimmable body of water, privacy, quiet, heavily wooded, fishing allowed (not catch and release) and that's basically it. I guess NJ/PA preferred, but NY is ok as well. Trying to keep it under 3 hours away.

I go backpacking frequently and have never thought of bringing any type of firearm, but that's because I don't know any state laws regarding that. We just bring a bottle or two of bear mace, from what I hear it works rather well.

I go backpacking frequently and have never thought of bringing any type of firearm, but that's because I don't know any state laws regarding that. We just bring a bottle or two of bear mace, from what I hear it works rather well.

 

I agree... some good bear pepper spray is all you need... and in most cases you won't ever need to use it. As long as you don't leave food laying all around your campsite and stow all food away at night, you shouldn't have any bear issues.

3/4 ounce of bear spray won't do you much good.

So you are saying spray is no good???

So you are saying spray is no good???

 

he is making light of the law prohibiting a large enough quantity of spray to be effective.. or at least that is my read on it..

As for N.J. Parks:

 

Firearms – A person shall not possess or discharge any firearm, pellet gun, bow and arrow, slingshot or other weapon capable of injuring people or wildlife. Hunters in compliance with Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife hunting laws are exempted. Target practice is prohibited.

 

Carry an air-horn, your 3/4 oz. spritz of bear spray, and you'll be fine. Elevate your food and remove any traces from your sleeping area and they won't rummage through your stuff. Large campsite areas are popular bear magnets. I've seen raccoons walk right into camp at night during campfire time in search of a free meal but never a bear. Black bears are still considered timid. The smell of food and a possible free meal make them brazen.

 

As for places to go in N.J.:

N.J. Parks

I seriously pondered this - I went camping at Worthington state park and did have some bears in the campsite during Memorial day weekend. One of my fellow campers did hear/see the bears at night. However, I remember seeing some regulations that you can't bring any in..

Thanks. As for campsites, I was wondering if anyone has personal experience with a specific one, since there are thousands in a 3 hour radius so I figured those that have been around can point me in the right direction.

Worthington state park is nice. Good camping areas as well as facilities. You can fish right on the Delaware river, as well as go swimming.

Advice on campsites? Don't go to a place where there are 'designated campsites', how about that?

 

Not sure if you are that type of person, but strap everything to your back and pitch a tent in the woods. Not only do you have to worry less about bears and such, but you can have privacy and enjoy really being in nature.

 

As far as bear spray, knock it if you want but I have tested a bottle that the 'safety' broke off of and I would NOT want to get hit with it. Not only is it strong pepper spray, it sprays a nice smooth stream about 25feet and lasts about 8 seconds.

 

In regards to the 3/4 ounce law or whatever, I have never heard about this and have had my bottle on my hip in the presence of a Ranger and have never been hassled for it. I am guessing the bottles I have are at least 10-12oz. I have heard of a law that regulates how much capsicum (active ingredient) can be in the pepper spray but nothing in terms of bottle size or fluid amount.

Advice on campsites? Don't go to a place where there are 'designated campsites', how about that?

 

Not sure if you are that type of person, but strap everything to your back and pitch a tent in the woods. Not only do you have to worry less about bears and such, but you can have privacy and enjoy really being in nature.

 

As far as bear spray, knock it if you want but I have tested a bottle that the 'safety' broke off of and I would NOT want to get hit with it. Not only is it strong pepper spray, it sprays a nice smooth stream about 25feet and lasts about 8 seconds.

 

In regards to the 3/4 ounce law or whatever, I have never heard about this and have had my bottle on my hip in the presence of a Ranger and have never been hassled for it. I am guessing the bottles I have are at least 10-12oz. I have heard of a law that regulates how much capsicum (active ingredient) can be in the pepper spray but nothing in terms of bottle size or fluid amount.

 

Sounds like not a bad idea except...

 

1)Going with the wife, so the no bathrooms thing will be a hard sell.

 

2)In NY, NJ, & PA, you are breaking AT LEAST 3 laws doing so.

 

I think I found a nice place in the Fingerlakes, so we'll see how that turns out.

I hear you on the "no bathrooms." That's a tough sell sometimes.

 

I always liked the AT for hiking/camping. There are still shelters along the way that you can stay in (it's not uncommon to find find other hikers along the way staying there as well), or you can pitch a tent. I prefer winter camping more than summer because I have this aversion to no-see-ums, green-headed horseflies and mosquitoes. Some locations along the way here solidify the fact that New Jersey still has some pristine areas in some parts.

 

Appalachian Trail in NJ

h.Nothing in subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent any employee of a public utility, as defined in R.S.48:2-13, doing business in this State or any United States Postal Service employee, while in the actual performance of duties which specifically require regular and frequent visits to private premises, from possessing, carrying or using any device which projects, releases or emits any substance specified as being noninjurious to canines or other animals by the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services and which immobilizes only on a temporary basis and produces only temporary physical discomfort through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air for the sole purpose of repelling canine or other animal attacks.

 

The device shall be used solely to repel only those canine or other animal attacks when the canines or other animals are not restrained in a fashion sufficient to allow the employee to properly perform his duties.

 

Any device used pursuant to this act shall be selected from a list of products, which consist of active and inert ingredients, permitted by the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services.

 

i.Nothing in N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent any person who is 18 years of age or older and who has not been convicted of a felony, from possession for the purpose of personal self-defense of one pocket-sized device which contains and releases not more than three-quarters of an ounce of chemical substance not ordinarily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury, but rather, is intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or disability through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air. Any person in possession of any device in violation of this subsection shall be deemed and adjudged to be a disorderly person, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100.00.

Thanks. As for campsites, I was wondering if anyone has personal experience with a specific one, since there are thousands in a 3 hour radius so I figured those that have been around can point me in the right direction.

I've camped several times at the Kittatiny (sp?) Campground in Barryville,NY. You can get a spot right on the river, a short walk away is the main office that has showers and normal bathrooms for the wife. The office is on the opposite side of the road, so, maybe 5 minute walk.can't see it from the camp sites near the water (Delaware river). While not trully in the middle of nowhere, its wife/kid friendly..

Sounds like not a bad idea except...

 

1)Going with the wife, so the no bathrooms thing will be a hard sell.

 

 

 

Well that answers that...

 

 

Harry

I camped at Jellystone Park up near Minnewaska State Park. That is one awesome state park.

Well that answers that...

 

 

Harry

 

Earlier this year, I can home from work on trash day and my can was missing. Where I live, it is required that you use a bear resistant can.

 

I used to have it cabled to a tree but the handle broke and I never replaced it. Anyway, since the leaves weren't in yet, I looked up into the hill behind my neighbors house and saw my yellow "bear proof" can.

 

I grabbed a spare bag since the bears invariably make a huge mess.

 

I arrived at the scene and found my can, opened and all the food bits eaten.

 

To my chagrin, I learned how much bears do indeed **** in the woods.

 

He had used the upturned lid of the can as a bear **** receptacle, leaving what appeared to be about a 15 pound pile of gloppy bear **** as evidence of his presence.

 

I suspect it was the big 500+ pound bear that did it as this volume of bear **** would have killed a normal animal.

Does anyone know of a campsite on skaneateles lake? I've been searching to no avail..seems like an amazing place to camp!

Sounds like not a bad idea except...

 

1)Going with the wife, so the no bathrooms thing will be a hard sell.

 

2)In NY, NJ, & PA, you are breaking AT LEAST 3 laws doing so.

 

I think I found a nice place in the Fingerlakes, so we'll see how that turns out.

 

 

1. - That sucks, but you gotta make her comfortable though. My girlfriend doesn't mind no bathrooms no showering but only for a couple days.

 

2. - At least 3 laws being broken? In regards to what, and what laws? I don't know of any laws being broken and I have been backpacking for the last 4 years..

I'll PM you with a perfect place for camping, with the wife, in the Catskills. I live near Clinton, NJ and this place is about 2hr 45min away. You're in the mountains, but the park is bear free, very tranquil, has bathrooms/showers for the wife and also have a beautiful lake and beach for swimming. Temps are usually cooler up there, and no mosquitoes at all and don't get any of the other nasty biting insects either. Just took my wife and kids there for their first camping trip ever... I've been a camper/backpacker my whole life... but my wife is not fond of the great outdoors and liked this place. When I was there 3 weeks ago, the temps were in the mid 70's during the day and down into the mid to upper 40's at night. They sell firewood for very cheap at the park office, if you don't have your own to bring, and you can get a nice campfire going at night. Added bonus, there is no light pollution from the cities as it's in the mountains, and the night sky there is incredible. You can see the Milky Way from one end of the sky to the other, if you get a clear sky at night. I'm into amateur astronomy, so been up to this place many times with my telescopes to look at stuff and it's really great.

Advice on campsites? Don't go to a place where there are 'designated campsites', how about that?

 

Not sure if you are that type of person, but strap everything to your back and pitch a tent in the woods. Not only do you have to worry less about bears and such, but you can have privacy and enjoy really being in nature.

 

I agree with that 100%. No matter where you go, camping in a park will never get you an privacy. Individual campsites in parks are usually within close proximity to other campsites, as they try to pack in as many campsties in the park as they can.

Advice on campsites? Don't go to a place where there are 'designated campsites', how about that?

 

Not sure if you are that type of person, but strap everything to your back and pitch a tent in the woods. Not only do you have to worry less about bears and such, but you can have privacy and enjoy really being in nature.

 

I agree with that 100%. No matter where you go, camping in a park will never get you an privacy. Individual campsites in parks are usually within close proximity to other campsites, as they try to pack in as many campsties in the park as they can.

I agree with that 100%. No matter where you go, camping in a park will never get you an privacy. Individual campsites in parks are usually within close proximity to other campsites, as they try to pack in as many campsties in the park as they can.

 

Some truth to this - when I went to Worthington State Park, we camped in a big field camping area.... However, there were "individual" campsites that were in the woods themselves and more isolated.

I like my Comfort..my "Camping" camping days are long over... I have a Cabin tent, a big old Inflatable queen size airbed, Cabela's camp kitchen, and a combo (Propane) Stove/cooktop) We go to a place in Branchville..while they DO have Bears AFAIK they have NEVER had a problem with the bears and campers. Fits your needs except for one..the Ponds on site are stocked but Catch and release only..however, that means the bass that ARE there can get pretty healthy. We go with a group 2-3 times a year and we enjoy it up there, we usually average 20-25 people once you add in the kids and run 8-12 Tents. Downside is you get a lot of umm "Urban" types on Holiday weekends..PLUS side is they are dog friendly.

Personally I'd keep a shotgun in you vehicle or tent. Nobody will know it's there unless you have to use it. But if you have to use it you have a bigger problem then a fine. Just bring some skeet and a hand thrower. Then you had it just to practice. I know around where I live nobody cares if you shoot skeet as long as you aren't aimed at houses or roads. Not sure on the legality of it though.

Hey guys, I am looking to go camping this weekend with the wife. I am just wondering, since it is summer time, and it is bear season, I would like to bring my shotgun with me just in case something happens, so I was wondering, can I legally bring a long gun to a campsite for protection to NJ, PA, or NY? I know pistols are illegal in NY, but what about long guns?

 

I camp extensively in heavy bear areas, and lead groups of 20-30 boy scouts aged 11-18 into the same areas heavily populated by bears. I have had bears walk through the campsite as I've brushed my teeth more than once.

 

They won't bother you. They don't care about you, unless you threaten a cub. They want your food. Never take any smellable into your tent, including any food, soap, toothpaste, deodorant or bug spray. Put them in a smellables container, and put it where a bear can't get it. Either suspend it 12' in the air, at least 10' from the nearest tree, using multiple ropes, or put it in a car or bear box. Most campsites in bear areas have metal bear boxes. The campsite I stayed in for the past week in the Adirondacks was right at a bear den, and used heavy steel job boxes. However, we also keep everything in the bear box in a smellable container, because if the bear smells stuff in the 200lb+ bear box, he'll toss it like it's a tin can.

 

The only times bears go near tents is when morons have food in their tents, or even snickers wrappers in their pockets. Leave all foodstuffs out of your tent and there is no danger. When walking through the woods, make noise so you don't startle them. We were walking down a camp road at 1am without flashlights and managed to startle one poor bear nearly to death. He crashed back into the woods so fast he had to have hit his head on something....

 

In NW New Jersey there are so many bears in campsites that I started wearing earplugs so they wouldn't wake me up when moving our patrol boxes around (even though they had no smellables).

 

Control your smellables, never have them in the tent, and you are fine.

 

By the way, even when bears tear through tents to get to the snickers wrappers, they don't bother the little boys, just the snickers wrappers....

 

-Scoutmaster Dave

www.adventuresport.com

 

 

If you want add a float trip this is an excellent idea. It’s in the Delaware Water Gap area. I try to do this trip at least one weekend out of the year. It is a little pricy but in my opinion it’s worth it. These guys are very organized, they drive you up the river to almost any access point, give you a map with all the designated camp sites and send you on your way. You float down, fish, swim, whatever and camp on the river bank for the night. There are pockets of 3 or 4 camp sites along the way that are cleared and have very very minimal facilities, basically a fire ring and a porta-potty w/o the porta only the potty. The next day you float down to the access point where you parked your car and you’re done. You can do 1 to 3 day trips.

 

 

As for the shotgun, they drop you off on the PA side and you can camp on the NJ side or the PA side. I’m not sure if different laws apply to the NJ side vs. the PA side or if they are both part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and neather state laws apply. I always wondered about that but haven’t looked into it, maybe someone can comment.