We've discussed the handgun and motorcycle thing a few months ago and am using this more as a sounding board and gut check.

 

I am seriously considering taking my dual purpose motorcycle hunting this year. Putting my bow case on the bike I know is no big deal, but the rifle. I have a nice 5.11 'executive' briefcase that holds an AR broken down very nicely. It zippers close, is soft-side but has stiffeners to give it some shape. So, if I am trekking 15 miles north to NY State to go deer hunting on my bike, am I breaking any laws unintentionally? I'm thinking no as long as ammo is stored separately and of course the gun is legal in both states which it is.

 

Why is going to be asked. Gas is one reason. Stealth is another. And another is the fact the there is more and more vehicle vandalism occurring to hunter's cars while in the woods. Let's face, sandal wearing hippies aren't going to go a hundred yards into the woods to mess with a hunter's vehicle.

 

Before we get into the you can't humanely kill a deer with a 223 debate...yes you can. I've done it a bunch of times. If it is bad shot, I don't take it...end of debate.

 

What if I get one someone is going to ask. Because I am a window licker of the highest order, of course I will try to strap to the MC. That alone is worth the looks and photo op to say the least. (wonders...does it need a helmet) Odds are I will drag it to a spot close to the road and get the car.

Only thing I can think of of the top of my head is to check if a NY permit is needed to take the bike into the area you want to drive into.

Sounds like you should be covered as long as the guns are legal in NJ and NY and I would say the case that the guns are in is locked, heck from the sounds of it you might not even know it's a gun case by looking at it anyway, if you can tell, I would just make sure it's not being displayed like a billboard.

 

I figure there is noting written that I have seen that prohibits bikes from transporting firearms, but I would look into where you are going hunting and make sure there are no off road vehicle restrictions,all good intension's, and just parking further off the road might not be good in all areas, especially if kids in the area tear up property and they are on the look out.

 

Other than that I can't think of anything, and as you all know I am not a lawyer and I didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn last night either so take what I said at the same value as what you paid for it.

 

Harry

Agreed about the permit...bike is painted camo just in case. When I park it in the woods against an appropriate object it disappears (by design).

 

The biggest beef with LEO's and off roaders is no insurance, damage, noise and being surly. The bike is pretty quite to boot (unlike the FXD and the Bonneville). The case looks like a large briefcase for a computer or something.

Actually, most of the deer that I've seen in Jersey (Cape May County) at least could definitely be taken by a .223, I might even consider it too much. lol. My English Springer is bigger then some of the full grown adults. haha