Camping/Target shooting in PA

[DontBurnMyFlag]

Hey all,

I have struggled to find an answer to this question. I am looking to gather a camping trip together for early October. I'm aiming for someplace in northeastern PA.

At the very least I would like to carry a gun for protection. Be it my 12 gauge pump or sidearm. Im more concerned about human predators out in the woods than I am bear. But regardless.

Is there any place that isn't a state or national park that allows camping with firearms?

I do not have a hunting license at this time and I plan to do no hunting. However, is it necessary to have a license to carry a firearm about in the woods.

Someone please lend me a hand. Thanks.

 

[Mr White]

Look for state forest land in the area. It is legal to carry there. And no, you do not need a hunting license to carry a gun in the woods in PA.

I will say this, if you go tromping thru the PA woods in early October and you might have some pissed off bowhunters to contend with. If you stay on established trails, you shouldn't get any complaints.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/hiking/index.aspx

 

[SJG26]

DBMF:
Where in NEPA??
Camp in one spot and day-hike??---------or hike and camp day-to-day??--------the Appalacian Trail from the NJ/PA border west offers lots of opportunities

 

[45Badger]

Before you visit, you should check with Pennsylvania AGs office for specific laws and regulations.

On private property, you would probably have no issues. On public property, your non-resident status might create some issues (most probably with handguns). And explaining to the DNR cop that you are not hunting (with that 870 full of slugs, cradled in your arms) might be amusing.

 

[22-rimfire]

I doubt that you need any protection in any woods in PA. Be very careful because archery season will be in and you may run into a warden. Bow hunters are not allowed to carry a firearm. I would not carry a shotgun. Check the PA seasons. Small game (grouse and squirrel) comes in about two weeks after the start of the bow season and you certainly would not want to be out in the woods with a shotgun without a license. I doubt you could explain the "why" to the warden's satisfaction.

 

[sig226]

Having hunted in PA, the following apply: Open carry of a handgun is legal if you are lawfully hunting or fishing and you have the license to do so, as well as the open carry license. You can get a non resident carry permit for Pennsylvania, but I think you will not have it in time. The Appalachian Trail is a National Something Or Other With Capital Letters. No firearms allowed.

Pennsylvania state game lands do not allow camping as far as I know, so you'll have to look into state forests and state parks. I wouldn't worry about human predators too much, either. It's not much of a problem in the region. Bears will leave you alone if you manage your food and trash. Your biggest worry is a rabid raccoon.

Good luck.

 

[Mr White]

Check the PA seasons. Small game (grouse and squirrel) comes in about two weeks after the start of the bow season and you certainly would not want to be out in the woods with a shotgun without a license. I doubt you could explain the "why" to the warden's satisfaction.

No. You don't understand. In order to fall under the jurisdiction of the PGC (PA Game Commission) you have to have a hunting license or be witnessed attempting to take game. If you're walking thru the woods, in or out of season, carrying a gun and you don't have a license, as long as you're not in the act of trying to take game, you're perfectly legal and the WCOs and DWCOs ( (Deputy) Wildlife Conservation Officers) know it. You can carry an AK-47 through the woods w/o a hunting license at night the week before deer season and there's not a thing the WCOs can do about it. If you're in State Game Lands, thats a different story.

 

[AntiqueCollector]

The burden of proof is on the game wardens (or whatever they're called now) to prove you're poaching. Just being in the woods with a gun isn't enough evidence to get you in trouble for it, since you have a right there to carry firearms for protection.

I imagine the same rules that apply to carry in a town or city in PA apply to the woods too. National parks are a no go usually with guns, national forests are probably okay but check to be sure. I don't know about state parks there. As far as I know you can open carry in PA, so go for it...