New York State Parks?

[DaFettMan]

Hi all, I have a question about NY State laws regarding long guns in state parks.

I'm planning a camping trip and have decided to go to a state park. I would like to be able to protect my friend and I from both 4 and 2 legged critters but don't have a pistol permit (carry or otherwise), so CCW is not an option. What I DO have, however is a levergun in 30-30. No deer tags or otherwise, so hunting is not an option for now.

Doing my research, I've come across conflicting information when it comes to rifles in state parks. Some sources say that they're outright prohibited, but others say that long guns are legal to carry IF your not poaching. What constitutes 'intent to poach'? Do you need a skinning knife, a bone saw or a sled for an officer to make a case or is simply carrying a rifle enough to get me sent to jail?

I would like to stay within the law, but at the same time, I worry about bears and methlabs (oh my!) Any information would be appreciated

Thanks
Fett

 

[Hawken50]

i would think you would have to get caught in the act of poaching, i.e. caught with an untagged game animal. what park are you talking about? allegany state park actually allows hunting in certian areas. you'll probably be allright if you just keep in in your vehicle.

 

[DaFettMan]

We were planning on walking the gorge in Letchworth State Park, a roughly 14 mile round trip to and from the vehicle.

Having a rifle in the car is nice, but it would be best if I could carry the rifle with me, seeing as we will be camping out for a night. I have a fair amount of experience in the woods so I know not to leave food out, string a bear-bag and other common-sense things.

What I'm looking for is a copy of the laws regarding non-hunting, rifle posession in NYS Parks. I found this document <a href= "http://www.oag.state.ny.us/lawyers/opinions/2000/formal/2000_f2.html">here</a> but it only covers seizure from what I can tell.

Can anybody make heads or tails from this issue? Simply carrying a rifle for protection in NYS parks seems like something they would prohibit which is why I have come here. I want to be sure.

 

[Hawken50]

letchworth is a beautiful park, been there many times. this link says hunting is allowed but nothing about just having a firearm. maybe just call them and ask?

http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=12

 

[English John]

Sorry, but no.

Call the park first. You can't just "camp in the woods," they have designated camping areas. You CAN carry a firearm during hunting season in designated areas of the park, but a .30-30 isn't allowed for deer in that part of the state. A phone call can clear things up, and save a lot of trouble.

 

[RaggedClaws]

I believe that you can't carry a rifle greater than .22 rimfire during deer hunting season without a hunting license, but I could be wrong. I remember reading that, or something like it, in the hunting regs over at the NYS DEC site.

Many counties have more restrictive laws than the state does, but that really only applies to the downstate counties.