Delaware water gap hunting.

[mike033089]

I recently moved to blairstown and have the water gap within a short ride. I was just curious as the how to find out what areas of it are open to hunting. I can't imagine you'd be able to let's say duck hunt right off crater or blue mountain lakes or  could you?   Can you literally just pull off of the roads and walk In and hunt?  I've tried researching everything online but can't seem to find any info regarding certain areas are off limits to hunting. Especially around hiking trails etc. if anyone knows and info where I can find a map that would be great.  Thank you

[1957Buck]

You have some Fine hunting ahead of you Think from Rt 80 to Rt 206 you have Federal - State-Owned Lands that the whole stretch has very little restrictions of posted lands, Worthington Campground, and a few other well-marked Parks.  Some areas are stocked with Pheasants not only the State Wildlife Managment Areas form Wallpack to Bevans. Maps are at the national park office at the gap and online NJDFAW.  The best way to become familiar with all that land is to do some Small game hunting along the Ridges for Grouse amongst the Laurel and Spruce. The old Rock Hedgerows are from a bygone area are also great to follow.  Look for Trails across the roads for deer going from the river to the sunny sides of the Mountain. Also hunting along the river banks is a good thing, Ok Tired Hungary its Saturday stop in at The Wallpack inn  $$$$$ but worth it.  Wish I could join you but look forward to you posting your adventures ( Photos ) PM me if you need more detailed Info.  PS you will earn any deer you harvest there. good luck.

[mike033089]

Thank you. I'll stop over at the national park office hopefully soon and grab a map

[mattg1500]

Come Dec 3rd youll see a giant orange hue on google maps. Thats a good indication of where you can hunt. Find some private land or a small wma youll enjoy it better

[Live to Hunt]

I know of a great place to hunt right in Blairstown 400 acres if you are interested PM me. 

[230jhp]

Quote

 Can you literally just pull off of the roads and walk In and hunt?

Pretty much yes. Areas where they don't want you to hunt are clearly marked NO hunting. Of course you must be a legal distance from a building as well.

Just randomly pulling over may not be the best idea. I would recommend using topo maps or an app like Hunstand to determine where you want to hunt.

[Mountain Goat]

Tons of great land there to hunt.  I hunt from rt 80 to Blue mnt lakes road.  Most of the time it is empty of hunters except the 6 day opener.  If you hike in deep you will not see another hunter even during 6 day.  Most guys hunt very close to the road.  Lots of nice deer, bear and turkeys!  Have fun!

[Rusty]

Congratulations on your move Mike, you are in a great area.  I little poking around and you will find lots of great spots.  Best of luck.   

[mike033089]

Thank you all. Looking forward to doing some exploring !

[madeinuk]

First, I envy you - there is tremendous ability to range on your own up in the Gap and find your own honey hole provided that you don’t mind the drag afterwards :-)

Fiahing is good too.

There is a nice set of maps you can get which are about 2.5 inches to the mile from the USGS.  Get the them on the waterproof /rear proof paper if you can as nothing sucks more than a map falling apart at the folds or being turned back into a soggy mass of pulp when wet.

[Greenspace]

Quote

Come Dec 3rd youll see a giant orange hue on google maps. Thats a good indication of where you can hunt. Find some private land or a small wma youll enjoy it better

Go in early, go in deep to funnel areas, those guys are all your drivers!

[Jim_]

Not sure if you're talking deer hunting, but …. I want to stress what others said …. go in deep, and you'll have some quality, peaceful deer hunting in a beautiful area. 

I see you came up from Union County. Before I moved my family up to northwestern NJ to be live among the hill people ,  we lived in Scotch Plains. Other than some permit hunts in the Great Swamp Refuge back in the day, I've driven up to the northern part of the Water Gap to hunt deer, to be away from everyone, for many years. Natural blinds, near the water.

I got my best NJ deer ever on the 2017 bow opener. Not any record-setter for sure, but a pretty nice buck for zone 4, I think. They're there. So are bear, turkey … I see and hear grouse.

I've never duck hunted in the Water Gap, but there are lots of holes in the woods in NW NJ, if you like shooting ducks like that. I do.

When I first started hunting the Water Gap, I sought out info from the employees there to be sure I was doing everything legal. At least back then, all those folks were really nice and helpful.

Help keep that area beautiful.

Welcome to northwestern NJ, I think you'll like it here. A lot.

[1957Buck]

14 hours ago, 230jhp said:

 

Just randomly pulling over may not be the best idea. I would recommend using topo maps or an app like Hunstand to determine where you want to hunt.

1

Good, advise to those who can and know how to read a topo map. I navigated the areas using a compass and that just head downhill to get back to the road. Also, keep in mind there are areas from rt 80 -206 that any cell signal may be not available The Reason is The high Iron Content in the Mountains ( Magnetism )  there may be improvements today that were not there years past.  The Ridges and Rocky Slops make for concerns. Buddy hunt whenever possible. plus jumping a Grouse is better 75 ft apart walk and stop does it. They will only go some 100yds and jump them, the distance gets shorter each jump. As far as parking pick a slot along the road be careful of soft areas Springs are a problem.  Learn the Open areas The WLMA get overrun.  Go on google for a starting point put in Wallpack go to the satellite View zoom in Follow the Roads and along Delaware.  Check out the Blue Mountain and Sunrise lake areas.  Look for the firehouse on the road up and the Abandoned roads behind it a walk back on the road will bring you to a Lake once a swamp. it is a hike but well worth it. Wish I could go with you Good Luck. Bill

[mike033089]

23 minutes ago, Jim_ said:

 

I see you came up from Union County. Before I moved my family up to northwestern NJ to be live among the hill people ,  we lived in Scotch plains  

I grew up in fanwood. Married a girl from blairstown and moved here in April. Absolutely love it. 

[mike033089]

Thanks for all the advice!  Looking forward to hunting the big woods!

Edited October 19, 2018 by mike033089
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