Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello All,

I would like to take a trip to the Jersey Pine Barrens in the Spring 2010. It's amazing how many more species that a three hundred miles south. I hope to photograph a lot of species and maybe collect a few fish and herps. I have never been there before so I a few questions for anyone who has done this trip before:

1. What are the legalities of collecting herps and fish in NJ? I do not expect to be able to collect listed species.

2. Are there any good hotspots to be sure to hit?

3. Any other suggestions?
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Brian

"The Earth was not given to you by your parents. It is loaned to you by your children."

1.0 Argentine Tegu
1.0 Bearded Dragons
1.0 Jungle Carpet Python
1.1 California Kingsnakes
1.1 Children's Python
3.5 Russian Tortoises

you can probably find the laws online somewhere here...

Jersey is pretty much a "better not even think of touching it " state.....

pine barrens....carry a camera....period....

NO bags,not even in car

NO hooks...not even in car....

and I wouldn't have the pet corn along either....no corns without red eyes to begin with....collecting is probably not an idea.....
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.

...(______________________)

Good to know. Thanks.
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Brian

"The Earth was not given to you by your parents. It is loaned to you by your children."

1.0 Argentine Tegu
1.0 Bearded Dragons
1.0 Jungle Carpet Python
1.1 California Kingsnakes
1.1 Children's Python
3.5 Russian Tortoises

Brian,

There's no list you need to check... everything is protected in NJ. Touch a Garter snake and if caught, you'll get in BIG trouble. The Pine Barrens are an awesome place to visit, but as said by the other guy, be seen only with a camera. And don't post that you'll be collecting anything.

As far as hotspots, just stick to Ocean county, although Burlington is also pretty cool for seeing things. But don't expect it to be like Fl. or S.C.. Carl Kauffeld once wrote "I know no other place that holds so many reptiles yet yields so few. It is an awesome place to spend a day though.

Last... if you haven't read "Snakes and Snake Hunting" (By Carl Kauffeld), get a copy and read it. There's 2 chapters about the Pines: "Memories of Mount Misery" and "Crossley Pines and Corns", which will give you plenty of info on where to go and how to look. (The rest of the book is completely awesome also... once you start this book, you won't be able to stop).

Brian... here's a few pics from Crossley I took a year or two ago. they've been posted before, but if you haven't seen them, they'll give you an idea of what you'll see down there. They're especially interesting if you've already read the book I suggested.

3 more:

even more:

I had one more: