Gun Advice (Pennsylvania)

[Quarry Man]

I have a group of four friends (all of us are 17 and live in PA) that want to take a multi-day hiking trip on the 26 mile Thunder Swamp Trail in the Delaware State Forest. We are planning on hiking most5 of the day, setting up camp, and then fishing and hunting for most of our food. I have been looking into purchasing an Air Gun, or a .22 Rifle. I have shot guns before, but have never owned one. I am familiar with gun safety, and have common sense, but have not taken any hunting courses. If my dad purchases either gun for me, can I legally drive it to the State Forests (not public land), carry the gun while hiking, and use it to hunt Grey Squirrels, Ruffed Grouse and other small game? Granted, I would need to purchase a hunting license, i believe it is about $20. From what I can read online through research, it appears that we would be able to do this.

 

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=18&div=0&chpt=63&sctn=4&subsctn=0

 

P.S. What is a good air gun or .22? I really like the look of the Marlin Model 60 Semi-Auto .22.

[A-Jay]

 

As per the link you posted - it's not looking good.

 

Sale or transfer of air rifles.--

(1)  It shall be unlawful for any dealer to sell, lend, rent, give, or otherwise transfer an air rifle to any person under the age of 18 years, where the dealer knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, the person to be under 18 years of age, or where such dealer has failed to make reasonable inquiry relative to the age of such person, and such person is under 18 years of age.

(2)  It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, give, lend, or otherwise transfer any air rifle to any person under 18 years of age, except where the relationship of parent and child, guardian and ward or adult instructor and pupil exists between such person and the person under 18 years of age.

(b)  Carrying or discharging air rifles.--

(1)  It shall be unlawful for any person under 18 years of age to carry any air rifle on the highways or public lands unless accompanied by an adult, except that a person under 18 years of age may carry such rifle unloaded in a suitable case or securely wrapped.

 

A-Jay

[Scott F]

1 hour ago, Quarry Man said:

.......can I legally drive it to the State Forests (not public land)

Since when is a state forest not public land? 

[Gundog]

Do a lot of research and consult local game wardens to get the correct answers. Don't rely on what you read on a forum. All game wardens have a phone number you can reach them at. They will gladly answer your questions correctly. That is part of their job. If you do something without consulting a GW and you are wrong bad things may happen. I'm talking jail time and lose of lots of money. Don't risk it. Go to the authorities with your questions. 

[Log Catcher]

I f you decide to do this you better check and see what is legally in season for hunting. Getting caught taking game out of season will get you in more trouble than you ever want to be in. Besides the fines and possible jail time you can have your guns and equipment confiscated and lose all hunting privileges for a few years.

[Log Catcher]

It would also be a good idea to find out how much experience your friends have with guns. How safety minded are they when they are out with guns? Do they know proper gun handling and safety procedures?

[NHBull]

Legally it doesn't look good and given the lack of experience, you should bring your own food.

 

Later, take the hunter safety course and practice with the weapon of choice.

 

Truth be told,  five 17 year olds makes me nervous