NJ GUYS--Stokes State Forest

[DannyBows]

Any of you NJ guys have any info or experience with Stokes? I'm looking for a place to do overnighters weekly, and maybe camp/hunting the whole second week of Nov. I see they have Lean-to's available all year round which fit 6 people for $30 a night, and have a wood stove in them. From what I've found on the internet it looks like a beautiful place. I hope to get a chance to check it out before the season starts.

[lpcjon2]

Danny,Go to the fish and wildlife site and they have info on all the wma's and state forest.you may have to look in the wildlife digest.
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/

[DannyBows]

Thanks Tim. I got some info there. I think I'll check out the Jersey Hunter site too.

[Mitch-In-NJ]

I used to hunt Stokes.  Last time I took a deer with a bow it was back around 1985.  Walking back to my truck a pack of wild dogs started stalking me.

About 30 yards from my truck I heard them breathing  so I whirled around and was prepared to draw.  They were far enough away that I was able to make it to the truck.  I got in and they kept coming.  They literally surrounded the truck.  I blew the horn a couple times and they didn't even flinch.

Then I thought "just drive away" and it was all better.

I told this story to one of the rangers about 4 years ago and he said he remembers when there were packs of wild dogs in the park but that the coyotes have killed them all.

Anyway, I have been back there since.  Squirrels mostly.  Haven't been there for deer, but I think it would be okay during the bow only season.

Once the gunners get there it can be a wild scene.  Looks like a dayglo orange factory blew up.

Near to Stokes are several WMAs.  Flatbrook, Hainseville, Bear Swamp and Walpack are the closest.  Plus you've got the Delaware NRA.  Good spots in each of them but it requires a good deal of scouting.

And I haven't scouted it too much.  I hunt more on the Vernon side of Sussex County.

It's kind of late to start scouting it now and the area is pretty vast.  I think it would be tough but if you are determined let me know.  Like I said, I have only scouted bits of it but I don't mind sharing that info.

[Don Stokes]

Wow! I didn't even know I HAD a state forest, much less in New Jersey!    

[DannyBows]

Mitch, you're right, it is late to be scouting a place that large. Should have been taking trips up there since spring, but as usual no time. A run-in with wild dogs like that would get the adrenalin going for sure. I don't have any decent places to hunt except hard hit public land so for me it's just about getting some time in the woods anyway. I hunt the ground so I may still-hunt it some, not sure yet. Wish I could take a trip out to a place I know in Ohio, my home state, but with a daughter in college I doubt I'll be able to afford it. I'm not even sure I can take off and stay local yet. No paid time off in my work. Thanks, Dan

Don, Oh yeah, people up here in Jersey know all about you and are such big fans that we named a 16,000 acre State Forest after you. Telling the "Legend of Don Stokes" around campfires is a favorite passtime in these parts. Even got some bruiser bucks running around with your name on them. Come on up and collect'em any time. Lol!