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Post by RocksInNJ on Nov 18, 2019 1:23:17 GMT -5
I have to say, that I feel like I live on another planet since visiting these forums. Not only for all the beautiful rocks that you all have found that were totally unknown to me, but how you go about finding them. So I have a few questions that have been going through my mind now for quite some time.
Note, I live in the suburbs of Southern New Jersey and even though I’m not a city boy, I still find it hard to imagine a lot of things and hope you all can help me to better understand.
1- How do you all get permission to hunt for rocks in mines, rock quarries, State and National Parks, private property? Are the mines and quarries pay sites to the public or something? And as far as I know Rockhounding in state and National parks is illegal and would carry a heavy fine here. Everywhere you go here in New Jersey there are no trespassing signs posted everywhere. Even out in the middle of nowhere. I can’t even go fishing in half the lakes that I have fished my entire life anymore due to no trespassing now.
2- Ok so yea I’m going to sound like a wimp with this one, but have to ask. Aren’t you afraid of bears, mountain lions and poisonous snakes or scorpions when hunting for rocks? I’ve watched so many videos and all I can think is, Omg there could be a deadly snake under all those rocks they’re flipping or there’s gotta be bears or mountain lions in those hills. I couldn’t even imagine coming across a bear or mountain lion. Omg I’d die on the spot and he’d have a free meal. What do you do to protect yourselves and do you ever worry about these things? I love the outdoors and here I can trample around in the woods without a fear, so it’s really hard for me to picture all of the above worry’s and still being able to enjoy myself.
Its so weird and hard for me to understand. I mean I’ll go outside at 3am and cook on my grill with the wood line to my back and not have a worry. If I lived where there were bears and mountain lions I’d have to put my grill in a cage and lock myself in to cook lmao.
3- Creeks, streams, lakes or rivers. Do you all not have any posted signs that say no swimming or wading in the water? Seems like they’re everywhere I go to try and look for rocks and that’s if I’m lucky enough to not come across another dreaded no trespassing sign.
I honestly hate Jersey, but it’s safe. There’s no tornadoes, volcanoes, earthquakes, wild fires, deadly animals or snakes, hurricanes are mildly on the coast sometimes, which does not affect me. I guess the only thing I have to worry about other than ugly rocks is the damn terrorist lol.
I hope you all can help me to better understand the world you live in and thanks in advance for taking the time to read my paranoid post.
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oldschoolrocker
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,540
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Post by oldschoolrocker on Nov 18, 2019 2:46:47 GMT -5
For starters, laws vary from state to state on collecting and even park to park. I'm no expert on collecting but lots done on BLM land and of course any collecting on private property would need approval from land owner. There are also working mines that can pay to collect on.
Regarding fear of wildlife, no not afraid. But not many large predators around here. But i Think anytime you are in wilderness you need to be aware of potential dangers, remain alert and be prepared for how to handle encounters with wildlife. If worried about snakes gets some snake boots, scorpions scare ya then wear gloves.
Collecting from waterways is going to vary from place to place but generally only bodies of water that will run into no swimming signs and such are on private property.
Sorry no close by rockhounding opportunities for you in jersey.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2019 2:49:05 GMT -5
1- How do you all get permission to hunt for rocks in mines, rock quarries, State and National Parks, private property? Are the mines and quarries pay sites to the public or something? And as far as I know Rockhounding in state and National parks is illegal and would carry a heavy fine here. Everywhere you go here in New Jersey there are no trespassing signs posted everywhere. Even out in the middle of nowhere. I can’t even go fishing in half the lakes that I have fished my entire life anymore due to no trespassing now. 2- Ok so yea I’m going to sound like a wimp with this one, but have to ask. Aren’t you afraid of bears, mountain lions and poisonous snakes or scorpions when hunting for rocks? I’ve watched so many videos and all I can think is, Omg there could be a deadly snake under all those rocks they’re flipping or there’s gotta be bears or mountain lions in those hills. I couldn’t even imagine coming across a bear or mountain lion. Omg I’d die on the spot and he’d have a free meal. What do you do to protect yourselves and do you ever worry about these things? I love the outdoors and here I can trample around in the woods without a fear, so it’s really hard for me to picture all of the above worry’s and still being able to enjoy myself. Its so weird and hard for me to understand. I mean I’ll go outside at 3am and cook on my grill with the wood line to my back and not have a worry. If I lived where there were bears and mountain lions I’d have to put my grill in a cage and lock myself in to cook lmao. 3- Creeks, streams, lakes or rivers. Do you all not have any posted signs that say no swimming or wading in the water? Seems like they’re everywhere I go to try and look for rocks and that’s if I’m lucky enough to not come across another dreaded no trespassing sign. It may seem like a different world, and there are a lot more opportunities west of the Mississippi due to there being more public land, but you'll still have opportunities in your area. 1) Yes, collecting is almost always illegal in National Parks and Monuments. It is generally allowed on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands, however, with limitations. If visiting these public lands, the USFS and BLM websites will give you guidelines, maps, and restrictions for each of their districts. I believe NJ state forests also allow collecting, and you should research that further. You might want to buy (or borrow from your local library) a rockhounding guide that covers New Jersey. These can be great starting points. Private land should be avoided, unless you know that there is something interesting there and you receive permission from the owner. You can find agates, quartz, and marine fossils along public beaches (e.g., Cape May). There are also pay-to-dig places just about anywhere there are interesting rocks (recent guidebooks and online sites will have info). 2) Not at all afraid of wildlife. Most all of them are terrified of people. You're more in danger from bears and cougars around cities, and touristy areas where they can grow accustomed to being around people. Snakes aren't just in wild and non-wild areas - even in Jersey (and lots of bears there, too) - and will try to get away from you if they can. Watch where you step, and you won't have any reason to worry, and though it's unlikely you'll see any of these, they're not out to get you. Things like scorpions are over-rated as threats - my cat's killed a few over the years, so I think I'm fairly safe from them. 3) Again, a guidebook specific to NJ may provide answers as to which streams can be collected. In my state, any river or stream that was navigable at the time of statehood is public as far as the streambed itself. Non-navigable streams can be private property. Earthquakes, wildfires, volcanos, tornados are part of living wherever they occur. You are far, far, far more likely to die or get hurt in a traffic accident (cars kill more people in a single year than the total number of folks killed by those other things nationwide over a lifetime). Apart from guidebooks, do an Internet search for rock clubs in your area. Local rock and gem shows can also be places to glean info (although for some reason most charge admission fees east of the Mississippi). Hope that helps.
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Post by RocksInNJ on Nov 18, 2019 3:21:44 GMT -5
Yea I think most of the problem is that NJ has the highest population density in the USA and everything is private property. State forest here are VERY strict. Especially the Pine Barrens, which covers a huge majority of NJ. People have been arrested and fined just for picking up and taking a pine cone out of there, as it’s a National Reserve.
Fortunately for me there are no bears or poisonous snakes in my area of south Jersey. I do understand the odds, but with my luck and you really wouldn’t believe how bad it is multiple times a day on a daily basis, that the risk would be worth the reward. I’ve always said, if you don’t want to get bit or eaten by a shark, then stay out of the ocean. Sure the odds are unlikely, but people do die from it every year and like I said with my luck I’d be the one. Seriously, I could roll 100 6 sided dice and they would all come up as ones. I’m huge into strategy board games and none of my friends will let me roll the dice on game night lol. It’s truly unbelievable.
I found one rock club nearby and they do have a members fee, but I do plan to attend one of there monthly meetings sometime soon. They do make trips to the Sterling and Franklin mines, but other than that I haven’t really seen to much on their forums. I’ve also spoken to the owners of a few rock shops and a few geologist in my area and they couldn’t provide any useful local areas to hunt either, so it doesn’t look good. Even in the books that you’ve mentioned I couldn’t find anything of help. At least in the ones I’ve come across.
But in any case I am just interested and curious to hear from people about my above questions, as they are constantly rattling around in my brain when I read post or watch videos. I thank you both very much for your replies and hope that a lot of the other rockhounds will chime in with their thoughts.
Many thanks again and be safe and happy hunting my friends. I so look forward to seeing everything that you all have found and how you all bring out even more beauty in something that was already beautiful to begin with.
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Post by fernwood on Nov 18, 2019 5:07:12 GMT -5
Collecting around the Great Lakes is pretty easy. There are many public areas where it is legal. For the past 4 years I have mostly collected rocks from my own land.
There are many gravel pits near me, too. They contain glacial deposits. Agates, fossils and Jaspers can be found in landscape rocks available local.
Yes, go to a rock club meeting. Get to know the members. They might be able to share some locations with you.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Nov 18, 2019 5:33:22 GMT -5
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Post by rockjunquie on Nov 18, 2019 7:50:14 GMT -5
I applaud you for asking these questions. Yes, the East Coast is a very different area compared to out West and I sometimes wonder about these things myself. I love the trip reports because I get a glimpse into the way of life and scenery out there. There was a guy on here a ways back from Washington. He used to step out his back door and find the most wonderful rocks. It was amazing to me. What people out West probably don't understand is that there really aren't any rock shops out here or access to second hand equipment (or new, for that matter). It can be a real challenge to get good rocks. No great swap meets with rocks or yard sales, either. I have learned so much here at RTH that I wouldn't have otherwise known just because of the diversity and locations of the members.
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inbtb
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2016
Posts: 351
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Post by inbtb on Nov 18, 2019 8:41:01 GMT -5
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victor1941
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2011
Posts: 1,958
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Post by victor1941 on Nov 18, 2019 12:05:08 GMT -5
Thanks inbtb for the Nethers Farm Ohio flint location. The material that was mined made spectacular cabs.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2019 14:23:30 GMT -5
What people out West probably don't understand is that there really aren't any rock shops out here or access to second hand equipment (or new, for that matter). It can be a real challenge to get good rocks. Oh, some of us have lived both places and understand all too well Our public lands are one of the great, though always threatened, things about this country. They are definitely worth visiting and doing some collecting. Back to threats from wildlife: there really is no reason to fear these animals if you treat them with respect, don't feed them, don't approach them, don't go near their "cute" young-uns. You are extremely unlikely to encounter them. In 127 years from 1890-2017, cougars killed only 25 people across the U.S. Here in Oregon, only 1 person has ever been recorded killed in such an attack. Bear attacks are also very rare. Only one (1) person has been recorded to have ever died from a bear attack in all of California, Oregon, and Washington (and that was back in 1974). Most fatal bear attacks tend to be in places like Alaska and Canada (Grizzlies and Polar Bears) or in places like Yellowstone where a large number of seasonal visitors crowd into bear territory (often trying to feed or taunt the animals). They really don't want to be around you, let alone eat you, and unless you have a lot of food lying around, they'd rather avoid coming anywhere near you. Since they've begun tracking scorpion stings in 1968, no deaths associated with scorpion stings have been recorded in the U.S. Scorpions native to the U.S. have very mild venom - most not even as painful as a bee sting. Deaths from snake bites in the U.S. run about the same those from spider stings (half a dozen per year, both usually from complications). 45 times more people die from dog attacks each year than from snakes. I understand the irrational fear - after seeing Jaws, I have no great desire to swim in the ocean, though if I spied a nice rock under the water, I'd certainly have no problem going in to grab it.
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Post by RocksInNJ on Nov 18, 2019 16:55:33 GMT -5
Many thanks for the link, but I’ve seen this on previous searches of the web. Everything on there is either museums or places way up north that are many hours away, other than Cape May which I do go to.
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Post by RocksInNJ on Nov 18, 2019 17:08:32 GMT -5
I applaud you for asking these questions. Yes, the East Coast is a very different area compared to out West and I sometimes wonder about these things myself. I love the trip reports because I get a glimpse into the way of life and scenery out there. There was a guy on here a ways back from Washington. He used to step out his back door and find the most wonderful rocks. It was amazing to me. What people out West probably don't understand is that there really aren't any rock shops out here or access to second hand equipment (or new, for that matter). It can be a real challenge to get good rocks. No great swap meets with rocks or yard sales, either. I have learned so much here at RTH that I wouldn't have otherwise known just because of the diversity and locations of the members. Oh god tell me about it. There’s never anything on the Facebook market place or on Craigslist, though I continue to look in hopes that I’ll get lucky some day. I never even heard about rocks sales or rocks for sale at yard sales, until I saw a few post here. I thought that was hilarious and I was just amazed by it. It would be so cool to pull up to a yard sale and seeing a bunch of beautiful rocks all over. I can’t even imagine such a thing. I'm really amazed by all the abandoned mines and rock quarries the people out west have access to. Anything like that around here would surely have Danger and no trespassing signs posted all around it. I wouldn’t even know how to go about finding places like that. We have operated gravel pits here, but I don’t think they’re the same as an actual rock quarry. I think I’m gonna have to have someone out west adopt me and my three awesome cats. Lmao!!! They love to lay on the floor with me and sort through all the rocks. They like to smell and play with them or just watch me sort them.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Nov 18, 2019 17:08:59 GMT -5
Many thanks for the link, but I’ve seen this on previous searches of the web. Everything on there is either museums or places way up north that are many hours away, other than Cape May which I do go to. Was worth a shot. While on Gator Girl, I took a look at California rockhounding locations. Not that I am lacking places to go rock gathering, lol . Their post listed some museums in CA that I've not been to. By the looks of things, it doesn't always have up to date information. They list the California State Mining & Mineral Museum in Mariposa, which is a California Statre Park. The museum was closed June 1, 2002 due to lack of operating funds. No comment on that sad state of affairs. If I recall, AZ had a dandy mining museum, which was also closed some time back. Best bet, find and join a local club. Many (not all) will share location information with you. Good luck!
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Post by RocksInNJ on Nov 18, 2019 17:15:22 GMT -5
Many thanks for the link my friend, but being disabled with a really bad back and neck really limits my travel time. I love going out to try and get some exercise and hunt for some rocks, but it’s really brutal on my back and neck. I did however just pick up a rock grabber on sale from Harbor Freight that I’m really excited about. It’ll cut down on having to bend over so much and be really helpful.
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Post by RocksInNJ on Nov 18, 2019 17:21:23 GMT -5
What people out West probably don't understand is that there really aren't any rock shops out here or access to second hand equipment (or new, for that matter). It can be a real challenge to get good rocks. Oh, some of us have lived both places and understand all too well Our public lands are one of the great, though always threatened, things about this country. They are definitely worth visiting and doing some collecting. Back to threats from wildlife: there really is no reason to fear these animals if you treat them with respect, don't feed them, don't approach them, don't go near their "cute" young-uns. You are extremely unlikely to encounter them. In 127 years from 1890-2017, cougars killed only 25 people across the U.S. Here in Oregon, only 1 person has ever been recorded killed in such an attack. Bear attacks are also very rare. Only one (1) person has been recorded to have ever died from a bear attack in all of California, Oregon, and Washington (and that was back in 1974). Most fatal bear attacks tend to be in places like Alaska and Canada (Grizzlies and Polar Bears) or in places like Yellowstone where a large number of seasonal visitors crowd into bear territory (often trying to feed or taunt the animals). They really don't want to be around you, let alone eat you, and unless you have a lot of food lying around, they'd rather avoid coming anywhere near you. Since they've begun tracking scorpion stings in 1968, no deaths associated with scorpion stings have been recorded in the U.S. Scorpions native to the U.S. have very mild venom - most not even as painful as a bee sting. Deaths from snake bites in the U.S. run about the same those from spider stings (half a dozen per year, both usually from complications). 45 times more people die from dog attacks each year than from snakes. I understand the irrational fear - after seeing Jaws, I have no great desire to swim in the ocean, though if I spied a nice rock under the water, I'd certainly have no problem going in to grab it. Many thanks for the very interesting stats. I guess I can understand a bit more now, but still think I’d have to have a suit of spikes and an elephant gun just in case. Like I said my luck is really bad and the bears would know me on a first name basis or at least think here comes that rock fool again.
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fuss
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2018
Posts: 250
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Post by fuss on Nov 18, 2019 18:27:17 GMT -5
Take a trip up to Sterling Hill mine in north NJ this weekend the 24th, from 9-3 you can collect from the mine run dump. $5 entry fee and $2 per pound of what you take home. This is where you will find the finest rocks and minerals in the state, like these.... willemite10sw by fuss_, on Flickr willemite calcite nj by fuss_, on Flickr franklinite with fl blue1a by fuss_, on Flickr
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2019 18:53:59 GMT -5
Take a trip up to Sterling Hill mine in north NJ this weekend the 24th, from 9-3 you can collect from the mine run dump. Yep, that's a world-class location for mineral fans.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2019 19:00:20 GMT -5
Many thanks for the very interesting stats. I guess I can understand a bit more now, but still think I’d have to have a suit of spikes and an elephant gun just in case. Like I said my luck is really bad and the bears would know me on a first name basis or at least think here comes that rock fool again. Out here in the West, you'd probably feel better collecting in the more arid regions. Bears and cougars seldom venture into those more open spaces PLUS those areas are where it is far easier to find rocks, anyway. Just bring drinking water.
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Post by MsAli on Nov 19, 2019 7:14:16 GMT -5
I have to say, that I feel like I live on another planet since visiting these forums. Not only for all the beautiful rocks that you all have found that were totally unknown to me, but how you go about finding them. So I have a few questions that have been going through my mind now for quite some time. Note, I live in the suburbs of Southern New Jersey and even though I’m not a city boy, I still find it hard to imagine a lot of things and hope you all can help me to better understand. 1- How do you all get permission to hunt for rocks in mines, rock quarries, State and National Parks, private property? Are the mines and quarries pay sites to the public or something? And as far as I know Rockhounding in state and National parks is illegal and would carry a heavy fine here. Everywhere you go here in New Jersey there are no trespassing signs posted everywhere. Even out in the middle of nowhere. I can’t even go fishing in half the lakes that I have fished my entire life anymore due to no trespassing now. 2- Ok so yea I’m going to sound like a wimp with this one, but have to ask. Aren’t you afraid of bears, mountain lions and poisonous snakes or scorpions when hunting for rocks? I’ve watched so many videos and all I can think is, Omg there could be a deadly snake under all those rocks they’re flipping or there’s gotta be bears or mountain lions in those hills. I couldn’t even imagine coming across a bear or mountain lion. Omg I’d die on the spot and he’d have a free meal. What do you do to protect yourselves and do you ever worry about these things? I love the outdoors and here I can trample around in the woods without a fear, so it’s really hard for me to picture all of the above worry’s and still being able to enjoy myself. Its so weird and hard for me to understand. I mean I’ll go outside at 3am and cook on my grill with the wood line to my back and not have a worry. If I lived where there were bears and mountain lions I’d have to put my grill in a cage and lock myself in to cook lmao. 3- Creeks, streams, lakes or rivers. Do you all not have any posted signs that say no swimming or wading in the water? Seems like they’re everywhere I go to try and look for rocks and that’s if I’m lucky enough to not come across another dreaded no trespassing sign. I honestly hate Jersey, but it’s safe. There’s no tornadoes, volcanoes, earthquakes, wild fires, deadly animals or snakes, hurricanes are mildly on the coast sometimes, which does not affect me. I guess the only thing I have to worry about other than ugly rocks is the damn terrorist lol. I hope you all can help me to better understand the world you live in and thanks in advance for taking the time to read my paranoid post. 1. You will probably be best served by joining a local rock club. Also research, you might be surprised by what you find. 2. I live in an area that has black bear, wolves, and every now and then cougars (& all of them have been passing through our yard) The other night my dad saw a lynx, which is really cool, We haven't seen one of those in years. The rule is ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings and that is true no matter where you live and applies to the people around you as well, which IMO can be more dangerous than any wild animal. I am more afraid of coming across people sometimes in the woods than I am of a wild animal. NJ has some of the highest violent crime cities, compare those deaths with bear attacks nation wide. 3. I'm in the land of 10,000 lakes so no, you usually dont find signs that say no swimming, unless its private property. Of course there are certain areas you just don't swim in because of the danger. And August is usually off limits. The lakes and creek beds around here can be gold for rock hunting and i get to get my fishing in at the same time. My aunt lives in Burlington. When my mom went out to visit the very first place she showed her was Trenton and then the Barrens, (which I would be more afraid of finding dead bodies in).
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agatemaggot
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2006
Posts: 2,195
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Post by agatemaggot on Nov 19, 2019 8:33:26 GMT -5
Spent my younger years in an outdoor setting in Michigan. 4 or more nights a week our supper consisted of something I drug home from the swamps near home or the lake in front of the house ! I felt at home wandering thru this area as a 10 year old hunting and fishing ! I moved to a city area in Iowa later on. Nowadays I spend a good deal of time metal detecting curb areas and other public areas of town. Late afternoon I start working my way back to my vehicle because when the sun starts going down, an old fart like me has a Bullseye painted right on his A$$ ! Reptiles and Animals are fairly well predictable but, Humans, not so much !
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