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I am coming to live on Saint John for the summer and was wondering about gathering food from the land. I've read the island has an over population of certain animals - pigs, goats, deer, chickens, etc., sound like good eats to a Vermont outdoorsman. Fishing and gathering from the green world are also on my list of endeavors while on the island. Any information I could get on harvesting from the plant and animal world would be appreciated. Grocery costs of food basics: eggs, butter, half & half, sugar, bread, fresh fruits & veggies, and meat/fish, would also be helpful
Posted : May 2, 2005 7:07 pm
You need to check out the restrictions of the Parks Department as 75% of the island is a National Park.
Posted : May 2, 2005 7:11 pm
... and the animal populations that the park doesnt take care of... many of them are privately-owned. while they seem to be free-range and wild, it would not be taken lightly if you were to kill one of the 'private' animals.
Posted : May 3, 2005 2:47 am
Check with the DPNR andthey willbe able to give you all the information on the r gulations. www.viphonebook.com
Posted : May 3, 2005 11:15 am
Gathering greens is an option (as long as you do your research and discover what's poisonous and what's not) but I think any trapping or hunting of animals would very quickly land you in a Federal prison for quite a long period, particularly if you happen to snag one of the many endangered species.
As Chris said, 75% of St. John is designated (Federal) National Park and you can't even fish off the shoreline...
Posted : May 3, 2005 11:25 am
Fishing in the National Park:
"Fishing is allowed outside of swim areas, but not in Trunk Bay and Jumbie Bay. Spear guns are prohibited anywhere in Park waters.
Caribbean spiny lobster catch is limited to two per person per day and the carapace (area between head and tail) must be at least 3.5". Whelk season is October 1-March 30. Whelk must be larger than 2.5" and take is limited to 1 gallon per person per day. Conch season is October 1- June 30. Conch must be 9" long and take is limited to two per person per day."
More fishing regulations at http://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/more_info/fishing/usvifishingregulations.php
http://www.nps.gov/viis/VIISComp.pdf That page discusses what is probitted and allowed as far as gathering fruits.
I didn't find anything about hunting mentioned in the above linked to document but in another section of their website it mentions that it isn't allowed.
http://www.nps.gov/viis/pphtml/documents.html That page includes documents on how the Park manages wild hogs and goats.
Many goats, chickens, pigs, even cows that you see strolling along belong to someone. Sort of a free-range grazing practice.
Your best bet would be to call or visit the National Park Visitors Center in Cruz Bay once on island and ask.
You can find a grocery list with prices in the Cost of Living section of this web site. The link is on the home page.
--Islander
Posted : May 4, 2005 11:11 pm
i change my stance... after the goats in my neighborhood *yet again* woke my dog [and hence woke me up] at 2am [it drives him nuts to have goats hanging out at the pool deck and eating all our plants when he can't be out there]...
please, come live on the deck, bring lots of weapons, and there's even a grill out there so you wont have to drag them far before putting them over a fire. =)
thanks!
Posted : May 6, 2005 1:26 am
