New Mexico officially bans scopes

[Fitzwho]

There are definitely some units where the muzzleloader success is very high (Unit 34 Elk for example has been climbing for the last 5 years; 77% in 2021 supposedly). But the same unit for mule deer with a muzzleloader has seen success rates below 20% the last 3 years.

The state of New Mexico already has Restricted Muzzleloader seasons in some units that do not allow scoped muzzleloaders. Unit 9, 33, and 52 deer hunts. So why would they just not use this system for specific units where muzzleloader harvest is getting too high, instead of shutting it down state-wide for all species?

This might make it slightly easier to draw a muzzleloader tag, but everybody it pushes out of the muzzleloader draw is going straight back to the rifle season applications. Unit 34 muzzleloader elk had 3630 resident applicants, 1027 nonresidents applicants, and 607 guided/outfitter applicants. Thats for 210, 15, and 25 tags respectively. Just say that the new regulations make half the current applicants quit applying for muzzleloader tags and go for the rifle tag in the same unit... There will now be 10,000 residents applying for 126 resident rifle tags. Guess what comes after that? Residents will start coming after the 9 nonresident tags thinking that will increase their draw odds.

 

[Dan Carey]

New Mexico is a backward state in every respect. They have done some horrible things to the Game and fish in the state. What about people that have bad eye sight? Or the older people that are handicapped.

What is fair is doing away with muzzle-loader season all together.

 

[roadrunner]

New Mexico is a backward state in every respect. They have done some horrible things to the Game and fish in the state. What about people that have bad eye sight? Or the older people that are handicapped.

What is fair is doing away with muzzle-loader season all together.

The regulation states if eyesight can't be corrected by normal means (glasses or contacts) that a scope could be used. So, if you have eyesight less than desirable without correction, sounds like G&F want you to take a trip to the optometrist.

As far as backward goes, that is correct. NM does a blanket one-size-fits all approach with idiotic lock in periods of 4 years before a change is made. Nevermind the negative effects it can cause...

 

[OrangeHat]

As it should


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[FLATHEAD]

Just put a peep sight on my CVA Optima Pro.

 

[Jethro6x6]

well... makes pretty logical sense to me,,,

 

[Huntin_GI]

I mean it is supposed to be a primitive weapon yeah?

 

[CMP70306]

Still not seeing how scopes are the problem, if the issue is limiting the range of the shot then limit the rifle itself. After all slapping a Nightforce on a flintlock doesn’t make it a 400 yard rifle but a smokeless muzzleloader using high BC bullets can still be used effectively out to 400 yards even with iron sights under good conditions.

 

[lowpressure]

Fantastic, I hope Arizona takes notice and follows suit soon.

100 percent

 

[Dan Carey]

Be careful what you wish for! Those idiots won't stop till you have no guns and nothing to hunt.

 

[NewbieTurkey]

I'll be interesting to see the harvest reports of what it was, and what it will be.

 

[cerec_cat]

I am putting in for spear next year