Traditional Muzzleloader Shooters timid?

[Mtndawger]

The way it could affect someone is for more people to start hunting with multiple weapons because inlines are more available. That could lead to more harvest and less opportunity for the other weapon types. That's especially true if you don't have to choose "one" weapon for the year.

Also, if more people are out during muzzleloader maybe more shoot that great buck someone was wanting to shoot during the firearms season.

But, there is nothing to prevent you from using a muzzleloader during firearm season, so it would work both ways. Why do you need to hunt during muzzleloader season or have a special season?

That being said, I don't care what you use as long as it's legal.

I can't prove it but it's my belief that MZ seasons were originally intended to provide an opportunity for hunters to use primitive weapons without having to compete with rifles and crowds. There is no question an inline is an easier entry point compared to traditional MZ. That has led to more hunters during MZ seasons, also no question. Whether that affects overall harvest numbers of animals would be a deep dive in harvest stats over time. Many things have changed since then and the primitive weapons aspect may not be true anymore. In Colorado at least, Its also probably true that much of the appeal of hunting with a MZ is the chance to hunt the rut for elk. Or the weather at that time of year. Hunting third and fourth season from a camp can be pretty burly experience.

 

[HighUintas]

Well if there's no difference between a northwest style inline and a sidelock for range effectiveness, why such a push back against limiting it to a sidelock?

 

[BRTreedogs]

Well if there's no difference between a northwest style inline and a sidelock for range effectiveness, why such a push back against limiting it to a sidelock?

Because I already have one money bags.

You gonna send me the money to buy a side lock?

 

[Bluefish]

The way it could affect someone is for more people to start hunting with multiple weapons because inlines are more available. That could lead to more harvest and less opportunity for the other weapon types. That's especially true if you don't have to choose "one" weapon for the year.

Also, if more people are out during muzzleloader maybe more shoot that great buck someone was wanting to shoot during the firearms season.

But, there is nothing to prevent you from using a muzzleloader during firearm season, so it would work both ways. Why do you need to hunt during muzzleloader season or have a special season?

That being said, I don't care what you use as long as it's legal.

Iowa does limit the number of muzzle loader tags. It also means you can’t hunt gun seasons if you hunt ML. This year the ML season did not sell out. I don’t hunt early ml as none of the guys I hunt with hunt that season. I may next year as gun season has been tough, deer have gone almost exclusively nocturnal for gun seasons.

 

[HighUintas]

Because I already have one money bags.

You gonna send me the money to buy a side lock?

You'd probably make money selling that and buying a used TC Hawken. They go for $300-450.

I figured that' was the reason, but just curious.

 

[BRTreedogs]

Yes, I'm referring to states that allow 209, scopes, etc during the regular ML season

What western states are still allowing this?

 

[missjordan]

Personally i like the idea of the inlines with the open ignition systems. And wish that there would be more consistent regulations with inlines across states. The ML laws are so ambiguous it’s actually insane when you compare it to archery or rifle regulations which are extremely consistent across all states for the most part.

I love idahos regulations on ML except for the .45 for deer sized game and .50cal for large game. Bullet weight really should be the determining factor not caliber.

Montana where i hunt and is my residency state. I hate the law where it’s basically traditional ML only. I really wish they’d allow the open ignition on inlines. And do like the fact that hunter’s can use .45 cal on any sized game.

I’d love to find a 45 cal percussion ML that fits into Montana’s rules that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg but they just don’t really exist.


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[HighUintas]

What western states are still allowing this?

I'm not sure what all the exact regs are now since they've been changing and there's ML only seasons vs restricted firearms seasons. But I think Arizona and Colorado allow 209 ignition.


Regardless of that, I think the people making the rules need to learn a bit more about the guns. In Utah there's the below restriction. However.... It is 100% historically correct to use a "paper cartridge" for quick reloading of a muzzleloader... Which is a paper wrap containing the powder and ball. Tear off the end, pour the powder, then jam the whole thing down. The paper acts as a patch for the ball. This is even for flintlocks! The British used paper cartridges to quickly reload their Brown Bess muskets.