Restrictions state to state

[Lowedog]

Thought this might be an interesting topic for conversation.

There seems to be no consistency from state to state for muzzleloader restrictions.  What got me looking at this is I was reading up on Blackhorn 209 black powder substitute and trying to find out if anyone had done some testing with using #11 or musket caps to light it off.  Looks like a 209 primer is the only thing that will light it off.  Rules it out for WA.

So while looking around I find that New Mexico has declared BH 209 as a smokeless powder and therefor illegal to use for ML seasons.  They do allow 209 primers and scopes though.      NM does have some special restricted ML hunts where inlines, sabots and belted bullets, pelleted powder and scopes are illegal.

I think WA, ID and OR are fairly close in ML restrictions but most of the other western states are all over the place.  Some basically have no restrictions.  You read some of these stories of guys shooting game at 300 yards! 

I like WA restrictions the way they are.  To me it's a fair balance between primitive and modern.

[boneaddict]

I agree

[Bob33]

There is no consistency state to state in most of the regulations.  In Montana you can hunt big game with a .223.  In Wyoming crossbows are legal in archery seasons.  In most of the states you can have a loaded magazine in your rifle while in your vehicle.  In Colorado you must have proof of hunter education unless you're 61 or older.

Washington regs stop at the borders, and hunters need to study the regs for each state they plan to visit.

[boneaddict]

Its also funny to note how some regs are a couple pages and some are literally in book form.

[Bob33]

By the way, the restrictions for muzzleloaders do not apply if you are hunting with a modern tag in a modern season.  Scopes, 209 primers, etc. are all legal.

[Lowedog]

There is no consistency state to state in most of the regulations.  In Montana you can hunt big game with a .223.  In Wyoming crossbows are legal in archery seasons.  In most of the states you can have a loaded magazine in your rifle while in your vehicle.  In Colorado you must have proof of hunter education unless you're 61 or older.

Washington regs stop at the borders, and hunters need to study the regs for each state they plan to visit.

Definitely agree with that.  WY has the same rule about hunter education, I don't remember the age cut off.  I had to turn in a form to WDFW that was notarized saying approximately when I took it so I could get a new card because they don't have records dating back to when I took the course.  

[Bob33]

Wyoming: required if born on or after 1/1/1966.

Colorado: required if born on or after 1/1/1949.

California: required of everyone.

[mack2255]

As much as I hate to agree....Well I do agree with how Wa has its M/L restrictions .

[boneaddict]

I had the same.  Couldn't find my card.  I think I needed it to apply for Utah or Nevada.  Anyways......jumped through those hoops and got a replacement card, a nice plastic credit card looking thing, then found my paper one later.  Complete different numbers on them.   

[IMAREDNECK]

I've hunted deer and elk in WA with my muzzleloaders for at least 15 yrs now. The only thing I'd like to see changed in the regs is to be legal to put a 1X scope on it. I'm gettin' old enough that crosshairs would be alot more easy to focus on than the fiber optic sights I have now.
Glen

[bobcat]

By the way, the restrictions for muzzleloaders do not apply if you are hunting with a modern tag in a modern season.  Scopes, 209 primers, etc. are all legal.

Yeah, they better be legal for something in this state since it seems that the only muzzleloaders the Lacey Cabelas sells are the ones that would not be legal for our muzzleloader seasons. Every time I go in there and see them I have to wonder who the heck are they selling all these muzzleloaders to? Are there really that many people buying a muzzleloader to use during modern firearm season? If I were to hunt in a firearm restriction area during modern season, I would be using a shotgun, not a muzzleloader. But I guess that's just me?   

[JimmyHoffa]

Bobcat, I have asked myself that same question when in Cabelas.  I figure in a lot of cases people buy before they check the regs.  They sell all kinds of things that can't be used for hunting in this state (with a few exceptions), such as electronics to go on bows/guns, nightvision, etc.

[kerrdog]

It just happens that scopes would be of limited use where we hunt.  Of course there's always a time where a scope is handy, but in Ryderwood and Coweeman GMU's, you can't see out more than 50 yards most of the time.  (Road-hunters do not be offended.)  Even if I was hunting modern rifle, I'd carry a 30/30 Marlin with open sights.  So the only 'handicap' is the fact that you get one shot, realistically.  Oh, and they have the exposed primer rule here.

My question:

Are you allowed to put tape over the end of the barrel to block moisture?  (in Washington.)

Are you allowed to use tape to waterproof your cap?

Merry Christmas Everyone! 

[KLRKeith]

I don't find WA reg any more confusing than other states.  I've lived in LA, TX, AK, ND and they all seem to have their quirks.  States all have their ideas on how to manage game and they all give in to managing by politics to some degree. 

Kerdog i was checked by F&G with a rubber cover over my muzzle this year and nothing was said.

[BlackRidge]

My question:

Are you allowed to put tape over the end of the barrel to block moisture?  (in Washington.)

Are you allowed to use tape to waterproof your cap?

Merry Christmas Everyone! 

I can't see why it would be illegal. All the illegal stuff pertains more to optics/breech type and & ignition source. Using something to block water from getting into your barrel is just a good idea, same with trying to keep your caps dry. 

Merry Xmas! w00t