Big Game Hunting > Muzzleloader Hunting
non jacketed bullets
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huntingbg:
So correct me if I'm wrong, during muzzleloader season you can only use lead bullets without a copper or other type of jacket?
CP:
Correct.

(b) A muzzleloading firearm used for deer
must fire a single, non-jacketed lead
projectile of nominal 40 caliber or larger
except that buckshot size #1 or larger, may
be used in a smoothbore of 60 caliber or
larger. Lead bullets with polymer tips are
legal.
(c) A muzzleloading firearm used for
all other big game must fire a single, nonjacketed
lead projectile of nominal 50 caliber
or larger, or fire a single, non-jacketed lead
projectile of at least 170 grains. Lead bullets
with polymer tips are legal.

bobcat:
Right. And that's even true if you use a muzzleloader during modern firearm season, contrary to popular opinion.
G.R.K:
October 5, 2006



TO:       Bruce Bjork, Chief, Enforcement Program

FROM:    Dave Brittell, Assistant Director, Wildlife Program

SUBJECT:    INTERPRETATION OF WAC 232-12-051


There has been some confusion and different interpretations provided to the public by the Wildlife Program, Enforcement Program, and the Regional Offices regarding WAC 232-12-051, and which projectiles are legal to use during muzzleloader season. 

A conference call was convened today that included Steve Pozzanghera from Wildlife Program, Dan Boes representing the Enforcement Program for Deputy Chief Jarmon, and Sheila Lynch, Assistant Attorney General from the AG’s office.  The group reviewed the WAC and discussed the differences in interpretation.  The result of the discussion was that the group agreed the stronger interpretation of WAC 232-12-051 referencing non-jacketed, lead projectiles is that this language was intended to prohibit the use of copper and other metal jackets used to surround the lead core of a bullet and to limit that type of technology.  The language does not specifically prohibit other types of attachments to lead projectiles, such as non-lead tips plastic or otherwise, plastic bases, or plastic sabots.  The Wildlife Program believes that this interpretation was the intent at the time the rule was adopted.  This was also Wildlife Program’s original interpretation of the current language as written. 

Given the confusion over the interpretation of the rule language, and given Wildlife Program’s interpretation that lead bullets with non-lead tips, plastic bases, and plastic sabots are legal, the Wildlife Program recommends that the Enforcement Program not cite muzzleloaders for using those types of equipment.  Wildlife Program also recommends that Enforcement Program circulate this information through the Regional Captains to all of the Detachments. 

We would welcome further discussions with Enforcement, Hunter Education, and the Fish and Wildlife Commission if it is determined that the current wording of the rule language needs modification in the future for additional clarity. 

cc:   Bill Jarmon
   Sheila Lynch
Regional Directors
   Regional Wildlife Program Managers
   Regional Office Managers
   Mik Mikitik   
Dave Ware
   Michelle Gavin-Panos
G.R.K:
WAC Summary Information
This pamphlet is a summary of the hunting regulations and seasons adopted
by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission. This pamphlet does not
contain nor is it intended to contain all Department regulations. Regulations
specific to the hunting seasons described in this pamphlet are found in Sections
232-28-248 through 232-28-515, and 232-12-001 through 232-12-830, of the
Washington Administrative Code.
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