Primitive Weapons

Sun., Dec. 31, 1995

Associated Press

Hunting

Hunting with muzzleloaders has become more popular in Washington since 1984, when hunters first had to choose one kind of hunting weapon.

One reason for the increase is attractive seasons, said Jim Reick, who tracks hunting statistics for the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Reick said there are more muzzleloader opportunities in Southwest Washington than in other parts of the state.

Another bonus is that muzzleloader hunters can apply for modern firearms special permit hunts, he said.

In 1994, 9,640 people hunted deer with muzzleloaders statewide, according to DFW estimates. That compared with 20,855 archery hunters and 153,241 people who used modern rifles. Muzzleloader users had the highest success rate of any group, 30.7 percent.

Among elk hunters last year, 10,361 used muzzleloaders, 15,289 were archery hunters and 54,647 used modern rifles. The success rate was similar for all three statewide: 12.2 percent for muzzleloaders, 10.2 for archery and 13.1 for modern firearms.

Muzzleloader hunters are lobbying for more areas to hunt, Reick said. Allocation of opportunity among muzzleloader hunters, archers and modern rifle users will be addressed when the framework for the next three hunting seasons is set early next year.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.