Commission may revisit muzzleloader decision

LEWISTON — The Idaho Fish and Game Commission may revisit its decision to ban the use of in-line muzzleloader rifles in some hunting seasons, after commissioners have been deluged with letters and calls from angry hunters.

Commissioner Alex Irby of Orofino said he will ask other commissioners if they wish to revisit their position at the commission’s March meeting.

Last month, the commission approved regulations that ban the use of almost all in-line muzzleloader rifles, modern versions of traditional guns, in special muzzleloader hunts.

However, the guns could still be used in modern-rifle hunting seasons.

Some muzzleloader users have vigorously protested the regulation change, starting a letter-writing campaign targeting commissioners, the department, legislators and the governor. They also are circulating a petition protesting the change.

The rule change was proposed and adopted because technological advances of the in-line guns improved performance so much that commissioners felt they could no longer justify use of in- lines during muzzleloader- only seasons. Those seasons take place late in the fall when most deer and elk are on winter ranges and slowed by deep snow.

In-line supporters say they could live with restrictions to bullets, barrels and powder that would limit the range of muzzleloaders.