Idaho panel to make ruling on muzzleloaders

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will soon decide what is and what is not a muzzleloader when it comes to special big-game hunts in the state.

The commission sets policy for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and is taking a new look at regulations defining what types of weapons can be used during muzzleloader-only hunts. A department proposal would keep the current rule intact but change one critical component that forbids the use of guns without pivoting hammers.

Last year, commissioners passed new rules that said, among other things, true muzzleloaders have to have pivoting hammers and exposed firing mechanisms.

Modern centerfire rifles, carried by most hunters, use bullets that have the powder enclosed in a cartridge that is impervious to weather.

Muzzleloaders pour a measured amount of powder down the barrels of their guns and then ram a patch and bullet on top of the powder. A percussion cap or piece of flint is used to ignite the powder.

On traditional muzzleloaders, the cap or flint is struck with a pivoting hammer on the outside of the barrel. In-line muzzleloaders are modern-looking versions of the guns that use caps to ignite the powder. The caps are exposed to the elements, and are placed directly behind the barrel and struck by a bolt. The users of both types of guns have to take care to keep the powder and ignition systems dry in order for the guns to fire.

Commissioners said they outlawed the use of in-line guns during muzzleloader-only hunts because they were concerned the guns were able to shoot farther than traditional muzzleloaders. Muzzleloader hunts generally take place later in the fall than most big game hunting seasons. At that time of year, snow is often deep or has pushed animals to their winter ranges, where they congregate in larger numbers and are more vulnerable to hunting.

Last year’s rule change did dictate that all lead bullets that are within .01 of the width of a gun’s bore diameter be used in muzzleloader-only hunts. It also requires use of loose black powder or loose synthetic black powder. Sabots or 209 shotgun primers cannot be used in muzzleloader-only hunts and powder converted into pellets cannot be used.

The department is taking comments on the muzzleloader issue, and the commission will take up the topic during its Jan. 16-18 meeting at Boise.