What’s With Muzzleloader Hunting Laws? A State-by-State Breakdown
Travis Olander 01.08.24
Muzzleloader hunting laws, particularly those in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, can be complicated. If you’re new to muzzleloading but a seasoned hunter, you might have decided that – after puffing plenty of smoke at the range with your shiny, new percussion gun — you’re ready to start taking game with your black powder rifle. But if you live in any of the states below, you’ll be subject to plenty of arcane and strict laws when you dawn camo and rod a round. Violate these muzzleloader hunting laws, and you could lose your hunting license, face steep fines, or worse.
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What’s a “Northwest Legal” Muzzleloader?
You might see some of your favorite black powder hunting rifles and inline guns optioned as “Northwest”- or “NW”-legal variants. These are guns that forego some of the more modern, high-speed accoutrements made to improve black powder guns (like 209 primers), in favor of the traditional “stuff,” like old-school flintlock and musket percussion cap actions.
Muzzleloader Hunting Rules by State
There are some other key restrictions you might face in states like Idaho and Oregon. Let’s take a look at all the laws that comprise the “Northwest-legal” muzzleloader hunting scene – including some recent updates that are favorable to hunters who choose to stick with black powder in spite of the restrictions.
Alaska
Alaska requires that all muzzleloaders used for hunting be at least .45 caliber or larger. Scopes are also prohibited – open sights only. You’ll also need to submit to Alaska’s Muzzleloader Education Course, wherein you’ll receive virtual classroom and field day instructions on shooting and safety.
California
Unsurprisingly, California heavily regulates muzzleloader hunting with an extensive permitting program. Hunters must renew their muzzleloader permit annually to California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife’s License and Revenue Branch. California restricts the use of scopes during muzzleloader season, though the state carves out an exception for disabled hunters. The exception allows for the use of a 1X scope – a special license is also required for this exception, obtained through the License and Revenue Branch. As far as guns go, muzzleloaders don’t suffer many restrictions. Inline guns firing 209 primers are legal, with a minimum caliber of .40 required. As with California’s regular seasonal restrictions, lead-free bullets must be rodded.
Colorado
Colorado exercises oddly specific loading requirements based on the game you’re tagging: Deer, antelope and bear must be taken with conical bullets in a minimum caliber of .40. Ball rounds can be used, but they need to be at least .50 caliber with a minimum weight of 170 grains. To hunt elk and moose, you’ll need .50-caliber conicals or .54-caliber round balls. Bullets greater than .50 caliber need to weigh at least 210 grains, and sabots are prohibited. Pelletized powder is also prohibited during the muzzleloader season in Colorado – it’s back to loose powder with measures and flasks. Shotshell primers are legal, though. Optics aren’t allowed, but fiber optic and fluorescent iron sights are OK.
Idaho
Idaho frequently falls within the descriptions on guns labelled “Northwest Legal.” That’s because Idaho demands a black powder configuration that effectively requires you invest in a traditional rifle. Your black powder gun needs to sport an exposed cap or flash pan (which generally means a sidelock is required) and it can only fire bare lead rounds – non-jacketed conicals, or round balls with patches – packed atop loose powder. Centerfire rifle and shotshell primers are prohibited. Only flint, percussion caps, and musket caps are allowed. Scopes are also normally prohibited, though a “Reasonable Modification Permit” provides an exemption for disabled hunters, allowing for a 4X scope.
Montana
Like Idaho, Montana’s considered part of the “Northwest Legal” variant. Guns must use sidelocking actions, with only flintlock flash plans and percussion and musket caps allowed for ignition. Loose powder’s required, too – no pellets, though substitutes like Triple 7 and Blackhorn 209 are legal. The minimum caliber for all game is .45, and inline rifles with breech-loaded primers are specifically excluded. Sabots and gas seals are prohibited, too.
Oregon
Oregon once prohibited “closed ignition” systems found on most inline rifles. But, as of 2022, These black powder guns are legal without modification. That means 209 primers and modern ignition systems are now allowed, though pelletized powder is still prohibited. Scopes are still prohibited, but fiber optic and fluorescent sights are allowed. Sabots and any rounds with plastic or synthetic components – including gas seals and tips – are also prohibited. Caliber minimums remain unchanged: Deer, antelope, black bear, and cougar kills require .40 caliber, while elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats require .50 caliber.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania doesn’t maintain any particularly strange rules for the standard muzzleloader season. One only needs to commit to using a .44 caliber or larger rifle. But where Pennsylvania stands alone is in its unique, extra season reserved specifically for flintlock muzzleloaders. This season runs from late December 26 to January 15, providing those who commit to truly “primitive” black powder guns with an opportunity to hunt in a somewhat special niche. First opened in 1974, Pennsylvania remains the only state to sponsor a flintlock-only season. The challenge of hunting late-season deer subjected to months of pressure with what constitutes the least reliable form of black powder turns off many – leaving those willing to accept the challenge with plenty of room to stalk with little competition.
Washington
Washington’s another state once part of the “Northwest Legal” igniter restrictions, though the state recently legalized the use of 209 and other modern primers for its muzzleloader season. Previously, only #11 and musket caps were allowed. But a plethora of other restrictions remain in effect, including the need for “exposed” primers that aren’t concealed by any bolt or breech before firing, a minimum .40 caliber for deer, and minimum .45 caliber for all other big game. Optics are also still prohibited. Ready to dive into the world of muzzleloader hunting? Start with our multi-part guide to Black Powder. Read Part 1 here. We’ve also got some top picks for the best muzzleloader hunting rifles.
