Scoped muzzleloaders for Pigs

May 20, 2010

Question: I have a question regarding taking of wild pigs with a scoped muzzleloader rifle. Section 353(a) of the Mammal Hunting Regulations allows for the taking of big game mammals with inline muzzleloading rifles. I understand the prohibition of section 353(f) against using a telescopic sight on a muzzleloader during a “muzzleloading rifle/archery tag” hunting season. If I choose to use a muzzleloader to harvest a wild pig per section 368 during a regular hunting season, is it legal to put a scope on the muzzleloader? The regulations do not seem to specifically address this and during my hunter education class, the instructor suggested I ask DFG for the correct answer. It would appear to not be in conflict with the regulations, provided I was not hunting concurrently for deer. (George, Santa Cruz)

Answer: Yes, it is legal to take pigs with a muzzleloading rifle that has a scope mounted on it. There are no archery-only or muzzleloading-only seasons for pigs.