Muzzleloading Hunts

August 26, 2021

Question: Howdy. I won a muzzleloader in a drawing but have never shot one before or been acquainted with the regulations. Are there specific hunt season dates in California for muzzleloaders only, so we’re not competing with modern rifles and scopes?

Answer: For the 2021 deer season, CDFW offered 10 muzzleloading rifle hunts which can be found via the “Additional Hunts (PDF)(opens in new tab)” link under the “Seasons” tab of our Deer Hunting webpage. You can also find them on page 33 of CDFW’s 2021 Big Game Hunting Digest (PDF)(opens in new tab). The letter “M” designates a muzzleloading rifle hunt and “MA” designates muzzleloading rifle/archery hunt. During both of these types of hunts, only open or “peep” type sights can be used. Scopes are not permitted. Season dates and number of tags available are listed. Hunters must apply for a tag through CDFW’s annual Big Game Drawing before the June application deadline. Muzzleloading hunts are for limited areas and are usually scheduled late in the year, which make them desirable but harder to draw. For deer hunting, be familiar with the Methods Authorized for Taking Big Game regulation section(opens in new tab). You can also use your muzzleloading rifle during a general season that you have a tag for. You could even use a scope during a general season and you wouldn’t be restricted to only open or “peep” type sights. If you’re interested, there are other opportunities such as muzzleloading shotguns for resident small game. CDFW reminds hunters that nonlead ammunition is required when taking wildlife with any firearm in California, including muzzleloaders.

Many years ago, I owned a muzzleloader (percussion lock). I never used it for hunting, just target shooting, but it was a blast (in every sense of the word).

I'm curious about non-lead ammo. It seems like that would be more challenging with a muzzleloader...

I'm curious about non-lead ammo. It seems like that would be more challenging with a muzzleloader...

Depends. For the modern in-line muzzleloaders it's easy to find and generally shoots pretty well. Cutting Edge, Barnes, Thor (derived from Barnes but with a cup pressed into the back that obturates like a sabot), Federal BOR-loc, etc. But for a traditional muzzleloader you're right, it would be probably be extremely difficult to find non-lead ammo that would stabilize in such slow twist rate barrels.