Why is there a caliber restriction for muzzleloader only hunts for elk (and a few other species)? I know the point of the other muzzleloader only hunt rules is to preserve the primitive nature of the hunt, but why limit caliber size with muzzleloaders? You don't do this for the any weapons seasons (a .223 Rem is legal for elk- right?) You seem to trust the judgement of the center-fire rifle hunters to choose a quality big game bullet and to take good shots, regardless of caliber choice - I wish you'd afford the muzzleloader only season hunters the same freedom.
Right now a hunter can take a .50 caliber muzzleloader out with 175 grain lead round ball and attempt to shoot an elk on a muzzleloader only hunt, but the same hunter cannot use a .45 caliber muzzleloader shooting a 460 grain lead conical...? If you need to have some assurance muzzleloader hunters are using an adequate bullet for elk, why not regulate the weight of the bullet (like you do for arrows for archery hunters)?
Answer:
Thank you for your comments. Muzzleloader restrictions have gone through multiple revisions over the years at the request of several muzzleloader hunting groups in the state. Idaho Fish and Game continues to be concerned with advancement in hunting equipment technology and the difference between wounding loss and success rates resulting from these advancements. We will continue to review appropriate caliber and other restrictions on muzzleloader hunting that reflect the primitive nature of the hunt, success rates and wounding losses, and allow us to provide separate muzzleloader seasons with as few restrictions as necessary. Thank you for your comments.
Answered on:
Tuesday, September 8, 2015 - 9:53 AM MDT