Equipment for Muzzleloader-ONLY Hunts

MUZZLELOADER CALIBER REQUIREMENTS

In any hunt, including general any-weapon seasons and shortrange hunts, it is unlawful to pursue or kill big game animals with any muzzleloading rifle or musket that is less than .45 caliber for deer, pronghorn, mountain lion or gray wolf; or is less than .50 caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat or black bear.

LEGAL IN MUZZLELOADER-ONLY SEASONS

Any person hunting in a muzzleloader only season, including controlled hunts, must have in their possession a license with a muzzleloader permit validation. During a muzzleloader-only season, it is illegal to pursue or kill a big game animal with any firearm, muzzleloading pistol, or weapon other than a muzzleloading rifle or musket. In addition, the muzzleloading rifle or musket must be:

•    Capable of being loaded only from the muzzle. 
•    Equipped with only open or peep sights. Scopes and any electronics are prohibited, except hunters with a visual disability may apply for a Reasonable Modification Permit to use non - magnifying or up to 4x power scopes. Application available at Fish and Game regional offices, see page 4.
•    Loaded only with loose black powder, loose Pyrodex, or other loose synthetic black powder. Pelletized powders are prohibited. • Equipped with a single or double barrel. 
•    Loaded with a projectile that is within .010 inch of the bore diameter. Sabots are prohibited. 
•    Loaded with a patched round ball or conical metal or metal alloy projectile with the exception of allowance of accuracy tips and pressure bases. 
•    Equipped only with a flint, percussion cap or musket cap. 209 primers are prohibited. 
•    Equipped with an ignition system in which any portion of the cap is exposed when the weapon is cocked and ready to fire.
 

These pictures are examples only, and are not a complete list of legal equipment.