Conical Bullets Allowed

Hunters in traditional muzzleloader hunts will now be able to use conical bullets as well as round ball projectiles. Meeting in Boise January 19-21, The Idaho Fish and Game Commission adopted a department recommendation to change the rule for traditional muzzleloader hunts in which hunters use old-style rifles that exposed the ignition system to weather. The rules had permitted only round balls in these hunts. Muzzleloader hunters had asked to be allowed to use conical bullets because of better penetration that result in more humane kills. Big game manager Brad Compton told Commissioners that conical bullets offer no advantage in trajectory or effective range. He added that conical bullets came along early in the history of firearms and were available well before the Civil War. Lead or lead-alloy, non-jacketed conical bullets will be allowed but sabots will not be permitted in traditional muzzleloader hunts. Some hunters had asked that the Commission consider allowing low-power scope sights in traditional hunts because of eyesight problems. The department did not recommend that change, however, and several Commissioners indicated they were not willing to move in that direction. Idaho holds two kinds of muzzleloader hunts, including the traditional and other hunts, in which muzzleloading rifles using modern technology are allowed. Hunters in traditional muzzleloader hunts will now be able to use conical bullets as well as round ball projectiles.