Originally posted by Ragnarok Forge:
You can also use bows during the muzzloader only seasons.
This isn't currently true in Washington state. You can only use approved muzzleloaders during muzzleloader season in Washington state for deer or elk.
See
http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/hunter/huntregs2010.pdf There is no state law which seems to specifically permit "archery tackle" in the permanent regulations but it might be there for Washington. At any rate it probably would not contradict the pamphlet and quotes below regarding muzzleloader season. There is the
WAC which contains definitions for the legal weapons. It does not specify when and how they are applied. Most permament applications are at
RCW 77 . That would lead me to suspect that it is entirely up to the Game Comission and the WDFW to decide how to apply such definitions with regards to allowing the archers to hunt during the elk and deer muzzleloader seasons. Which is currently not permitted.
Just figured I would clear that up in case anyone started purchasing Washington state muzzleloader tags and expected to hunt with their bow instead.
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Hunting Method:
Muzzleloader only. Muzzleloader
tag holders can only hunt during
muzzleloader seasons and must
hunt with muzzleloader equipment.
Muzzleloading equipment must meet
regulations on page 70.
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2. It is unlawful to hunt wildlife using a
muzzleloading firearm that does not meet the
following specifications.
a. A muzzleloading shotgun or rifle must have
a single or double barrel, rifled or smoothbored.
b. A muzzleloading shotgun or rifle used
for deer must be .40 caliber or larger.
Buckshot size #1 or larger may be used in a
smoothbore of .60 caliber or larger for deer.
c. A muzzleloading shotgun, rifle, or handgun
used for all other big game must be .45
caliber or larger.
d. Persons lawfully hunting small game with a
double barrel, muzzleloading shotgun may
keep both barrels loaded.
e. A muzzleloading handgun must have a
single or double barrel of at least eight
inches, must be rifled, and must be
capable of being loaded with forty-five
grains or more of black powder or black
powder substitute per the manufacturer's
recommendations.
f. A muzzleloading handgun used for big
game must be .45 caliber or larger.
g. A handgun designed to be used with black
powder, including black powder percussion
revolvers, can be used to hunt forest
grouse, cottontail rabbits, and snowshoe
hares.
3. In addition to the above requirements, it is
unlawful to participate (hunt) in a muzzleloading
hunting season using a firearm that does
not meet the following specifications for a
muzzleloader. As in the past sabots are allowed.
Any type of projectile is allowed.
A modern handgun may be carried for personal
protection. Modern handguns cannot be used
to hunt big game or dispatch wounded big
game during a big game hunting season for
muzzleloading firearms.
a. Ignition is to be wheel lock, matchlock,
flintlock, or percussion using original style
percussion caps that fit on the nipple and
are exposed to the weather. "Exposed to
the weather" means the percussion cap or
the frizzen must be visible and not capable
of being enclosed by an integral part of the
weapon proper. Primers designed to be
used in modern cartridges are not legal.
b. Sights must be open, peep, or of other open
sight design. Fiber optic sights are legal.
Telescopic sights or sights containing glass
are prohibited.
c. It is unlawful to have any electrical device
or equipment attached to a muzzleloading
firearm while hunting.
d. Those persons lawfully hunting big game
with a double barrel muzzleloader may only
keep one barrel loaded.
Topic: Make dang sure that you can bowhunt during gun season. (Read 2167 times)
