Scopes on muzzleloaders

[Cooter]

Thoughts/comments?

QUESTION 8 – Allow the use of scopes on muzzleloading firearms during the muzzleloader-only deer hunting season (2010)

This proposal would allow the use of scopes with magnifying power during the ten-day muzzleloader-only deer season that follows the traditional nine day firearm season. When the muzzleloader season was established in 1991, supporters sought a more traditional type of hunt. Today, many new design types and styles of muzzleloaders are available and people are interested in more than the traditional nature of these firearms. Scopes can readily be mounted on most new muzzleloader designs and many hunters have expressed an interest in their use. This department rule proposal originates from a Conservation Congress advisory proposal that won popular support in 2009.

Do you support allowing the use of telescopic sights during the muzzleloader-only deer season that follows the traditional firearm deer season?

[setterguy]

Yes. I think anything that will result in cleaner kills is a good thing. The overall range of the weapon won't change, just the accuracy.

[GatorBait]

It's about time, in my opinion. It's obvious with the way the Muzzleloader industry has taken off and getting away from traditional ones. Wisconsin has either thought this would improve their wanted kill numbers, or decided that the traditional muzzleloading won't work anymore. I remember starting off with tossing a prayer at 50yds. Now, 100yds is a chip shot. As setterguy said, it'll improve cleaner kills and maybe get more guys/gals/kids out there to participate.

[setterguy]

Gator - how about saying a prayer the thing would go off in the first place!

[DonBo]

It's obvious with the way the Muzzleloader industry has taken off and getting away from traditional ones.

This may be the most compelling reason to stay away from scopes. They are perfectly legal during the normal firearms season, but if you want to keep your season a "traditional" one you may want to keep your equipment "traditional". As the number of hunters climbs, along with higher kill rates someone may just decide to take your "traditional" season from you.

I'm not a muzzy guy, just throwing out my thoughts.

[nolte]

Personally I think it takes away from the entire original purpose of the muzzleloader season. If a guy wants to hunt with a scope, tote it along in the 9 day gun season.

I'm not sure if I'm the only one who feels this way, but with all the additional seasons and/or tags gun deer season just doesn't have the same zip as it used to. It seems that the additonal season just seem to dilute the original one.

My last gripe and I'm done, I still don't know why the DNR opens the turkey seasons on a Wed. Nearly every other opener of any season is on a Sat. It would be nice to get first crack a bird without having to take off work or split early to make it to work for a change.

[Cooter]

I can see the point that with a 3-9X on a newer muzzleloader it basically comes down to a means of extending the regular gun season.

One of my gripes has been the guys on TV talking about how challenging it is to hunt with a muzzleloader, how its like bow hunting with a gun. Of course they all have the latest TC or whatever with a BDC reticled scope, the commercial for which comes on right after they talk about how 'close' you have to get. Look, this dot for 100....and the last for, what is it, like 200-250 yards?

I'm not sure yet where I stand on the issue.

[GatorBait]

My last gripe and I'm done, I still don't know why the DNR opens the turkey seasons on a Wed. Nearly every other opener of any season is on a Sat. It would be nice to get first crack a bird without having to take off work or split early to make it to work for a change.

Next year, you will more than likely buy your tag over the counter and have all the time in the world to hunt turkeys.

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubb...str#Post2160811

Ya know, I've never ever had a misfire with any of my Muzzy's. Maybe just lucky, I've heard and seen many bad things happen because of them though.

I mean really, in today's world it's hard to stay traditional even though it is more of a challenge. (Ice Fishing for example) I know the DNR worked on keeping it traditional, but there comes a point in time where the "New" stuff is just more appealing. But the good thing is this.....It's a matter of personal interest and comprehension. No one is going to say you have to use a scope or that you can't stay traditional. It just gives you the right to have a choice that best fits your style. Freedom man, it's great isn't it.