Scopes on muzzleloaders?

[JIGSTER]

So what are everyones thoughts on this one!I just read there is a bill to allow Minnesotans to hunt with scoped muzzleloaders.With all the debate over deer management and quality of bucks,is this something we need?I understand the debates of a cleaner kill,but aren't the new inlines accurate enough.I don't know if I can support this one.While they're(politicians) at it, they may as well let us all use cross-bows instead of bow & arrow. Good huntin' jigster

[Stratosman]

That's a tough one, primitive is supposed to be primitive but they opened a can of worms when they allowed in-line muzzleloaders to be allowed. I don't have a preference i guess

[Mark Christianson]

I guess I am for it.

I will still practice selective harvest as I have done for a few years now.

I am not a big fan of open sights. If nothing else, I would be happy with a scope on the ML, even if it was a 0x power. I like the crosshairs. I am not necessarily looking to be able to take longer shots by putting a high power scope on the gun. I would still limit myself on the distance just based on my personal experience at the gun range.

The scope wouldnt change the "way" I hunt with ML.

[cyberamish]

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing them allow non-magnafying optics (red dots, etc). It's no longer a question of primative vs. modern but it is still a one shot deal.

[Stratosman]

Quote:

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It's no longer a question of primative vs. modern but it is still a one shot deal.

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If that's the case then why not allow magnifying scopes?

[PerchJerker]

I'd support allowing scopes on MLs. Since they allow in-line rifles, black powder subsitutes like pyrodex and triple 7, sabots, primer discs for Knights and break-actions like the Omega, etc. it seems kind of ridiculous to me that they don't allow scopes.

My opinion is that if they want a "primitive" or "blackpowder" season the only things allowed should be blackpowder (not pyrodex), flintlocks, round balls, and no fiber optic sights. And if they want a muzzleloader season, why allow everything but telescopic sights -- after all it's still a one-shot deal and you load from the barrel.

[Rippinlip]

This might not hold alot of water with the archers, but we are allowing carbon arrows, scopes, mechanical releases, bows that shoot in excess of 300 fps.

Technology is what it is.

For those that want to shoot traditionally will still do that, let those that would like to shoot with scopes, let them.

Like an earlier comment that was made, selective harvest and knowing your range is the key. We still only get 1 shot, lets make it count. I would agree on the red-dot or the non-maginifying scopes only if they wanted to go with that.

[fishing4fun]

From what I witnessed over the passed few years people are using them anyways. They put a quick release base on it just in case the warden shows up. I have no opinion on this, I will buy a scope if they are allowed or keep hunting with out on if they are not.

[cyberamish]

My concern is that if you allow mag scopes you are going to have inexperienced people out there looking at a deer at 200 yds through a 4x thinking that since they have a scope they can hit it reliably, thus you're going to end up with more wounded animals. The non magnafying scopes, IMO, are really no different than peep sights so I do not see a issue with them.

[JollyT]

Just a thought. Older hunters have a major problem focusing on iron sights due to the loss in flexibility of the eye lens. This could make it easier for them to make a good shot.

[bigbucks]

I guess I haven't heard of anybody doing the quick release scope thing & using one anyway, but it sure would be easy for people to do so, especially if they're already using it during shotgun season, so they have to be able to remove it.

I'm on the same page with fishing4fun, I'll hunt with one if it's legalized, or continue to hunt without one if it's not. I don't use one with my shotgun, but that's not a one shot deal & I use it on drives a lot where I think the scope would be a hindrance. With the ML it certainly would have an advantage from my perspective, but if they want to keep that limitation I'm fine either way.

[Mark Christianson]

Right with ya bigbucks.

Either way, is fine with me.

If it doesnt pass, no sleep lost.

If it is passed, then I gotta go spend more money. It never ends.

[metrojoe]

Nobody is stopping you from putting a scope on your muzzleloader. You just have to hunt during the regular firearm season to do it.

[Mark Christianson]

Yep, totally aware of that.

We are talking about ML season specifically on this.

[Eric Wettschreck]

I hunt with a ML. I'd like to be allowed to use a scope during ML season. If it doesn't pass I won't lose any sleep, but I'd still like to be able to use one.

ML hunting is great fun. I know I pretty much have one shot so I better make it count. OK fellas, I'll be the first one to admit it, I'm a better shot with a scope than I am with open sights. I know my limitations with both, and I'll still not take a shot that is out of range. If I could use a scope the chances of MY shot being right on the money are a lot better. I'm speaking only for me and no one else, but yes, I'm a better shot looking through a scope than I am looking through iron sights.

[dkhntr]

I thought you could have LEAGALLY a 0x scope on a ML. That isnt the case?

[metrojoe]

I guess that was my point. The opportunity to hunt with a scoped muzzleloader is already available. I'm really not for or against it, but the attraction for me was that it was a more primitive method. If you really want to test your skill, and luck, Philly has a flintlock only season. I'm sure flinters have at least a couple good stories to tell.

[dkhntr]

Ohhhh. So your talkin whos got open sights, verse scoped? I got it. I know a guy I was workin with who just bought a ML last season. After the season he was talking getting a scope. I guess the distractions periferally(sp?) were killing him. He couldnt concentrate on the deer. But I do know a few who only go "primitave".

[tripper]

I am one of them older fellers that has tired eyes and do not ML hunt because of it. If I ever remember to ask my CO about a clearance scope on a ML and it is infact leagle I will get a bp barrel for the Encore. For now I feel I am putting even more challenge ,then bp, in the hunt by mainly hunting with a handgun.

[ScoutII]

Peep sight might help your buddy concentrate on the deer.

[dkhntr]

I can understand why a 0x scope would increase a kill shot. It blocks out everything going on around. I have also heard of using a 0x red dot scope. Are those legal? I mean it's JUST like a regualr scope without the zoom then

[PerchJerker]

Minnesota allows open sights or peep sights during ML season - no scopes, no red dots even though they don't provide any magnification. Wisconsin ML season allows any non-magnifying sight.

[mwal]

I think the State should do away with the blackpoweder season if they allow scopes. The season was created to give users of a more primitive weapon more time to try to harvest a deer. I have a flint lock and a traditonal cap and ball rifle. In-line muzzelloaders were not what they had in mind when setting the season up. They are basically approching a modern high power rifle in perfromance and accuracy upto 200 yards. I think the are fine to use during the regualr seasons and use your scope. But the muzzelloader season should still be for traditional black poweder non scopped rifles IE: flintlock or sidelock.

Mwal

[WAG416]

I used to see things the same way MWAL does. But, I have come to realize that ALL weapons we use are getting more and more modern all the time. Look at the Bow and Arrow, those that choose to hunt the traditional style still use the long bow and recurve, Some choose to use the compound, a more modern way. I dont hear a whole lot of complaining about closing bow season because now arrows have the ability travel so much faster than before.

Like one fellow had mentioned before, those that choose to use the old style, more tradition muzzleloaders, will continue to use them. Allowing one to use a scope on a muzzleloader only gives someone the option to use one, it's not forcing everyone to use it. I bet people felt the same way you did when they came out with in-line blackpowder rifles. All you get is one shot(per barrel) so it isnt going to change.

If they came out with Star-War type laser guns and legalized them for hunting use, people would use them too. People will say thats not hunting, well why not?

I would bet sportsman a hundred or so of years ago didn't look at centerfire rifle and say "that's not true hunting, No way will I use one". No, they saw it as a way to make a more accurate shot and greaten their chances at a successful hunt.

Like I mentioned before, I used to agree with your statement 100 %, but I have since changed my point of thought. Not saying your wrong, its your opinion and thats cool. I'm just stating mine. The time spent away from home and the enjoyment of being able to hunt longer is all that really matters. If they choose to not legalize scopes on muzzleloaders, oh well, If they do, great, I just might have to go and buy a new one. If its for a faster cleaner kill, I'm all for it. I do believe that some hunters will attempt to make more shots they shouldnt, but a mature hunter with common sense will know their limits.

just my thoughts.

WAG

[2 DA GILLS]

Maybe someone already said this, but from what I know you can only have a 0x scope with a doctor's note and permit.

My father has a 0x scope because he can not see his front site with open sites. Tired eyes I guess.

I am in the camp that says unless they are 0x scopes they should not be allowed. ML season was created as a primitive season. Leave it that way as much as possible.