Muzzleloader Regulations

Muzzleloading rifles and shotguns may be used to hunt forest game, upland game (shotgun only for dove and woodcock), coyote, fisher, fox, nutria, opossum, raccoon, skunk, woodchuck. Muzzleloader shotguns, with non-toxic shot only, may be used to hunt waterfowl, coots, rails, and snipe. Muzzleloading rifles may not be used to hunt turkey during the spring season.

Muzzleloaders used for deer hunting must be at least .40 caliber in size and use not less than 60 grains of black powder (or a black powder equivalent) and propel one all-lead, lead alloy or copper soft-nosed or expanding bullet or ball at a single discharge. Sabot loads are legal.

It is permissible to hunt deer with a muzzleloading rifle or shotgun in all counties. Telescopic sights may be used on a muzzleloader during Firearms or Muzzleloader Seasons statewide.

Flintlock, percussion cap, and inline ignition muzzleloaders are legal hunting devices. To be considered a muzzleloader, a rifle, shotgun or handgun must be loaded from the muzzle, and a revolver must be loaded from the front of the cylinder.