NH602

Alright my kid brother and I have picked CO to attempt a self guided muley hunt. I have a few questions. We are both avid archery hunters but we are hoping to get the guns out. I am curious if muzzle loader is better than rifle and if not what are the difference between all of the rifle seasons. We would like to hunt hard for a full week and I see that some of the seasons are not that long. If we are picked for a rifle season is that the only season that we can hunt in, as far as 1st 2nd 3rd? Also we are looking to be far from the crowds. we both are strong hikers and would be looking for some back country would anybody be willing to narrow down the unit search a bit. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Dennis

mac266

"Better" is up to you. Keep in mind that all the modern improvements to muzzleloaders, like sabot bullets, pelletized powder, 209 primer ignition, etc., are illegal in Colorado. At least they're illegal during the muzzleloader season -- you can use them during the regular rifle season.

Muzzleloaders in muzzleloader seasons must use loose loose powder with a patch and round ball. I don't remember about scopes, but I *think* they're illegal in that season, too.

However, since moving to Colorado I've only hunted modern firearms, so check the law first! Don't take my word for it. I've been wrong before!

So is that "better?" That's up to you.

mac266

All the different rifle seasons are because you get a license for ONE of those seasons. So many people hunt in Colorado they can't have everyone out there at the same time. In certain places you'll think you're at a shooting range with an orange dress code. You can only hunt during the season you get a license for.

finnbear

Really U have to use a round ball??? at least here in Washington U can use a lead bullet.....everything else is the same!!

mac266

They might allow conicals, I'm not sure. I do know, however, that sabots are definitely out!

Hurricanespg

You cannot use pelletized powder, sabots, or scopes during muzzle loader season in CO.
You can use whatever kind of loose powder your prefer, fiber optic sights, 209 primers, conicals and even Powerbelts if you so choose.

mac266

Again, this applies during muzzleloader season. You can use a muzzleloader with or without the modern implements during regular rifle seasons.

Colorado Cajun

You may want to re-read the regs on muzzleloaders. 209 primers are LEGAL, and you can use any bullet you want as long as the length is not more then twice the diameter. Scopes, pellet powder, and sabot are not allowed during muzzleloader season but you can use them in a muzzleloader during rifle season with a rifle tag.

jloop

yes inlines are legal and so are 209 primers. .40 to .50cals bullets must be 170 grains or bigger they cannot be loaded from the breech and must have iron sights sabots are PROHIBITED smokless powder is prohibited.

txhunter58

Your choices are mainly: archery, muzzleloader, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rifle.

If you want a high country or wilderness hunt, archery or muzzleloader is the way to go. The other seasons may have snow. 4th season is typically the hardest to draw (takes most points) because they are rutting then, and the big boys will be more vulnerable. 2nd season is typically one of the easier to draw because deer are usually still scattered and bucks are still off by themselves and harder to find. However, this year, 2nd season got lots of snow and brought them down out of the high country, so that was the season to be there. But that is not the norm.