Muzzleloader Deer Hunting

[AlumniClub]

Muzzleloader deer hunting continues statewide Nov. 28 to Dec. 7
Release Date: 11/24/2005

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MADISON -- While the regular deer hunting season closes in Wisconsin on Sunday, Nov. 27, deer hunting remains open statewide from Nov. 28 through Dec. 7 for hunters who hunt with muzzleloader firearms only.

A muzzleloader is a firearm that can only be loaded from the muzzle, or the barrel end of the firearm, and uses black powder or black powder substitute. The muzzleloader season is held statewide except in some state parks units.

“The muzzleloader season has continued to grow in popularity,” says Keith Warnke, deer ecologist for the Department of Natural Resources, who cites a steady growth in the number of deer registered during recent muzzleloader seasons.

In 2004, muzzleloader hunters registered 7,074 deer compared to just under 6,100 in 2003, 3,900 in 2002, and just over 200 in 1991, the first year a special muzzleloader season was held.

A muzzleloader must have a .45 caliber or larger smooth bore or .40 caliber or larger rifled bore. Black powder firearms that use metallic cartridges or load through the cylinder face are legal for small game hunting only or during the regular nine-day deer season. Muzzle-loading handguns .44 caliber and larger with a minimum barrel length of 7 inches measured from muzzle to breech face, that fire a single projectile weighing 138 grains or more are also legal for deer hunting.

During the special muzzleloader season, a muzzleloader may not have an attached telescopic sight. Hunters who hunt with muzzleloaders during the regular season, which is legal, may have telescopic sights.

Tim Lawhern, DNR hunter safety administrator, says that along with general firearm safety measures muzzleloader hunters also need to be aware of the possibility of misfires, in which powder does not ignite, or “hangfires,” in which there is a delay in the discharge.

“It is very important that muzzleloader hunters keep their powder dry. Misfires or hangfires can and do happen. When this does happen they should point the muzzle in a safe direction for at least 30 seconds. By doing so should the muzzleloader go off it will not harm anyone.”

Muzzleloader hunters may shoot a deer of either sex in Zone T or chronic wasting disease management zones with a regular gun deer tag. In non Zone T or CWD units, they may only shoot an antlered deer during the muzzleloader season if they still possess an unused gun deer tag or they may shoot an antlerless deer if they possess a hunter’s choice permit or a bonus antlerless permit for the unit in which they are hunting.

Bonus antlerless tags may be purchased at any license vendor through the hunting seasons. They are $12 for residents and $20 for non-residents. Bonus tags must be used in the units for which they are issued.

While the muzzleloader season is open, all hunters except waterfowl hunters but including, muzzleloader and archery deer hunters and small game hunters, are required to wear at least 50 percent blaze orange clothing, including a hat if worn.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Keith Warnke -(608) 264-6023

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Source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources