Muzzleloader Heritage Season Opens Soon

The muzzleloader heritage season opens on Saturday, December 14th, and continues through Sunday, December 22nd. This season is specifically designated for the use of heritage muzzleloaders. No alternative methods of taking game, such as archery, are permitted. It is important to note that certain areas are designated for elk shoulder seasons, which extend through February 15, during which both firearms and archery equipment may be permitted. Hunters should know that numerous Block Management Areas (BMAs) in Montana, while open for upland bird or waterfowl hunting through January 1, do not permit the harvest of deer or elk during the muzzleloader heritage season. It is advisable to verify the specific regulations applicable to each BMA prior to engaging in hunting activities. Additionally, although all Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) remain open year-round, many WMAs throughout the state are closed to hunting until May 15. Individuals planning to hunt within a WMA should refer to a list of WMAs along with their respective seasonal closure dates which can be found on the FWP website at https://fwp.mt.gov/ Hunters should review the hunting regulations to ensure compliance with all applicable rules for this season. The Fish and Wildlife Commission has instituted the following regulations, the majority of which are derived from statutory language: - A person may harvest a deer or elk with a license or permit that is valid on the final day of the general hunting season. - Any unused license or permit that remains valid on the last day of the general season (December 1st) is also valid during the muzzleloader heritage season. - Licenses that are still available for purchase are valid. For instance, if an individual has not purchased a general deer tag, they may acquire one for the muzzleloader heritage season. - Hunters are permitted to use plain lead projectiles along with a muzzleloading rifle that is charged with loose black powder, loose Pyrodex, or an equivalent loose black powder substitute and ignited via a flintlock, wheel lock, matchlock, or percussion mechanism utilizing a percussion or musket cap. - The muzzleloading rifle must possess a minimum caliber of .45 and may not feature more than two barrels. - During the muzzleloader heritage season, hunters are prohibited from utilizing a muzzleloading rifle that requires the insertion of a cap or primer into the open breech of the barrel, is capable of being loaded from the breech, or is equipped with an optical magnification device. This season is strictly limited to heritage muzzleloaders; inline style modern muzzleloaders are not permitted. - The use of pre-prepared paper or metallic cartridges, sabots, gas checks, or any similar power and range-enhancing manufactured loads that enclose the projectile within the rifling or bore of the firearm is likewise prohibited. Bears are still active in certain areas. All bears are potentially dangerous. Hunters should be prepared to encounter a bear. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Stay alert and look for bear activity, especially where visibility or hearing is limited (woods, bushy areas, streams). Travel in a group and keep members together (especially kids). Make noise whenever possible to avoid surprising a bear, especially where visibility or hearing is limited. Carry bear spray close at hand and know how to use it. Avoid traveling at night, dawn or dusk. Avoid carcass sites and scavenger concentrations. For more information on hunting in Montana, please visit fwp.mt.gov/hunt.