Muzzleloader optics in MN

I heard from some guys that think MN will debate the use of optics on muzzle loaders in the very near future. Has anyone else heard this or know anything about this? I even heard one guy say a MN CO told him he was surprised it was not already allowed.

I know this is and/or can be a bit of a controversial topic – kind of like the fishing 2-line inland bill in MN – but I am not asking for opinions just if anyone knows what is happening on this topic. From what I was told and read it sounds like WI recently opened up their restrictions going from a fixed 1 power to anything.

Just curious.

Thanks

I like the sounds of it but at the same time like it the way it is. I see it as a challenge, and I think that’s what I like the most about late season hunts. I think it kind of takes away from what black powder late season brings to my mind. I think of a late season muzzle loader hunt, and I think open sights and smoke. But then again a scope would be nice for the longer range shots.

I’m with you on wanting to see what other people think about this.

I’ve heard this rummer each of the last 5 years. I sure hope this year it is true. Each year that I see this debated, most of the people who are against it don’t even muzzleloader hunt. These are the same people who are in favor of Carbon Arrows, 80% + let off, Expandable broadheads, and release aids – Just to name a few .

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I like the sounds of it but at the same time like it the way it is. I see it as a challenge, and I think that’s what I like the most about late season hunts. I think it kind of takes away from what black powder late season brings to my mind. I think of a late season muzzle loader hunt, and I think open sights and smoke. But then again a scope would be nice for the longer range shots.

I’m with you on wanting to see what other people think about this.

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I think you have every right to hunt the way YOU want to, but I don’t think the State should mandate how I hunt. If you want the challenge of open sights, great! I like using a scope because its what I’m used to and more confident in using.

I don’t see what all the fuss is about. Technology is everywhere in our lives and if I choose to use it or not use it should be up to me. Some bowhunters want every new gadget and some like the traditional recurve. I say use what you want to. The same goes for muzzle loaders. If a scope helps you make a better shot or increases hunting opportunity, so be it.

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I like the sounds of it but at the same time like it the way it is. I see it as a challenge, and I think that’s what I like the most about late season hunts. I think it kind of takes away from what black powder late season brings to my mind. I think of a late season muzzle loader hunt, and I think open sights and smoke. But then again a scope would be nice for the longer range shots.

I’m with you on wanting to see what other people think about this.

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I think you have every right to hunt the way YOU want to, but I don’t think the State should mandate how I hunt. If you want the challenge of open sights, great! I like using a scope because its what I’m used to and more confident in using.

I don’t see what all the fuss is about. Technology is everywhere in our lives and if I choose to use it or not use it should be up to me. Some bowhunters want every new gadget and some like the traditional recurve. I say use what you want to. The same goes for muzzle loaders. If a scope helps you make a better shot or increases hunting opportunity, so be it.

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I see where your coming from a hundred percent I’m not saying I’m not for it. I’m simply saying that when I think of black powder hunting to me it compares to traditional archery.

If it happens would I use a scope? Yes I would probably invest in one to play around with it, and try hunting with one. If it don’t pass I’m sure I wouldn’t loose any sleep over it. This is one of them things where it is a personal opinion, and there is no right or wrong answer to what someone thinks about it.

To me its not a hard subject to discuss. If you want a traditional hunt, go to flint lock muzzle loader, no inline. If you put scopes on inline muzzleloaders you will increase your success rate and decrease your wounded/not found deer.

You will see the numbers every year from the DNR saying they are seeing increased numbers of deer taken each year during the muzzle loading season and dont need to increase the number of deer harvested but they also dont tell you the amount of people that are starting to pick it up.

One shot is still one shot, id rather see people giving the deer the best opprotunity to be taken ethically, and not wounded. We owe that to these great animals

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One shot is still one shot, id rather see people giving the deer the best opprotunity to be taken ethically, and not wounded. We owe that to these great animals

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Nicely said

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One shot is still one shot, id rather see people giving the deer the best opportunity to be taken ethically, and not wounded. We owe that to these great animals

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Nicely said

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X2

I’m not disagreeing that it’s not a good idea I’m just sharing my thoughts on it. That I like the idea but at the same time am ok with how it is that’s all. I would probably join many others, and use a scope as well.

I agree with some others here. I think MLs have gone WAYYY further than their original models anyways that what’s the difference really now. If we were still using the original style and had to face the challenges of those models I would say lets keep it that way.

I’ve had luck with this little guy though. I’m so confident with this thing on my barrell that I don’t really care to use a scope.. Granted I haven’t had that big boy prancing around at 110 yards yet either.

You already can use a scope on a muzzle loader and have been able to for a long time. You just have to hunt during the regular firearm seasons and not the designated muzzle loader season. I know quite a few people that do it.

Thats the same thing i was thinking as i was going through this thread. i have heard the rumors as well but have for awhile now. i guess it doesnt matter to me either way. my thoughts on having them as many have stated, as long as you take the time to sight your gun in you will more than likely have a better chance at an ethical kill. on the other hand by having scopes you just increased your range from 150 yds to in 300 yds and in my area i know many people that will take 200 yd shots with a slug regularly just because there is a deer out there, give them a muzzy with a scope and they will be loadin up and shooting as far as they can see. id hate for that to happen. i can see both sides of the fence here and i guess if i had to choose i guess id have to say put your scope on during slug season. and just so ya know, I hunt with a bow, slug gun, and a muzzy.