Idaho Fish and Game is looking for input from hunters about a proposed rule change that could affect your choices for muzzleloading projectiles in the state.

The rule change would allow projectiles made of metal or metal alloy, and with accuracy tips and pressure bases, to be used in hunting seasons designated as “muzzleloader only.”

Idaho Fish and Game is seeking public input on a proposed rule change that would allow projectiles made of metal or metal alloy, and with accuracy tips and pressure bases, to be used in hunting seasons designated as “muzzleloader only.” 

This would be a change to the existing rule that only allows a patched round ball or conical non-jacketed projectile comprised wholly of lead or lead alloy. This rulemaking was initiated in response to hunter requests to address the decreasing availability of lead-only projectiles for muzzleloaders and the increased availability of other metal projectiles. 

The proposed rule change reads as follows:

Is loaded only with a patched round ball or conical non-jacketed metal or metal alloy projectile, comprised wholly of lead or lead alloy with the exception of allowance of accuracy tips and pressure bases.

Source, Page 272

At this time, the proposed rule change does not change any other part of Idaho’s muzzleloader rules, including the kind of muzzleloader and powder used during muzzleloader season.

As it stands now, Idaho’s muzzleloader season rules are as follows:

Idaho Muzzleloader Only Season

Any person hunting in a muzzleloader only season, including controlled hunts, must have in their possession a license with a muzzleloader permit validation. During a muzzleloader-only season, it is illegal to pursue or kill a big game animal with any firearm, muzzleloading pistol, or weapon other than a muzzleloading rifle or musket. In addition, the muzzleloading rifle or musket must be:

Capable of being loaded only from the muzzle.

Equipped with only open or peep sights. Scopes and any electronics are prohibited, except hunters with a visual disability may apply for a Reasonable Modification Permit to use nonmagnifying or up to 4x power scopes. Application available at Fish and Game regional offices.

Loaded only with loose black powder, loose Pyrodex, or other loose synthetic black powder. Pelletized powders are prohibited.

Equipped with a single or double-barrel.

Loaded with a projectile that is within .010 inch of the bore diameter. Sabots are prohibited.

Loaded with a patched round ball or conical non-jacketed projectile comprised wholly of lead or lead alloy.

Equipped only with a flint, percussion cap or musket cap. 209 primers are prohibited.

Equipped with an ignition system in which any portion of the cap is exposed when the weapon is cocked and ready to fire.

For additional information about muzzleloader equipment

Visit idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/weapons/muzzleloader

Idaho’s rules for muzzleloaders are currently what many would call “Traditional” focused, but not exclusively traditional. Idaho muzzleloader rules allow for “Northwest Legal” Inline muzzleloaders, that shoot loose powder as long as you shoot a fully lead projectile. However, if passed, the proposed rule change would allow hunters in Idaho to use jacketed projectiles with “pressure bases” in their muzzleloaders. I find it interesting that Idaho is making the distinction of “Pressure Bases” in this proposed rule. This means sabots would still be prohibited in the Idaho muzzleloader season.

What is a pressure base?

“Pressure Base” is an interesting term. At the time of reporting no major muzzleloading bullet manufacturer uses the term. The closest I can find is a “Polymer Base” as seen in the Hornady ELDX promotional materials or the “Power Belt” base on Powerbelt brand bullets.

As of reporting, we don’t have access to published arguments for or against this rule change, but the comment period is still open, which means if you are a hunter in Idaho, you can make your voice heard for or against this rule change.

Should Idaho allow non-lead bullets in their muzzleloader season?

Advocates for the rule change say this change would give hunters increased options for their projectiles. Modern projectiles advertise increased accuracy through higher ballistic coefficients, greater expansion, and ultimately more ethical kills. In addition to hunter choice, the muzzleloader bullet industry stands a lot to gain if a big hunting state like Idaho were to implement this rule. When we compare all lead projectiles to some of the numbers achieved with modern bullets, it’s easy for shooters to see where their projectile could be lacking.

When we compare the design of all lead projectiles to modern “pressure bases” and aerodynamic tips, we can see the evolution of these features. While many muzzleloading enthusiasts hunt with lead round balls, we saw hollowed bases in bullets appear before the 1860s. Modern “Pressure bases” are an old concept made out of a newer material and separate from the projectile. Conical or “Aerodynamic” bullet tips are present too in lead bullets and conicals, just not to the extreme seen with plastic tips in modern projectiles.

Technical reasons aside, modern projectiles with plastic tips and pressure bases are enjoyed by many hunters because of how easily they load and how quickly they can be shot accurately, even for a new shooter. Advocates for hunting continually cite a need to make hunting accessible to increase hunter numbers, making muzzleloading easier goes hand in hand with that mission.

I Love Muzzleloading has several test videos comparing the penetration of modern and traditional all-lead bullets.

Idaho Fish and Game says the rule change procedure was initiated due to hunter requests citing “the decreasing availability of lead-only projectiles for muzzleloaders and the increased availability of other metal projectiles.” Idaho Fish and Game does not cite any data for this claim. As of reporting, a variety of lead projectiles are available from several online retailers that ship to Idaho.

Those against this proposed rule change cite the effectiveness of all-lead projectiles. To many hunters, lead projectiles can be just as accurate and ,at times, expand more when hitting an animal, providing an ethical kill. Muzzleloading cannot separate itself from its own history, and in many respects, the history of the area they are used in. Even in the Northwest, muzzleloaders go hand in hand with the history of the area. That history is coveted by many muzzleloading enthusiasts, who see modern tool encroachment as a detriment to their hunting seasons and the preservation of history itself.

Make your voice heard!

If you live or hunt in Idaho, you have the ability to make your voice heard about this proposed rule change. I encourage everyone to get active in their Fish & Game rules and all aspects of their local government.

Anyone may submit written comments regarding this proposed rulemaking. All written comments must be directed to the undersigned and must be delivered on or before October 25, 2023.

Amber Worthington Deputy Director

Idaho Department of Fish and Game

600 S. Walnut Street

P.O. Box 25 Boise, ID 83707

Phone (208) 334-3771

Fax (208) 334-4885

Email: rules@idfg.idaho.gov

Read the full Rule

Read the proposed rule change here on page 272