Minnessota Muzzleloader Hunting Rules Change to allow Federal Firestick, Lowers Bag Limits
Minnesota DNR is preparing hunters for the 2023-2024 muzzleloader hunting season by announcing some new changes to the regulations.
Among the changes is that hunters will be allowed to use crossbows during archery season, while non-toxic ammunition will have to be used during the December special hunts on state land.
There are also lower bag limits in north-central Minnesota after back-to-back "severe winters," with hunters in some areas likely to see fewer deer.
On the other hand, "deer likely fared well" in central and southern Minnesota.
Minnesota Muzzleloader Season Dates:
Saturday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Dec. 10
Minnesota to allow the Federal Firestick, Traditions NitroFire during muzzleloader season
The definition of muzzleloader has changed. Muzzleloaders that are loaded from the muzzle but charged from the breech may be used during the muzzleloader deer season. The previous definition required muzzleloaders to be both loaded and charged from the muzzle.
These changes are included in the new 2023-24 Minnestoa Hunting & Trapping Regulations booklet, which is now available online.
Those looking to hunt with their muzzleloader during special hunts on state land will have to find a ‘non-toxic’ alternative to lead as well.
Hunters may only possess and use non-toxic ammunition when participating in a special hunt or disease management hunt in a Minnesota State Park or Scientific and Natural Area or in a regular hunt in a Scientific and Natural Area where hunting is allowed, (page 118). Bullets, slugs, muzzleloader ammunition and other single projectiles must be made entirely of non-toxic material approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Non-toxic ammunition also includes steel shot that is copper-plated, nickle-plated, or zinc-plated or other projectiles made entirely of non-toxic material approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Any projectile containing lead is prohibited, including lead ammunition plated with non-toxic material. Find more information on page 93.
Non-toxic ammunition requirements do not apply to youth special hunts in the shotgun-use area if hunters remove all parts of harvested deer, including the entrails.
Minnesota is just the latest state to see this rule change. Traditions and Federal have been very open about their communication with state game agencies, “bringing awareness” to the Federal Fire Stick and the Nitro Fire rifles. Minnesota is using very similar language to describe the “Fire Stick” as we have seen in other states that have made a decision on the product. Some states still don’t allow the Federal Firestick Encapsulated powder charge, using the same description in their ruling against the product as we see rulings allowing it.
This isn’t a big change to Minnesota’s muzzleloader season, which allows scopes and holographic “red dot” sights, but some argue that it is another example of the camel’s nose under the tent.
Muzzleloaders (long gun or handgun) cannot be loaded at the breech (black powder revolvers are not legal for taking big game if they are loaded through the cylinder);
Smooth-bore muzzleloaders used must be at least .45 caliber;
Rifled muzzleloaders are at least .40 caliber;
Muzzleloaders with scopes are legal for taking deer.
This is another good example of a state game agency diverging from historical president when it comes to muzzleloader seasons. For instance, when my grandfather drew one of the first Indiana Muzzleloader tags, it was for a new deer population in the state. Muzzleloaders were seen as difficult to use, raising the prestige of taking game with it, especially from a new population. 60 years later a lot has changed. Populations of deer are massive, especially compared to their first re-introduction, and hunting is a massive industry.
These definitions are part of an ongoing discussion between muzzleloading enthusiasts, hunters, the hunting industry, and state game agencies. I’d love to see Minnesota introduce a “heritage” muzzleloading season, to celebrate their muzzleloading history, but until then hunters wanting a pre-19th century feel to their hunt will have to do it on their own.
As enthusiasts, I believe we have to recognize that it is no longer the state game agencies who will continue our history and heritage. It is up to us to ensure it continues.
