The Helena Independent Record reported on April 20th, 2021 that Montana Governor Gianforte has signed Rep. Caleb Hinkle’s Muzzleloader Hunting Season bill into Law.

House Bill 242, from Rep. Caleb Hinkle, R-Belgrade, establishes a nine-day traditional muzzleloader season for deer and elk beginning the second Saturday after the end of Montana’s general firearm hunting season. The bill limits the hunt to muzzleloaders with iron sights, a minimum of .45 caliber and not having more than two barrels. Limitations also include traditional firearms such as flintlock, percussion cap and matchlock designs rather than modern muzzleloaders with scopes.

-Helenair.com

Montana was the last state in the union without it’s own dedicated muzzleloader hunting season. It’s great to see the state recognize it’s own history and how close knit it is with muzzleloaders. Even better though, is the age of the young man championing the bill. Caleb is under 30 years old and we believe should be seen as a representative of the future of muzzleloading as it continues into a new generation.