New Mexico Fish and Game considering removing scopes from muzzleloaders for big game hunting
New Mexico is the next state revisiting their muzzleloader rules and requirements for the 2022 season. A report published yesterday details the changes proposed by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Muzzleloading hunters will note the proposed changes to the allowance of scopes during ALL big game hunting seasons in New Mexico.
You can read the release related to muzzleloading below, and check out the full list by clicking the button at the bottom of this article.
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMGF) is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the deer, elk and exotics (Barbary sheep, oryx, Persian ibex) rules, which opened at the State Game Commission meeting April 11.
The Department is looking for public input on modifying the definition of a muzzleloader to include only those muzzleloading firearms that do not have a scope for all big game species.
Four hybrid public meetings have been scheduled for the following dates and locations:
May 10: Las Cruces 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Attend in person at 2715 Northrise Drive, Las Cruces, NM
May 11: Roswell 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Attend in person at 1615 West College Boulevard, Roswell, NM
May 12: Raton 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Attend in person at 215 York Canyon Road, Raton, NM
May 16: Albuquerque 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Attend in person at 7816 Alamo Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM
Comments on the proposed changes can be provided by mail: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Attn: Big Game Rule Development, 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507; by email, DGF-Deer-Rule@state.nm.us, DGF-Elk-Rule@state.nm.us or DGF-Exotics-Rule@state.nm.us; or in person at one of the meetings listed above.
These topics also will be discussed at several State Game Commission meetings over the summer and autumn of 2022. Meeting details and additional information will be available online.
We recently saw Washington State keep their traditional, no scopes, muzzleloader hunting rules. It’s interesting to see another state here with New Mexico look at revoking scopes during their muzzleloaders seasons for all big game. At this time we do not know what is prompting this change, but will keep you posted as we hear more information.
There’s no doubt this proposed change will cause some conversation. The western states are known for their big game seasons and the tourism they bring. Modern muzzleloader manufacturers have jumped on the opportunity to sell to hunters that have drawn “muzzleloader tags” which can be easier to come by in comparison to normal rifle tags. I can see the modern muzzleloader industry as well as the optics industry possibly pushing back on this proposed change.
Traditional enthusiasts will most likely celebrate this rule as a return to traditional muzzleloader hunting but not as severe as we have seen in Pennsylvania and Montana. This proposed rule change would align New Mexico more with the Northwest states and their muzzleloader rules than it would with the pre 1890 muzzleloader seasons.
Regardless of how you feel, it’s interesting to see several states now evaluating their muzzleloaders seasons and possibly adjusting them based on hunter feedback. If you are in New Mexico, make your voice heard. It’s important that these rule makers know what hunters want and need.