Sabots heading back to the Legislature in Idaho

Last year we reported on Idaho HB 469, an attempt to open up Idaho’s muzzleloader season to modern muzzleloading projectiles. This year, Representative Mendive is back with a slim version of the bill, focused on using modern muzzleloading sabots.

House Bill 128 authored by Rep. Ron Mendive of Coeur d’Alene would forbid the Idaho Fish and Game Commission from blocking the use of sabots in muzzleloader-only hunts. Sabots are bullets jacketed by a plastic sleeve and can increase the range and accuracy of muzzleloaders in some cases.

Much like last year’s HB 469, BH 128 seeks to legislatively direct the IDFG to not adopt or enforce any rule that makes it unlawful sabots in a muzzleloader-only season.

Initial perception (again) - This feels like a roundabout and forceful way to open up Idaho’s current muzzleloaders season via state legislature, not the IDFG.

The 2024 Edition of IDGF Big Game Seasons and Rules only uses the word “traditional” twice, not about muzzleloaders. Idaho Fish and Game’s documentation never mentions the idea of historic preservation or traditional muzzleloading appreciation anywhere. This is important because that point is the key fulcrum of this argument here and across the United States.

(It could be argued that this conversation over words and meanings is happening across American Culture right now, but we’re going to stick to muzzleloading. Keep an eye out though in your day-to-day life)

Based on Idaho’s rules, Idaho appears to have a more “traditionally” focused muzzleloader season but, to be blunt, nothing in Idaho’s Fish and Game says anything about keeping muzzleloading traditional, it’s a big ol’ legal hole in the “traditional” argument that can be driven through with a truck.

The following is from Spokesman.com

Last year, the commission created the Hunting and Advanced Technology Working Group and tasked it with looking at how much, what kinds, and under what circumstances should modern technology be limited or regulated in the state’s hunting seasons. The task force is scheduled to release its report later this year.

In 2023, Fish and Game held a rulemaking process that expanded the types of projectiles that can be used in muzzleloader seasons. Old rules required hunters to use all-lead bullets. But those are becoming harder to find. Under new rules approved by the commission, hunters may use lead alloy bullets or bullets made from nonlead metals.

During that process, the department asked hunters if they would like the ability to use 209 primers, sabots and pelletized powder. Only 9.4% supported sabots.

Fasciano said Idaho hunters have told the department and commission they favor rules that protect their ability to participate in hunting seasons even if it might reduce their odds of success.

“Every survey has indicated sportsmen in Idaho want opportunity and muzzleloader seasons in Idaho are designed to be primitive.”

The bill has been printed and sent to the House Resources Committee.

I Love Muzzleloading will be following this story as the unfolds in the Idaho House Resources Commitee.