Arkansas Game & Fish Seeking Input on Allowing Straight Wall Cartridges in Muzzleloader Season

Arkansas AGFC is seeking public comment about a proposal to allow straight wall rifle cartridges in the Arkansas Muzzleloader Deer Season. It’s important to note that this proposal is in the early stages and may not be considered for a proposed change to the rules. I Love Muzzleloading encourages sportsmen of all opinions to get involved in the process and make their voices heard.
As written now the proposal reads as follows:
(AGFC is seeking) Opinions on opening the statewide muzzleloader season to straight-walled centerfire cartridges of .30 caliber or greater.
There are a variety of proposals included in the survey (linked below) for Arkansas sportsmen, but this is a major issue for many muzzleloading enthusiasts.
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[@DarinChelette]

I hunt Arkansas and Louisiana. They have had a straight wall season for years in Louisiana with zero adverse effects on the deer population. Also it is much easier for younger and older hunters to use straight walled. Of you want to hunt with a muzzle loader go ahead nothing says you have to use the straight walled. Each licensed hunter gets his or her tags issued to them through the license they pay their money for. It should be up to that person as to which type of weapon they fill their tags with.

[@magnumcipher4971]

Arkansan here. I've hunted whitetail in Arkansas my entire life with all methods, bow, traditional muzzleloader, modern in-line muzzleloader, and modern gun. I'm all for bringing straight walled cartridges to primitive seasons for a myriad of reasons, namely, because it opens up the wonders of hunting whitetail to more groups, and yet still includes the the purists who want to use their old smoke poles. I've argued this change for decades, basically since the in-line muzzleloader became the standard, which is anything but primitive. This law does not infringe on the rights of the traditionalists.

[@bryanhollis807]

Arkansan here. While I understand the purest viewpoint, I also welcome the straight wall ruling. If the truth be known, hunting license sales are declining and there are not enough whitetail harvested to keep the population in check in most areas of the state. Anything we can do to get more people afield and harvesting more deer, I’m for it.

[@timmaher1989]

As a hunter, we follow the regulations. Also as a consumer, we must also use what’s available. I respect the tradition, but I have to be practical and hunt with what I have available to me at a decent cost.

[@nickwright6704]

I don't hunt with muzzleloaders but it seems really simple to me. If you want to use a primed cartridge loaded into the breech, then use it during modern season.

[@TroyReid-q2i]

Plus it brings youngsters to the table a little more. With the bigger bullets and small recoil. With our state experiencing chronic wasting disease increasing. This could make the harvest go up. And keep the disease down.

[@cleophusA]

Stop "technology creep" during muzzle loading season!

[@SeeinHyrule]

I'm just now trying to get into hunting and I like the change because I can get a straight wall lever action and use it through the whole season Arkansas is struggling with hunting numbers and short of raising license fees this is a appealing way to get more people hunting in the state

[@hunterbrown1263]

(the rule has passed at the time of this comment) I agree. I'm a resident of Arkansas and live in the most restricted zones during the modern gun hunt and have my entire life. I was excited to see that I would be able to use my 350 or 450 during the modern gun hunt as opposed to the shotgun slug only rule that has been in place my entire life. However with that being said, I hate that a modern gun had to be added to the muzzleloader season. My zone does not allow muzzleloaders but I can use them during the modern gun hunt and because of that I don't own a muzzleloader (although I would absolutely love one). I believe that the muzzleloader is a passed down tradition that deserves to be preserved. As I stated previously I don't own a muzzleloader but I can still see the tradition and value of keeping it as traditional as possible. For my side of this I only wanted to be able to use the straight walled cartridges during the modern gun hunt and hate that it was placed in the muzzleloader side as an alternative firearm.

[@scudrunneradv3269]

Sad that some things in our history as a nation can’t remain the same as a learning tool for future generations.

[@jameshuggins4300]

Im glad you are highlighting this. I live and hunt in Arkansas. Im dead set against this.

[@raytribble8075]

Muzzleloading season belongs to real percussion or flintlock muzzleloaders only. If they want to use straight wall cartridges.. make another season. Just greedy state wildlife departments… but, I do believe in getting more hunters into the woods before they try and take all our guns from us. This started with “modern muzzleloaders” and you could see the trend when Thompson Center stopped building side hammer and flintlock guns. Using straight wall cartridges and inline scoped high tech rifles reminds me of that joke.. “Vegetarian: Indian word for lousy hunter”… But, I will just kick the hornets nest if I go down that rabbit hole.😮

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Look at this another way. Participation is down in a lot of states and they may be wanting to use this as a means to bolster hunter recruitment!!! We need to as the hunting community not be so elitist or exclusionary. The problem is that if hunter numbers drop too much then it allows room for what's happening in many states like Washington where they are shifting away from hunters as part of the game management plan and what happens is that they start taking away hunting!!!

[@lutherjones8530]

A 45/70 is a straight walled cartridge. Loaded with smokeless or black powder either one, it will take most any game animal in North America. Though the cartridge has been around for many years, it has no disadvantage over a "modern" high velocity round at reasonable ranges. The idea of comparing this to the .58 caliber flint rifle that I use or the Southern Mountain Rifle in ..45 caliber that I sometimes shoot is absurd. Muzzle loading season should be for muzzle loaders alone. One shot is all you get with no fast reload. Pick your shots, know the limitations of your equipment, and know your limitations as a shooter. The concept of allowing straight walled cartridge guns would not allow me to use my Remington rolling block sporting rifle manufactured in 1875 in 40/70 bottleneck cartridge. Or is this to be allowed as well as it is a black powder cartridge as well? Just remember that even though the 30/30 is usually found as smokeless, it was in the past loaded with black, as was the original British .303. Let's get serious. Muzzle loading season should be for muzzle loaders only. Keep the sport in hunting.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

Your 40/70 and 30-30 aren't straight wall cartridges so no they wouldn't be allowed

[@naturalstatepoolandspallc338]

im between old school muzzle loading or going with a 350 legend for this year. roughly same price range but the easy of cleaning and reloading the straight wall cartridge is definitely more efficient.

[@dmorgan724]

It sounds like the muzzleloading people are being slighted but the facts are, less people are hunting and even fewer are using traditional equipment., other than archery, which has gained in popularity and participation. Who cares what you use as long as its legal. If they do push this through, keep on keepin on with your smoke poles. Is anything being really taken away? Get over yourself and be glad ypu still have a season

[@johngallagher2313]

I live in Arkansas and I support this. I know that runs against the grain but when you have inline scoped "magnum" muzzleloaders, the Firestick muzzleloaders etc the slippery slope has already be descended. I cannot remember the last time I saw a flintlock or for that matter a sidehammer caplock. Traditional muzzleloading died here years ago. The scoped muzzloader have far greater range than my 38/55 or my 45/70 rifles. I would like to be able to use those rifles in these seasons. I am older hunter and have reached the point that ease of use is an important factor. If the season were turned back to flintlock and caplock rifles and smoothbores only I would support that but that will never happen.

[@jerrymoran8323]

In 1970’s when the T/C Hawken Rifle took the muzzle loading to another level with accuracy anyone could achieve and cleanly kill deer up to 150 yd with shot placement. No scopes, additional powder for long range shots. As you so accurately noted inline with scopes has changed the dynamic of the season. The advantage of straight wall is more participation. BTW in COLORADO no scopes allowed on muzzle loaders. Handgun hunters must pass proficiency test.

[@UltraLimitedHD]

States should / could add a season of flintlock only. Just tack on an additional week to the season. Flinllocks could be first, then regular muzzleloaders followed by straightwalls.

[@nicksummerfield5408]

There’s somebody’s pocket getting padded. They are lobbying hard to get us to use crossbows and straight walls. To me it’s not muzzleloading if I can load the bullet from the breach. I know there are states with a primitive seasons so they can can use break action or primitive cartridge guns like the sharps style guns. To me if they pass this they mind as well just extend the modern gun season.

[@ericpennington6530]

Their talking about doing basically the same thing here in PA during our late season traditional flintlock only season, I hope it don't happen, I love our flintlock season. I think instead they should just extend our regular firearms season a week or so.

[@currituck]

I'm from Pennsylvania as well and totally agree with you. I hunt the flintlock season as well as the early antlerless deer muzzleloader season. Keep it all sepetate.

[@marknatale1617]

Its always the same, the more modern equipment you allow, the more manufacturers and hunters demand. The same thing is happening in archery seasons….allow compounds, and the then demand is in for crossbows and greater use of electronics and technology…..in my mind, muzzleloading season should be for flintlocks and percussion; black powder and BP substitutes and lead projectiles only; and archery season should be for traditional recurves and longbows…..

[@MidMo4020]

If you’re a Atlatl enthusiast, it’s legal in Missouri 🤘🏻🇺🇸

[@hammerstrike4716]

The only guns that should be allowed during any muzzleloading season are exposed hammer flintlock or percussion only. I don't believe inlines rifles or shotguns should be allowed either.

[@Nekyinboots]

I wish Missouri has a flintlock only season.

[@currituck]

Luckily, we have a flintlock only hunting season here in Pennsylvania. We've had it for a very long time. Its great. I hope you get one!

[@jimholder9911]

We are lucky here in Pa because we have an Only Flintlock season that’s 3 weeks ! I Love that season !

[@minigpracing3068]

@@currituck Are you also required to use patched round ball during this season? I thought I read that but might be wrong.

[@currituck]

@minigpracing3068 No. We can use any bullet we want and even use fiber optic sights, peep sights or a scope, but it must be loaded at the muzzle and use a flintlock only. It use to be open sights only and patches roundball only. Definitely has changed, but still flintlock only ignition.

[@jimholder9911]

@@minigpracing3068 No ! We can use patched round ball or maxi ball/hunter but must be flintlock . We do have an early muzzle loader season only in October but you can use in lines , percussion or flintlock and whatever round you want to use .

[@mylife6453]

I think muzzleloader seasons should be for traditional only with the added either sex. Modern muzzleloaders go better with modern rifle season. Also, I would like to see a one-time muzzleloader license permit for over sixty age hunters for their LIFETIME in all states. That way I can hunt where I want to in the country without all the damn paperwork.

[@klinfield]

Southern Michigan now allows select straight-walled cartridges during the "muzzleloader" season. Supposedly deer numbers are up, hunter numbers are down. I guess it depends on what your goals are. I believe Michigan wants to reduce the deer population in the southern portion of the state, and this is one way they think they can achieve that goal.

[@coldspring624]

It has reached a point in some states the deer are under hunting pressure far too long each year. For the good of the herds in some cases mixing methods may be better .

[@yep-sb4uf]

6:10 if you're happy and you know it

[@rayc.1396]

I could go with BLACK POWDER STRAIGHT WALLED CENTER FIRE CARTRIDGES. The difference will be, black powder only (no pyrodex in any firearm), cartridge case length maximum of 1.285", single shot break over fire arm only, open sights only, maximum 255 grain projectile maximum, no handgun can be carried while hunting no matter the caliber. The use of florescent red or chartreuse covering 50% of the body above the waist with the addition of head gear of the same color.

[@johnsodx]

Slight correction: Most of the “modern” straight-walled cartridges (.350 Legend, .360 Buckhammer, etc.) were developed for what used to be shotgun only seasons, such as what we have here in Ohio and other Midwestern states and portions of states, not for use in muzzleloader seasons. I am not aware of any plans to allow use of straight-walled cartridges in our Ohio muzzleloader season. I love hunting with archery equipment, “modern firearms”, and traditional muzzleloaders. I agree we should keep restricting muzzleloader seasons to muzzleloaders only. I’m perfectly happy with using my .350 Legend in our “gun season” and using my sidelock in our muzzleloader season.

[@rjoetting7594]

I would like to see a traditional Muzzleloading only season in all states (like Pennsylvania), maybe in-between bow and the current muzzleloader seasons. I'm seeing a lot of states that are extending the whitetail season mainly because of the overpopulation of deer. (This might be one of the reasons states are changing the types of firearms people are allowed to use to harvest deer 🦌) just a thought. I'm almost 61 now, and I remember at 12 years old living in South West Missouri, it was exciting to actually get to see whitetail deer. (A very rare thing) Now they're everywhere, and they cause lots of property damage. I'm living in Virginia at this time, and the deer season starts early October bow,then muzzleloader, and then firearm season, dates depend on the region you live in but can last until the second week of January. Maybe some states could adopt a late traditional muzzleloader season, too, along with the earlier muzzleloader season. I'll quit my rambling on now. This is just something that I have been thinking about for the last couple of years.

[@jerrymoran8323]

Due to the rise in vehicle and deer conflict with major loss of life ( humans) in populated rural zones where recreational feeding and crops deer find as their staple. Many of these areas were shotgun zones. The straight wall cartridges became the answer for reduction numbers. Since, in some areas muzzle loading participation has dropped off as the recoil is objectionable to small framed folks and recoil conscience the straight walled cartridges were allowed. Points of fact the muzzle loading season representing the early American history were infiltrated with modern in line loaders that are capable of 200 YDR shots to vital kill zones. Additionally scopes are allowed in most places. The hunting community failed to address the encroachment of traditional historic hunting tools decades past. Just equally anyone can shoot a crossbow in most states without medical restrictions from a doctor to do so. The advantage early of bow season, no noise from shooting, seems to be a mute point as witnessed during waterfowl hunting , shots do not seem to disturb the deer feeding in cornfields near the deer. Most states do not allow less than .45 caliber for hunting in the muzzle loading season. A .35 caliber roundball or mini ball will take down a deer hit in vital area. It’s all about shot placement whether the deer runs away wounded or falls where hit. Preservation of a tradition is retained by activity of participants to have voice with action.

[@twentyfifthdui4717]

Maybe there should be a 4th season and a longer total season. In other words, you could have Archery, then Muzzleloading, then Straight Wall and Shotguns, then Modern. Where I am we have far too many deer, so I'm all for opening up about a 5 month long total season instead of the 2 or 3 we have now. Most people I know kill more deer with their cars than with guns because there are just too many, but maybe that's not true outside my state.

[@robbiehawkins4289]

This is strictly my opinion. Everyone has one. I don"t live in Arkansas, I live in Kentucky. However, the type of game and in many cases, the terrain are similar. We have a short 2 day muzzle loader season in October and a longer, much colder one in December. We have the option of using a modern muzzle loader, That has never interested me and so I have always used a traditional muzzle loader. Seems to me, the modern muzzle loading craze has a hidden goal of selling plastic stocked, bolt action looking types of of rifles at bass pro etc... So be it, let freedom and sound business ring, But I don't care to participate. I enjoy my plains type rifles. Flintlocks included. When it comes to regular gun season, I use straight wall cartridges. Rarely is the case I have to shoot over 50 yards in this hilly terrain. We can use about any cartridge we choose. So I'm slightly interested in the change for nostalgic reasons. But the term straight wall actually excludes many classic old cartridges like the 44-40 and 38-40. But a 44, 41 or 357 magnum would be fine. Seems to me its just a way for fish and game departments to receive more revenue. Personally, I would love to hunt with a Sharps or Smith carbine but that would still be a no go in the proposed muzzle loading changes because they use paper cartridges? Hunting laws are typically drafted by people that know little about hunting and what takes animals in an efficient humane way. I think the powers the be are just trying to create a market for tacti-cool plastic stocked rail, red dot lever guns with lawyer imposed cross bolt and tang safeties. The term straight wall has little to do with classic old time 1800's cartridges.

[@CK-dt6nx]

If it ain't flint or cap and ball stay out of my season! Would even argue you have to use loose powder to hunt. Pellet powder is convenient, great, but if demad drops for black powder, so does availability due to low profitablility of low demand. The hobby is challenging enough. Here in wisconsin, our muzzleloader season is after regular gun season, so disadvantage is compounded by another disadvantage, and now add more people in the woods with basically a normal rifle? I would be pissed! Might as well allow break action shot guns too.

[@RookCustoms]

Ok let's be honest some of these muzzle loaders are modern as hell.... I do believe they should have opened it but to black powder cartridges. I think that would have been a good move.

[@leonardzydowicz3480]

Do they have to make their own rounds?or are they store buy .

[@JR-dd8iu]

I might be I. Favor of this if it was 38 cal or greater loaded with black powder or sub. Like 38-55 to 45/70 in a single shot rifle like a sharps , high wall or trap door type rifle

[@JamesHavens-sk2uw]

I’m from Nevada. I think the straight walled rifle cartridges need to stay in the rifle season. As a shooter of multiple , pre 1900 rifles I’d like to see an additional season for pre 1900 cartridge rifles . But, muzzleloader seasons should stay muzzleloaders.🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@minigpracing3068]

They might as well just extend the "normal" season, even with user input, they straight wall guys will out number the side lock guys.

[@bucks2beards194]

The argument presented against straight walls is the same as the argument against crossbows. People get all up in arms if everyone doesn’t hunt the exact same way they choose to. “I do things this way and want everyone else to as well.” I enjoy muzzleloaders, even going so far as to hunt turkey with a muzzleloading shotgun. I will continue doing so because I enjoy it on a personal level. I don’t care if others share my views as long as we all follow the same laws. It just seems pointless to prevent people use technology that matters in only the moment of the shot during a hunt these days. Now before you get mad, hear out my thinking: the typical American hunt is when you wake up with an alarm clock, and turn on electric lights, then brush your teeth/shower with indoor plumbing, while enjoying a heated home, using scent killer deodorants, then dress in modern clothing, before driving a truck to your hunting spot, to drive a 4wheeler to your stand, where you got a picture on your cell cam of a buck eating corn under your electric feeder, in the field mowed/baled with tractors (operated by a computer), then use a flashlight to track the deer, before processing it (sometimes sending it to a butcher), before storing the meat in your freezer, and finally cooking it on a modern electric or gas stove. When you consider all these ways a hunter can legally choose to benefit from modern technology, trying to prevent straight walled cartridges seems pointless.

[@FlashNPan]

In my ideal world, we would have a truly primitive muzzleloader season. But like people are saying, hunter numbers are down, deer numbers are generally up. Sometimes we just have to compromise. We are all on the same side and hopefully don’t squabble over this too much. I hope it works out to the best possible outcome for all.

[@debluetailfly]

Create longer seasons if we need to reduce deer populations.

[@FlashNPan]

I’m definitely ok with that solution

[@j.l.327]

I am an Ar hunter, i totally respect the traditional hunting, think it is cool, interesting all that sort of stuff. My old knight is not in any way the same, nor is the modern in-lines compared to traditional arms. I do like the idea of another era of guns having a season. Lots of specs with this new rule that will allow very modern style guns. Ar was one the first to allow crossbows and other hunters here and other states complained. I hate change but it seems to come in everything. I confess i am now investigating a 45-70, but it really ads no challenge or degree of difficulty. Other states do this and that is gonna be an argument, just like the crossbow. I see so much change in hunting in my life it is pathetic in my opinion. Many used to rely on walking and scouting and time in the field, now its cameras piles of food and farming for deer. I dont fault people for doing these very effective measures but they lost the "hunting" aspect long ago, much akin to the foward facing sonar debate in fishing today and i am guilty of that too. I think the times are a changing and the traditionalist will somewhat get the short end of the stick. Some folks will have more time afield with much less challenge. I hope it is at least beneficial for the health of the heard.

[@Eggomania86]

The ballistics argument is a dumb argument. There are a lot of modern muzzeloaders that far exceed the ballistics of straight wall cartridges. You have a lot of custom muzzeloaders that are capable of handling smokeless powder, and ballistics wise are equal to magnum centerfire rifles. Plus, you have factory rifles playing this game, too. You have Knight peregrine and CVA Paramount in .40 cal that perform similar to a 30-06. Also, you have Remington 700 ultimate muzzeloader. The whole point of muzzeloader is that it's a one-shot deal. Introducing straight wall cartridges, they are repeating firearms. Modern rifles. It takes the sport out of it using a bolt or lever action in a straight wall. I can see the legal use of single shot breechloaders IE 1859 Sharps, utilizing paper cartridges and a musket cap for ignition. But that's as far it should go. It's crossbow vs. regular compound bow. I think the only exception should be hunters with a disability are not physically able to physically load the firearm from the muzzle. I think that should be a single shot hammer affair.

[@olskool3967]

here in SC, at least for now there is common since. "We the people" can hunt with any caliber, center fire or anything else on private land. i would use anything i want to on my land! it is my land and my animals i hunt! i could not care less about their stinking laws! i am a free man! are you?

[@andreweddy86]

News Flash You dont own the animals on your land. Those belong to the state managed for your privilege to hunt them under legal circumstances.

[@Strutingeagle]

Some states don't have a muzzle loading season and I am jealous.

[@ranbo9390]

I’m using my normal rifle why does it matter what bullet u use

[@currituck]

I hope that never happens here in Pennsylvania. Thank God we still have a traditional flintlock deer season.

[@rocksandoil2241]

Why not just open the season for a lot longer? Oct. 1 to Jan. 31, muzzle-loaders should be strictly muzzle loader. But I can shoot a single shot 45-70 3x faster "alternative" season. And you can use lever, bolt, anything but semi-automatic. Stupid.

[@wwisaacson4807]

The state DNRs are dependent on hunting and fishing license fees for much/most of their funds. The number of hunters is declining and the average hunter is in their 50s. They are trying to make more opportunities to sell more licenses.

[@jmarkkil]

Muzzleloading season should be restricted to actual traditional muzzleloaders, flint or percussion, based on actual or replica firearms manufactured prior to 1860.

[@languagesource355]

Here we are, squabbling about the tool with which to take deer, while deer population is in decline in some areas due to wolves being protected (Minnesota), as one example. I am not saying wolves should be eradicated, but rather at least kept in check. When deer are abundant, tags are for both does and bucks, when the herd needs to be rebuilt, it's bucks only (the way it's been in MN lately). Statistically speaking, the prevalent number of deer taken with modern guns is NOT proof that they are to blame for deer depletion. It is only because modern guns are, arguably, cheaper to get and maintain, simpler to use, and thus more prevalent. I know this is what's kept me from archery and muzzleloaders, even though I'd love to get into both. I feel pretty good with an inexpensive used rifle or pump shotgun, but not so much with beat up used bows or muzzleloaders. At the range an older gentleman offered for me to shoot his flintlock and that was awesome. If I ever got into it, I'd want a traditional flintlock, with maybe some finer sights as the only modern feature. Modern inline muzzleloaders and even the new Federal FireStick firearms, just like the new straightwall cartridges that were developed for the AR platform - are all the result of human ingenuity coming up with ways to skirt strict rules, IMHO. Strictness of rules is not always the solution. Maybe traditional muzzleloader seasons should be extended like archery? Those of us who use modern arms are limited to a week/year or sometimes an extra weekend. Then again, many hunters will use all 3 types across the available seasons, increasing their chances, so these things are not mutually exclusive. I'm for all types and seasons, personally. Oh, and certain other areas have overpopulation of deer and could certainly use longer, laxer seasons, calibers and rules. For example, all the areas that only allow smoothbores or straightwalls, why not also the 30-30 and the like? This is a more complex topic than first meets the eye, IMHO. Thank you for the video, I had no idea that a DNR was considering this somewhere.

[@robertmoriarty8543]

It is all about the$.

[@scooter95mph]

My $900 muzzleloader just became almost worthless

[@galenhisler396]

I think they should have a separate season, but it's up to Arkansas, obviously .

[@cabindweller8421]

What part of "load via the muzzle" do they not understand. good grief. As long as it increases odds for more deer harvested, fish and game officials will ok it., or so it seems.

[@martinlarocca2766]

Just like crossbows do not belong in Archery seasons so too modern cartridge rifles do not belong in muzzeloader seasons!

[@SlingAndStones]

They arent banning muzzleloaders. I say as long as the gun is shooting black powder or black powder substitute, it should be allowed. America needs to learn to mind its own business!!! A second shot should be of massive advantage to you. But yeah, smokeless needs to stay in smokeless seasons.

[@kevinyineman3627]

Muzzleloading should only apply to traditional Muzzleloading not in line excetra

[@ditzydoo4378]

Please Razorbacks don't fall into the trap of allowing a cartridge gun to compete with muzzleloaders.

[@christopherbeaulieu4942]

Personally leave muzzleloading season to muzzleloading rifles.

[@briangilmore2256]

Ethan for president 2024

[@stevencunningham4680]

I'm strictly opposed to straight walled cartridges being allowed during muzzle loading season. For the one simple reason , it's a cartridge and not loaded from the MUZZLE of the firearm. Straight walled cartridges would take away from the authenticity and tradition of using a primitive weapon to hunt deer and other game. It's a BAD idea to allow straight walled cartridges for "MUZZLE LOADING SEASON". Also straight walled cartridges could be loaded with smokeless powder by a dishonest person.

[@yep-sb4uf]

We are going to use smokeless powder. That is not being dishonest. Did you think it was black powder only?

[@arkansasnaturalstate]

It's all about money, I don't like it

[@dennisfaulkner5470]

Imo. The AGFC passes rules that needs a masters degree to comprehend. To many social arts Chiefs, and not enough sensible warriors..😮😢 🐴💩

[@NemoVir]

Not a hunter, why do muzzleloaders need a separate season?

[@Prairiewolf45]

Years ago in Arkansas " "Modern Gun" season meant running deer with hounds for almost the entire state. That has fallen in popularity. But hunting deer with dogs was illegal in muzzleloader season. I think it provides those using "primitive" guns an opportunity for lesser pressured deer. Obviously these rules and seasons were put in place back when most muzzleloaders in the field were sidelocks.

[@SlingAndStones]

Gatekeeping. They want everyone to wait until they finish their big reenactment. I propose a blackpowder season where any blackpowder firearm is allowed.

[@johnveglio4433]

Maybe the reason the harvest numbers dropped between 2018 and 2022 is people stayed home because of COVID. Now that the pandemic is over maybe the numbers will rise. People have a bad tendency to panic when things change and game and fish devisions are no different !!!😢😢😢😢

[@user-in2xu3ne3z]

I thought Arkansans were smarter than that! After many years of liberal deer seasons and no hunting or trapping of the vermin wolves in Upper Mi. we basically have no deer left. No need to buy a deer tag!

[@Madinfidelprepper]

As a Arkansas resident hunter I actually feel free to speak for many others this concerns. Muzzle loading is a rather small niche in our hunting population. Its usually a supplement to other seasons. Most are like myself and of the opinion that anything that brings more hunting in our state and the revenue that brings for game management in the future.. Wasn't too many years ago muzzle load hunters were battling the same bias against them that they now use for exclusion. In any event Arkansas hunters are knowledgeable and active concerning regulation changes and dont require yankee assistance.

[@ILoveMuzzleloading]

Hey that’s great! Glad to hear you are involved

[@debluetailfly]

I live in Arkansaw and I am not interested in bringing more hunting into our state. Everyone should hunt, but I am not about bringing in people from out of state to bring in more revenue. Much of our game management has been quite poor. Muzzleloading needs to be exactly what it says! It is the one time you can get out into the woods without having other hunters everywhere around you, especially if you hunt public land.

[@hazcat640]

My goodness yes! You should definitely keep your mind firmly closed. Why would you want to hear from hunters in other states where this has or is taking place? How would they know any more than you? Especially as you have given yourself the right to speak for 'many others' in your state. It's good to know that you with your zealous and faithful belief in your own knowledge, are willing to usurp that responsibility for yourself.

[@tp-mh2ji]

No to straight wall.... Muzzleloader Time

[@user-yn3lk4xf2c]

PLZ DON'T that kills muzzle loading season.

[@GnohmPolaeon.B.OniShartz]

Straight wall? What. Is that not a Smooth bore? It is, which is GREAT news, the only smoothbores I can find that are not old, or garbage are perdersoli, now, I'm not one to avoid offending so let me say; Overpriced and Mid. Gimme that 10gauge tho. Kay thanks. Lol it has not just smooth bores, but also two bores, oh yes! Oh, what. Cartridges? I mean. Naw, that's.. kinda totally not the point. Like, take it out normally and use it then. It's like. There is a line, that line is the payload. Plain and simple. Bow Gun Nerds I know, I'm like, "Loser, scope doesn't matter and leave my inlines alone!" There is a line though because, the animals know. They also know we're cooler and and don't want the deer thinking we suck now! That's uncool, man.

[@yep-sb4uf]

Straight wall describes the cartridge. As opposed to the bottle neck of most modern cartridges. Not rifling vs smooth in barrel.

[@leadpoison5998]

You want to use a muzzleloader....then use a muzzleloader. Nothing says you can't use one during modern gun.

[@FrednaHall-py2ue]

Straight walled was passed. M L season as they knew it is done for. I think it's all about money.

[@jacksnavely559]

Ain't CARTRIDGES cartridges,

[@peterrussell798]

Not only no, but #%^*! no. Flintlock, caplock, patched roundball only for muzzleloading season. Use your straight-walled cartridge in the regular season.

[@SlingAndStones]

Stop gatekeeping. Nobody is banning muzzleloaders.

[@kevinroberson1985]

Straight walled center fire cartridges are not muzzle loaders . Only black powder traditional rifles with a side lock and hammer should only be used for traditional black powder deer hunting season and not straight walled center fire cartridge black powder shells . They need to separate traditional black powder hunting season from inline black powder deer hunting and then if they are going to have black powder cartridge rifle deer hunting all separated because it really supposed to be side lock black powder rifles only deer season and bow hunting and then cartridge rifles Dee r season

[@jimmymoore6641]

It passed

[@yep-sb4uf]

It sure did. I'm fine with this. I have a 45 70 Henry, a 357 rossi, colt 45 Henry. I wonder about shotgun slugs. In or out? Revolvers?

[@robertshuffelen9172]

For me the issue is very simple. Muzzle loader season is about Muzzle loader guns . I see no problem with an individual hunting with a bow in Muzzle loader season or modern. But we should never allow any but a Muzzle loading firearm in the Muzzle loading season! I'd make the law so that you could use any style or type of Muzzle loader that was manufactured no later than 1865. Allow swivel guns but not anything that breach loads .including the sharps breach loading rifles and other types that used lose power and bullets should not be allowed. Muzzle loader means loaded from the Muzzle period! And that's my only argument for this subject.

[@ericbrabham3640]

Against it.