Idaho

During the Idaho Muzzleloader Hunting Season, including general any-weapon seasons and short-range hunts, it is unlawful to pursue or kill big game animals with any muzzleloading rifle or musket that is less than .45 caliber for deer, pronghorn, mountain lion or gray wolf; or is less than .50 caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat or black bear.

Idaho Muzzleloader Hunting Season for 2023-2024

General Muzzleloader Seasons:

Regular Deer Season – Nov 10 – Dec 1 2023

Controlled Hunt – Oct 1 – Dec 9 2023

White-tailed Deer – Nov 10 – Dec 9 2023

Elk Season – Aug 30 – Dec 1 2023

You can see a list of all the season dates here – https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules/big-game

Idaho Muzzleloader Hunting Season Regulations

Muzzleloader-Only Season Any person hunting in a muzzleloader-only season, including controlled hunts, must have in their possession a license with a muzzleloader permit validation. During a muzzleloader-only season, it is illegal to pursue or kill a big game animal with any firearm, muzzleloading pistol, or weapon other than a muzzleloading rifle or musket. In addition, the muzzleloading rifle or musket must be: Capable of being loaded only from the muzzle. Equipped with only open or peep sights. Scopes and any electronics are prohibited. Except hunters with a visual disability may apply for a permit to use no magnifying scopes. Loaded only with loose black powder, loose Pyrodex, or other loose synthetic black powder. Pelletized powders are prohibited.

Muzzleloaders equipped with a single or double barrel. Loaded with a projectile that is within .010 inch of the bore diameter. Sabots are prohibited. Loaded with a patched round ball or conical non-jacketed projectile comprised wholly of lead or lead alloy. Equipped only with a flint, percussion cap or musket cap. 209 primers are prohibited. Equipped with an ignition system in which any portion of the cap is exposed or visible when the weapon is cocked and ready to fire during the Idaho Muzzleloader Hunting Season.

During the Idaho Muzzleloader Hunting Season, including general any-weapon seasons and short-range hunts, it is unlawful to pursue or kill big game animals with any muzzleloading rifle or musket that is less than .45 caliber for deer, pronghorn, mountain lion or gray wolf; or is less than .50 caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat or black bear. Muzzleloader-Only Season Any person hunting in a muzzleloader-only season, including controlled hunts, must have in their possession a license with a muzzleloader permit validation. During a muzzleloader-only season, it is illegal to pursue or kill a big game animal with any firearm, muzzleloading pistol, or weapon other than a muzzleloading rifle or musket. In addition, the muzzleloading rifle or musket must be: Capable of being loaded only from the muzzle. Equipped with only open or peep sights. Scopes and any electronics are prohibited. Except hunters with a visual disability may apply for a permit to use no magnifying scopes. Loaded only with loose black powder, loose Pyrodex, or other loose synthetic black powder. Pelletized powders are prohibited.

Muzzleloaders equipped with a single or double barrel. Loaded with a projectile that is within .010 inch of the bore diameter. Sabots are prohibited. Loaded with a patched round ball or conical non-jacketed projectile comprised wholly of lead or lead alloy. Equipped only with a flint, percussion cap or musket cap. 209 primers are prohibited. Equipped with an ignition system in which any portion of the cap is exposed or visible when the weapon is cocked and ready to fire during the Idaho Muzzleloader Hunting Season.

Rules during Idaho Muzzleloader Hunting Season

A muzzle loading rifle or musket which:

1. Is capable of being loaded ONLY from the muzzle.
2. Is equipped with a single or double-barrel.
3. Is loaded ONLY with loose black powder OR other loose synthetic black powder.
4. Is loaded with a patched round ball OR a conical, unjacketed projectile comprised wholly of lead or lead alloy. No sabots.
5. Is loaded with a projectile that is within .010 of an inch of the bore diameter.
6. Is equipped ONLY with a flint OR a percussion cap OR a musket cap. 209 primers are prohibited.
7. Is equipped with an ignition system in which any portion of the cap is clearly exposed and visible when the hammer of the weapon is cocked and ready to fire.
8. Has no scope, only open or peep sights. Fiber optic open sites are permitted.
9. Is free of any electronic devices.
10. Is at least forty-five (.45) caliber for deer, antelope, or mountain lion.
11. Is at least fifty (.50) caliber for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, or black bear.

General Muzzleloader Seasons:

This information is subject to change. CLICK HERE for Idaho’s Big Game 2023-2024 Seasons & Rules

Additional Links

BIG GAME SEASON & RULES BROCHURE
EQUIPMENT FOR MUZZLELOADER HUNTS ONLY
HUNTING IN IDAHO

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